Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights that commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple, kicks off at sundown on Dec. 7.
If you’re looking for ways to kick your traditional festivities into high gear, our Hanukkah family guide includes fun crafts, recipes and even a few events and activity ideas.
Hanukkah Events
Check out some local Hanukkah happenings this year.
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
Dec. 3-23, 2023 (Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays)
- Address: The Chicago Loop Synagogue, 16 S. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
In this adaptation of the award-winning book, a troupe of actors arrive to find no one celebrating Hanukkah so they put on a show. Advanced registration is required.
1st Night, 1st Light: Camp Chi Hanukkah Kickoff Party
Dec. 7, 2023
- Address: Bernard Weinger JCC, 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook
- Cost: Free
Light the candles, enjoy food, play arcade games and celebrate the first night of Hanukkah at this family-friendly event. Registration required.
4th Night, 4th Light at Gallagher Way
Dec. 10, 2023
- Address: Wrigley Field, 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a Hanukkah celebration with live entertainment, a DJ, giveaways and a candle lighting. Also, explore Winterland and Christkindlmarket. Registration required.
5th Night, 5th Light: Cookie Decorating with Apachi Evanston
Dec. 11, 2023
- Address: Bernard Horwich JCC, 3003 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Take part in cookie decorating and a night of candle lighting at Bernard Horwich JCC in West Rogers Park. Registration required.
Food
A traditional Hanukkah celebration wouldn’t be complete without brisket, latkes, kugel and more. While many families might have recipes handed down generation to generation, this year offers a great chance for families to mix up their Hanukkah menus a bit. Here are a few ideas for inspiration.
- Festive Hanukkah Food (Metro Parent): This roundup includes six recipes for fluffy Matzah balls, twice-baked beef brisket, Sufganiyot and more!
- Diverse Holiday Treat Ideas for Families to Make Together (Metro Parent): Find recipes from fruit Menorahs to carrot parsnip Latkes and everything in between — plus Christmas, Diwali and Kwanzaa recipes, too.
Hanukkah activities
Menorah lightings with your families and special prayers are a must for this holiday, but there’s lots of fun activities you can do beyond that, too.
- Hanukkah Crafts for Kids (Metro Parent): Gather a few simple supplies and you’re on your way to make a yarn-wrapped hurricane Chanukah centerpiece, an Altoids tin Menorah and more.
- Hanukkah Books for Kids: Read a family story about Hanukkah with these eight children’s books, one for each night.
- Eight Exciting Hanukkah Gifts for Kids: Along with the eight days of celebrating comes eight days of gifts, and if you’re stumped on what to get your kiddos this season, we suggest these eight festive gift ideas.
Happy Hanukkah!
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