8 events and shows to celebrate Hanukkah in the city, suburbs
Christmas celebrations abound this time of year, but there are also Hanukkah events for Jewish families wanting to celebrate the eight-day festival of lights.
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by the Syrian-Greeks more than 2,000 years ago. The Jews found only a small amount of oil to light the menorah, yet it burned for eight days - enough time to secure more.
That miracle is recalled by lighting candles, spinning a dreidel and eating potato latkes or other foods fried in oil during the holiday that begins this year at sundown Sunday, Dec. 22.
Whether you grew up celebrating Hanukkah or just want to learn more about the Jewish holiday, we've put together a guide to eight festive events.
Hanukkah Happenings
Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn Parkway, Vernon Hills, (847) 763-3517, shophawthornmall.com
A free celebration from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, features crafts, dreidel spinning, a photo booth and a raffle.
Hanukkah Family Concert
North Shore Congregation Israel, 1185 Sheridan Road, Glencoe, (847) 675-4800, brownpapertickets.com
The Maxwell Street Klezmer Band and singer-songwriter Rabbi Joe Black of Denver's Temple Emanuel play songs from their holiday album "Eight Nights of Joy," which features a mix of classic singalong tunes and contemporary music. The concert runs from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, and tickets cost $18 or $10 for kids younger than 13.
"Home for Hanukkah with Bubbe & Zayde"
CSz Theater Chicago, 929 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, (773) 549-8080, ticketweb.com
Learn all about the holiday through games, songs and comedic scenes and try some latkes. The interactive show is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, and tickets cost $15.
"Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins"
Strawdog Theatre Company, 1802 W. Berenice Ave., Chicago, (773) 644-1380, strawdog.org
The musical adaptation of Eric Kimmel's Caldecott Honor-winning children's book tells the story of a man who must outsmart a group of goblins haunting a village's synagogue. The show runs at various times and days through Dec. 29. Tickets cost $25 or $20 for children and seniors.
"Grace and the Hanukkah Miracle"
Grace Lutheran Church, 1430 South Blvd., Evanston, (773) 236-2172, chicagoimmersive.com
Solve puzzles and riddles, sing and dance, and move from room to room searching for a menorah in this immersive interfaith show, which depicts a family's traditions, celebrations and struggles over the course of generations. The show runs at 1 and 4 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 5, though there's no performance on Dec. 15. Tickets cost $25.
Chanukah Wonderland
Northbrook Court, 1515 Lake-Cook Road, Northbrook, (847) 498-8161, chanukahwonderlandchicago.com
Hosted by Chabad Israeli Center and Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook, the annual pop-up features a dreidel-shaped bounce house, doughnut decorating and candle-making daily. Special events during the event include face painting and the chance to stuff a plush dreidel. Visit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 22-24, 26 and 29. Admission is $10-$12 and a virtual reality experience is available for an additional fee.
Menorah Lighting and Community Chanukah Celebration
North School Park, Evergreen Avenue and Eastman Street, Arlington Heights, (224) 357-7002, chabadah.org
A free party at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, features live music, latkes, chocolate gelt and a gift for every child.
Festival of Lights
Belmont Village Senior Living, 700 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, (773) 327-2200, eventbrite.com
A celebration of the first night of Hanukkah starts at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, with latkes, dreidel games and the chance to make fresh olive oil and cotton wicks for your menorah. Attendees will then walk to Lincoln Common Plaza for a menorah-lighting ceremony.