For families celebrating Hanukkah, there are a plenty of Chicagoland communities hosting public menorah lightings. There are even a few that are offering treats and holiday fun. Check out our full list of events below.
Grand Menorah Lighting
When: Dec. 22, 3 p.m.
Where: Giddings Plaza, 4731 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Watch the Grand Menorah Lighting in Giddings Plaza on Dec. 22 at 3 p.m. Then head inside Uncle Dan’s for holiday family fun including music, hot latkes and doughnuts, and children’s entertainment.
Menorah Lighting
When: Dec. 22, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Marshfield Ave. & Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Start at the corner of Marshfield and Lincoln for the lighting, then head inside Lake View YMCA for festivities, including games, activities, food, and a book and coat drive. KidCreate Art Studio hosts a make-your-own-menorah craft.
Lincoln Common Celebrates Hanukkah
When: Dec. 22, 4 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Common, 2345 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Lincoln Common and Belmont Village Senior Living will mark the first night of Hanukkah with the Festival of Lights. Enjoy lite bites at Belmont Village, then proceed to the Lincoln Common Plaza for the lighting of the menorah at 5:30 p.m.
Light Up Arlington Heights
When: Dec. 22, 4:30 p.m.
Where: North School Park, Evergreen Avenue & Eastman Street, Arlington Heights
Meet the dreidel man, eat hot latkes and enjoy music and chocolate gelt at this menorah lighting 4:30 p.m., Dec. 22, at North School Park.
Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Westfield Mall Old Orchard
When: Dec. 22-29, 5 p.m.
Where: 4905 Old Orchard Center, Skokie
Visit the mall nightly 5-7 p.m., Dec. 22-29, for the lighting of the menorah in Cube Park, plus crafts, refreshments and entertainment with the Chabad of Skokie.
Lighting of the Menorah in Daley Plaza
When: Dec. 23, 5 p.m.
Where: 50 West Washington St., Chicago
Alderman Brian Hopkins joins Rabbi Meir Chai Benhiyoun of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life for the event, which will feature refreshments, a live DJ and Chanukah giveaways.
Menorah Lighting Celebration
When: Dec. 23, 5:15 p.m.
Where: Mary Bartelme Park, 115 S. Sangamon St., Chicago
Arrive early at Mary Bartelme Park for kids’ activities beginning at 4 p.m. from face painters and music to a bubble show. The new menorah debuts and lights at 5:15 p.m. Don’t miss the firetruck gelt drop at 5:30 p.m. There will be plenty of hot drinks, latkes and doughnuts, too.
Grand Chanukah Lighting
When: Dec. 23, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Fountain Square, Davis Street at Sherman and Orrington Avenues, Evanston
See the 10-foot Menorah in Fountain Square get lit. The ceremony will celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and freedom of conscience over oppression. Musical entertainment provided.
Fire and Ice Menorah Lighting
When: Dec. 23, 5:45 p.m.
Where: 3460 N. Broadway Ave., Chicago
This unique celebration includes the lighting of a 15-foot menorah, plus the creation of an ice menorah. After the lighting, watch a fire show, enjoy music, latkes and doughnuts and the gelt drop from 100 parachutes.
Great Gelt Drop and Menorah Lighting
When: Dec. 24, 6 p.m.
Where: Oakton St. & Niles Center Road, Skokie
Enjoy the lighting ceremony, doughnuts, hot chocolate and latkes and then get ready for the chocolate gelt that will rain down on families.
Public Menorah Lighting
When: Dec. 26, 5:30 p.m.
Where: City Hall of Naperville, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville
Take part in a community-building giant ice menorah lighting at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 26 at City Hall, plus community festivities open to all. RSVP appreciated to make sure there are enough treats and hot chocolate to go around.
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