Naperville area celebrates Hanukkah with Giant Menorah Lighting and Car Parade

Members of the Jewish community and the greater Naperville area are invited to celebrate Hanukkah through a series of family-friendly public events hosted by Chabad of Naperville throughout the holiday.

Giant Menorah Lighting & Menorah Car Parade

A highlight of this year’s celebrations will be the Giant Menorah Lighting at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the corner of Jefferson and Webster, in front of the Nichols Library in downtown Naperville. The community is invited to enjoy sufganiyot (doughnuts), gelt, and latkes, along with festive music and holiday spirit.

Before the lighting, families can participate in the Menorah Car Parade, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Abrams Center for Jewish Life, 651 Amersale Drive, Naperville, and driving together through town to downtown Naperville. Participants simply bring their cars — special menorahs will be provided for the parade.

Grand Menorah Lighting

A second public lighting will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Center Park at the Fox Valley Mall, 195 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora.

The event will feature a public Menorah lighting, Hanukkah crafts, live children’s entertainment, and fresh Sufganiyot (doughnuts). This event is free of charge and open to the entire community.

Hanukkah Festival

The celebration continues with a full Hanukkah Festival at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Abrams Center for Jewish Life, featuring a “Hypnosis & Magic Show” by Jeffrey Powers, a kosher Chinese dinner, and “Latkes & Sufganiyot” (doughnuts).

Advance pricing is available through Dec. 15. To learn more or RSVP, go to jewishnaperville.com.

Hanukkah, observed over eight nights, commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the triumph of light over darkness. “Hanukkah is a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition,” said Rabbi Mendy Goldstein, director of Chabad of Naperville. “In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple with the Menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to spreading light, unity, and goodness throughout our community.”

Chabad of Naperville joins thousands of Chabad centers around the world — from Australia to Africa, from New York City to small towns across the globe — in bringing the public message of Hanukkah to streets, shopping centers, and town squares.