Dust off your dreidels and bust out your menorah, because Hanukkah is almost here. To help get you in a holiday mood, we’ve rounded up the best ways to celebrate Hanukkah with your family in the Chicagoland area. From the ultimate Hanukkah play date to cookie baking, there’s a little something for everyone and lots of opportunities to eat latkes. Happy Hanukkah!
Hanukkah begins on Saturday night, Dec. 24, 2016 and concludes on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017
Family Hanukkah Shabbat & Dinner
Celebrate Hanukkah with a holiday sing-a-long, dinner, and family service. RSVP required, $36 for families, $12 adults, $10 children ages 6 – 12, $5 ages 5 and under.
Congregation Beth Judea, Ill. Rt. 83 at Hilltop Rd., Long Grove
Friday, Dec. 16, 5:45 p.m.
jBaby Ultimate Hanukkah Play Date
Get ready for Hanukkah with jBaby Chicago with live music, Hanukkah candle lighting, and yummy holiday-themed snacks. RSVP requested, best for families with children age 2 and under, $18 per family.
430 Asbury Avenue, Chicago
Sunday, Dec. 18, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Jewish Holidays 101: Hanukkah Story Time
Get in the Hanukkah mood with music, movement, and stories, and bring home tips and tricks for celebrating Hanukkah in your own home. Sponsored by jBaby Chicago and Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation, RSVP requested, free.
Deerfield Barnes & Noble, 728 North Waukegan Road, Deerfield
Sunday, Dec. 18, 10:30 – 11 a.m.
Hands on Hanukkah
Drop in for Hanukkah craft, face painting, stories, holiday songs, and more, free.
Barnes & Noble Deer Park, 20600 N. Rand Rd.
Sunday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Hanukkah Baking Classes for Kids
Add some yummy treats to your holiday season. Kids ages 4 – 10 will make Hanukkah sugar cookies and hot chocolate with whipped cream. Advanced registration requested, multiple dates and location available, $35 per child.
The Kids’ Table, 2864 N. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview
Thursday, Dec. 22. 4 – 5:30 p.m.
The Kids’ Table,2337 W. North Ave, Wicker Park
Friday, Dec. 23, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Hanukkah Baking Classes for Families
Families with little ones ages 2 and up can get into the holiday spirit by whipping up Hanukkah sugar cookies and hot chocolate with whipped cream, aided by their little helpers. Advanced registration requested, multiple dates and location available, $20 per family member.
The Kids’ Table, 2337 W. North Ave, Wicker Park
Monday, Dec. 19, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
The Kids’ Table, 2864 N. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview
Monday, Dec. 26, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Pre-Hanukkah Celebration
Kick off your family’s Hanukkah celebration with a tot Shabbat service followed by a pre-Hanukkah dinner. RSVP required, $20 per adult, $10 per child.
Temple Sholom of Chicago, 3480 North Lake Shore Drive
Friday, Dec. 23, 5 p.m.
Halfway to Summer: Dec. 25 @ the JCC
Almost everything in town is closed on Dec. 25, but the JCC’s doors are wide open. Take a dip in the pool, enjoy a family-friendly movie, shoot some hoops, check out the newly renovated gym, and take a pic with a life-sized Mensch on the Bench. Free, advance registration requested.
Bernard Weinger JCC, 200 Revere Drive, Northbrook
Sunday, Dec. 25, 9 – 11 a.m.
Hanukkah Wonderland
Interactive story time, olive oil making demo, moon bounce, baby/toddler zone, make your own donuts, holiday-themed crafts, snacks, and a movie. Register in advance, or pay at the door, $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
Lubavitch Chabad of Skokie, 4059 Dempster St, Skokie
Sunday, Dec. 25, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p-.m.
Chabad Hanukkah Booth @ Westfield Old Orchard Mall
Stop by Chabad of Skokie’s Hanukkah booth at the Unilock plaza for kosher holiday snacks, Hanukkah activities, live entertainment, and menorah lighting. Click here, to see when the booth will be open, free.
Westfield Old Orchard Mall, 4905 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie
Monday. Dec. 26 – Friday, Dec. 30, Sunday, Jan. 1
For more info about all things Jewish and parenting in the Chicago area, visit Kveller Chicago.
Read More:
4 Tips for Celebrating Hanukkah on a Budget
What Every Grocery Store Gets Wrong About Hanukkah
