Hanukkah (or Chanukah), a Jewish festival also known as the Festival of Lights, starts at sundown December 25, 2024 and ends on the night of January 2, 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? Send Annie an email at annie@mykidlist.com so we can get it added to this list!
2024 Hanukkah Events in Chicagoland
Shine Bright: A Hannukah Workshop (Highland Park)
December 11, 2024 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Ages 3-6, must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $15/resident child and $18/non-resident child. This family friendly event features holiday crafts and traditional treats.
Chanukah Havdalah at the Lake County JCC
December 14, 2024 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Registration is $18 per family, with a pizza party including music, food, crafts, and face painting hosted by JUF Young Families.
Chicago Kids Chanukah Party (Bubbles Academy – Bucktown, Chicago)
December 14, 2024 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Music, games, activities and crafts hosted with Jewish United Fund. Cost is $30/child. Register in advance.
Hanukkah Family Celebration & Lunch (Deerfield)
December 15, 2024 | 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.
JUF Young Families Celebrates Chanukah with Bubbe and Zayde (Chicago)
December 15, 2024 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Visit Malarkey Comedy for a hilarious, interactive show celebrating Hanukkah. Fee is $25 per family.
Hanukkah Storytime (Bolingbrook)
December 19, 2024 | 1:30pm – 2:15pm
A special Hanukkah storytime at the Fountaindale Public Library. Drop-in.
LEGO Dreidels (Downers Grove)
December 20, 2024 | 4:00pm – 4:45pm
Join the Downers Grove Public Library for activities and challenges about dreidels.
Handmade Chanukah Craft Party (Glenview)
December 21, 2024 | 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Register in advance for a spot at this festive event for 0-2 year olds. Event will be hosted in the Indian Trails Fieldhouse.
Menorah Workshop at Deerfield Home Depot
December 22, 2024 | 2:00pm – 4:45pm
Registration is required for this special building session at the Deerfield Home Depot.
Illuminate Chicago: Annual Chanukkah Menorah Lighting Celebration (Chicago)
December 26, 2024 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Visit Daley Plaza for a festive Hanukah celebration.
Chanukah Menorah Lighting and Celebration (Evanston)
December 26, 2024 | 5:30pm
Celebrate the start of Chanukah with an outdoor festival, including lighting a 10 foot menorah.
Hanukkah Celebration (Naperville)
December 26, 2024 | 6:00pm – 6:30pm
Join the Chabad Jewish Center of Naperville for a giant menorah lighting ceremony in downtown Naperville.
Menorah Lighting Ceremony (Des Plaines)
December 30, 2024 | 6:30pm – 7:00pm
Visit Metropolitan Square for a menorah lighting with Chabad and F.R.E.E. of Niles.
More Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah
Hershel and the Hanukah Goblins
December 14, 2024 – January 5, 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.
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!
