Hanukkah Celebrations around Chicago
Gather your family for these fun-filled events.
Celebrate Hanukkah with these family-friendly events throughout Chicagoland.
Photo via Chabad of the Loop & Gold Coast – Center for Jewish Life
Lake County JCC
23280 N Old McHenry Rd, Lake Zurich IL
December 3, 2023, 330p-530p
Get ready to boogie under the disco lights! JUF Young Families is partnering with synagogues in the Northwest Suburbs to celebrate the season with a Chanukah DJ, glow‑in‑the‑dark face painting, festive food and crafts, and much more — so grab your dancing shoes and light‑up Chanukah sweaters, and we will meet you on the dance floor!
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
The Chicago Loop Synagogue
16 S Clark St, Chicago IL
December 3–23, 2023
Thursdays & Saturdays 7p / Sundays 11a and 2p
Strawdog Theatre Company, in partnership with the Chicago Loop Synagogue, presents Hershel & The Hanukkah Goblins. In this 1hr long musical adaptation of Eric Kimmel's Caldecott Honor-winning book, a traveling troupe of actors comes to town to find no one celebrating Hanukkah. To save the holiday, they must tell the tale of Hershel of Ostropol and his quest to outwit the goblins who haunt the old synagogue.
Shine Bright: A Hanukkah Workshop
West Ridge Center
636 Ridge Rd, Highland Park IL
December 4, 2023, 4p-5p
Join us for this Hanukkah Workshop and embrace the spirit of the holiday! Experience familiar traditions, fun surprises and delicious treats with family, friends and others in the community. There will also be a Hanukkah themed story, read by the published author herself, along with crafts and music.
West Suburban Temple Har Zion
1040 N Harlem Ave, River Forest IL
December 7, 2023, 730p
For one night only, Chicago a Cappella will be performing a 110mins long concert (with intermission), celebrating the first night of Hanukkah. Recommended for ages 8+, the concert will reprise the much-loved music played from last season, and will also perform music from their new album, Miracle of Miracles: Music for Hanukkah. Come early and enjoy latkes and a light Hanukkah meal before the concert.
Fourth Night, Fourth Light at Gallagher Way
Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field
3635 North Clark Street, Chicago IL
December 10, 2023, 3p-7p
Join the JCC Chicago at Gallagher Way for this FREE Hanukkah celebration. Kick off the evening with a DJ, live entertainment, giveaways and the candle lighting. You will then have a chance to explore Gallagher Way’s Winterland. Pre-registration is required for your free entry into the park and to hang out in the private room with snacks, giveaways and a cash bar.
Candycopia
717 Lake Street, Oak Park IL
December 10, 2023, 2p-3p
In partnership with Temple Har Zion, join us in celebrating Chanukah with candle lighting, a Chanukah story and candy!
Glen Ellyn Public Library
400 Duane St, Glen Ellyn IL
December 11, 2023, 5p-6p
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a story from 5-530p. Afterwards, learn how to play the Hanukkah game of dreidel. For ages 3-5.
Fountaindale Public Library District
300 W Briarcliff Rd, Bolingbrook IL
December 12, 2023, 1045a-1115a
Celebrate Hanukkah with a special storytime at the library.
Aurora Public Library—Eola Road Branch
555 S Eola Rd, Aurora
December 12, 2023, 4p-445p
Create a dreidel using drinking straws and a hot glue gun. For ages 7+.