Top Hanukkah Happenings for Chicagoland Families

This year, Hanukkah begins on sundown of Dec. 25 and ends on the evening of Jan. 2. Also known as the festival of lights, it is celebrated by people of the Jewish faith to commemorate the rededication of the Second Temple. It is observed for eight days by the lighting of candles of a menorah.

Here are some of our top picks for Hanukkah events in Chicago and the suburbs to celebrate.

This article was recently updated Nov. 20, 2024, by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding Hanukkah events to the ChicagoParent.com‘s calendar and featuring the best places to celebrate Hanukkah with your family in Chicagoland. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.

Adult & Tot Make ‘n Take: Hanukkah Menorah and Handmade Card

Dec. 8, 2024

• Address: Kol Hadash Sunday School at Deerfield High School, 1959 Waukegan Road, Deerfield
• Cost: $10/class for non-members, free/members

Ages 3-6, along with their parent/caregiver, can enjoy holiday stories, songs, crafts and more. Registration required.

Chanukah Havdalah

Dec. 14, 2024

• Address: Lake County JCC, 23280 N. Old McHenry Road, Lake Zurich
• Cost: $18/family

Wear your pajamas and kick Chanukah with a pizza party. Also, live music, sufganiyot, crafts and more.

Chicago Kids Chanukah Party

Dec. 14, 2024

• Address: Bubbles Academy Chicago, 2184 N. Elston Ave., Chicago
• Cost: $30

Children ages 0-6 can enjoy a Chanukah Party with Bubbles Academy Chicago that features music, games, art and snacks. Registration required.

Hanukkah Family Celebration & Lunch

Dec. 15, 2024

• Address: Our Sunday School at Deerfield High School, 1959 Waukegan Road, Deerfield
• Cost: $10/person

This Hanukkah Family Celebration features a Menorah Show and Tell, a Hanukkah service led by Rabbi Adam Chalom and songs with the guitarist. Students will make their own menorah and candles. Registration required.

JUF Young Families Celebrates Chanukah with Bubbe and Zayde

Dec. 15, 2024

• Address: Malarkey Comedy, 1501 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago
• Cost: $25/family

Families can enjoy an interactive Chanukah improv show for all ages to kick-off the Chanukah season.

Menorah Mania

Dec. 15, 2024

• Address: Bernard Weinger JCC, 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook
• Cost: $15/family

This family-friendly event features learning how to braid and decorate a Challah-kiah, cookie decorating, painting dreidels, creating edible menorahs, giveaways and more. Registration required by Dec. 12.

Mini Maccabees in the Kitchen: Cooking for Hanukkah

Dec. 15, 2024

• Address: 23280 N. Old McHenry Road, Lake Zurich
• Cost: $18/family

Ages 2-10 can immerse themselves in the traditions of Hanukkah through hands-on cooking activities led by Marina Bershadsky. They’ll make sufganiyot (jelly donuts).

Festival of Lights

Dec. 21, 2024

• Address: Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle
• Cost: Free

Families can join Nicole and her family at the Morton Arboretum’s Illumination Tree Lights to celebrate Hanukkah. Enjoy donuts and hot chocolate, too. Registration required.

Handmade Chanukah Craft Party!

Dec. 21, 2024

• Address: Indian Trail Field House, 1519 Forest Drive, Glenview
• Cost: Free

Ages 0-2 can make Chanukah crafts, enjoy treats, listen to Chanukah music and more. All ages are welcome. Registration required.

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