Hanukkah (or Chanukah), a Jewish festival also known as the Festival of Lights, starts at sundown December 7 and ends on the night of December 15 in 2023. We’ve found some great family events locally for our readers who celebrate!
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.
2023 Hanukkah Events in Chicagoland
See, Sing, Celebrate! Jewish Holiday How-To (Deerfield)
December 3, 2023 | 10:30am – 11:30am
Kol Hadash Sunday School at Deerfield High School
1959 N. Waukegan Road
Deerfield, IL 60015
Through interactive songs, books and hands-on activities, families will learn more about Hanukkah. $10 per family registration.
JUF Young Families Celebrates Chanukah: Dreidel Disco (Lake Zurich)
December 3, 2023 | 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Lake County JCC
23280 N. Old McHenry Road
Lake Zurich, 60047
Registration is $18 per family, with a glow-in-the-park party including music, food, crafts, and face painting hosted by JUF Young Families.
Shine Bright: A Hannukah Workshop (Highland Park)
December 4, 2023 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm
West Ridge Center
636 Ridge Road
Highland Park, IL 60035
Ages 3-6, must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $12/resident child and $17/non-resident child. This family friendly event features holiday crafts and traditional treats.
Chanukah Menorah Lighting and Celebration
December 7, 2023 | 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Fountain Square
1601 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
Celebrate the start of Chanukah with an outdoor festival, including lighting a 10 foot menorah.
Music and Memories at Oak Park Arms
December 9, 2023 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Oak Park Arms
408 S. Oak Park Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60302
This month’s Music & Memories programming with JUF Young Families will be celebrating Hanukkah. Sing and dance at this family-friendly session.
Hanukkah Family Celebration & Lunch (Deerfield)
December 10, 2023 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
Kol Hadash Sunday School at Deerfield High School
1959 N. Waukegan Road
Deerfield, IL 60015
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 at Candycopia (Oak Park)
December 10, 2023 | 2:00pmย –ย 3:00pm
Candycopia
717 Lake Street
Oak Park,ย IL 60301
Celebrate Chanukah with storytime, candle lighting, and sweet treats.
Annual Menorah Lighting with Chabad Lincoln Park
December 10, 2023 | 5:00pmย –ย 7:00pm
NEWCITY
1457 North Halsted Street
Chicago,ย IL 60642
Join Chabad Lincoln Park for their annual celebration with food, music, and a menorah lighting ceremony. This year’s festivities are Barbie-themed.
Hanukkah Hangout (Glen Ellyn Public Library)
December 11, 2023 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
400 Duane Street
Glen Ellyn, 60137
Celebrate Hanukkah with classic games and stories.
Hanukkah Storytime (Bolingbrook)
December 12, 2023 | 10:45am – 11:15am
300 W. Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
A special Hanukkah storytime at the Fountaindale Public Library. Drop-in.
Hanukkah Craft (Aurora Public Library)
December 12, 2023 | 4:00pm – 4:45pm
555 S. Eola Road
Aurora, IL 60504
Create a dreidel out of drinking straws at the Eola Road Branch.
Hanukkah Tunes for Tots (Tiny Tots, Inc., Chicago)
December 17, 2023 | 10:00am – 11:30am
2603-2611 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60614
Celebrate Hanukkah with a special music session. For infants and crawlers. Registration is per family.
Music and Memories (Northbrook Inn Memory Care Community, Northbrook)
December 19, 2023 | 10:30am – 11:15am
Northbrook Inn
99 Pointe Drive
Northbrook, IL 60062
Dance and sing as you celebrate Hanukkah. Registration is $5 per family.
2022 Festivities
These Hanukkah events took place in 2022, but have not been announced as of November 15, 2023. Check back for more information.
Chanukah Menorah Hunt in Downtown Naperville
Find menorahs hidden at Downtown Naperville businesses for a chance to win prizes. Check back on the event website for a map as the event approaches.
Annual Chanukah Party (Northbrook)
Organized by the Shomrim Society of Illinois. Contact the organizer for more information.
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!
