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.
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2025 Hanukkah Events in Chicagoland
Menorah Decorating (Glazed Expressions, Chicago)
November 9, 2025 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
Visit Glazed Expressions for a festive decorating session.
Hershel and the Hanukah Goblins
November 29 – December 28, 2025
Performed at the Writers Threatre in Glencoe, this performance celebrates Hanukah with the telling the story of Hershel of Ostropol. With a 1-hour showtime and a sensory-friendly performance, shows run on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets can be purchased in advance.
Adult & Tot Make ‘n Take Hanukkah Menorah + ‘Hand’made Card (Kol Hadash Sunday School at Deerfield High School, Deerfield)
December 7, 2025 | 9:30am – 10:30am
Make a special Hanukkah craft, and enjoy songs, stories, and more.
Hanukkah Family Celebration and Lunch (Kol Hadash Sunday School at Deerfield High School, Deerfield)
December 14, 2025 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
Enjoy a Hanukkah lunches, games, crafts, and more as you celebrate Hanukkah as a family. Register in advance, with a fee of $10 per person.
Chanukah Party (Katherine Legge Memorial Lodge, Hinsdale)
December 14, 2025 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Open to all, come celebrate the season with Chabad Jewish Center of Hinsdale.
Hanukkah Celebration (Naperville)
December 14, 2025 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Join the Chabad Jewish Center of Naperville for a car parade and giant menorah lighting ceremony in downtown Naperville.
Menorah Lighting Ceremony (Des Plaines)
December 15, 2025 | 6:00pm – 6:30pm
Visit Metropolitan Square for a menorah lighting with Chabad and F.R.E.E. of Niles.
Chanukah in Downtown Chicago: Menorah Lighting & Live Performances
December 16, 2025 | 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Visit Daley Plaza for a festive Hanukah celebration.
Chanukah Menorah Lighting and Celebration (Fountain Square, Evanston)
December 16, 2025 | 5:30pm
Celebrate the start of Chanukah with an outdoor festival, including lighting a 15-foot menorah.
Hanukkah Storytime and Craft (Santori Library, Aurora)
December 18, 2025 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Visit the library for a special storytime just for 6-11 year olds.
Chabad Celebration (Fox Valley Mall, Aurora)
December 18, 2025 | 4:30pm – 6:00pm
Join the Chabad Chanukah Celebration at Fox Valley Mall for a joyful evening of tradition, music, and community.
Hanukkah Move and Groove (DanceWorks, Chicago)
December 21, 2025 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Join the festive fun at this music and movement class for toddlers.
Hanukkah Winter Wonderland (NEWCITY, Chicago)
December 21, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Indoor and outdoor festivities including the menorah lighting ceremony. Reservations 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!
