Hanukkah (or Chanukah), a Jewish festival also known as the Festival of Lights, starts at sundown December 14, 2025 and ends on the night of December 22, 2025. Take advantage of these Hanukkah events to learn more about this festival and about ways to celebrate the holiday together: lighting candles, playing dreidel, and of course, eating delicious potato pancakes.
Know of a great Hanukkah event near you? Click here to submit the event!
2025 Hanukkah Events in Chicagoland
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Hanukkah Celebration
Dec 14, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Downtown Naperville, NapervilleJoin the Chabad Jewish Center of Naperville for a giant menorah lighting ceremony and parade in downtown Naperville.
Free -
Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Dec 15, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM Metropolitan Square, Des PlainesVisit Metropolitan Square for a menorah lighting with Chabad and F.R.E.E. of Niles.
Free -
Chanukah in Downtown Chicago: Menorah Lighting & Live Performances
Dec 16, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Daley Plaza, ChicagoVisit Daley Plaza for a festive Hanukah celebration.
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Chanukah Menorah Lighting and Celebration
Dec 16, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Fountain Square (Evanston), EvanstonCelebrate the start of Chanukah with an outdoor festival, including lighting a 15-foot menorah.
Free -
Hanukkah Storytime and Craft
Dec 18, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Aurora Public Library- Santori Library, AuroraVisit the library for festive fun.
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Chabad Celebration
Dec 18, 2025 | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Fox Valley Mall, AuroraJoin the Chabad Chanukah Celebration at Fox Valley Mall for a joyful evening of tradition, music, and community.
Free -
Hanukkah Winter Wonderland
Dec 21, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM NEWCITYIndoor and outdoor festivities including the menorah lighting ceremony. Reservations recommended.
Free Registration Recommended
Are there special Hanukkah events or traditions that you enjoy every year with your family? Please share below. Then, take a look at this neat article for a little inspiration about building new Hanukkah traditions. And, don’t miss our page on more holiday experiences to share with kids this winter!
