Hanukkah in Lake County

Hanukkah starts on December 22 this year, here is a listing of events we found in and around Lake County. If you know of one we missed please include it in the comments!

As with all event listings be sure to click the link for complete information. Little Lake County is not responsible for sold out or changes in events. Events are listed in chronological order and many require tickets or registration.

Hanukkah in Lake County

Hanukkah Party and Sing-Along
14 December 6:15 p.m. Shir Hadash Synagogue, Wheeling
Singing, dancing, stories, jokes, crafts, potato latkes, and donuts. Features the Might Shir Hadash Klezmer Band, menorah lighting and glow sticks, gourmet latke cooking demonstrations and potluck Oneg.

Hanukkah Happenings
15 December 10:00 a.m. Hawthorn Mall
Celebrate Hanukkah with JCC Chicago. This free event is open to the entire community and includes Hanukkah crafts, dreidel spinning, and more.

Pre-Chanukah Glow Party
15 December 10:00 a.m. Central Avenue Synagogue
North Suburban Chabad invites you to join them for a Pre-Chaunkkah Glow Party with Playground Games of Deerfield. There will be musical hoops, freeze dance, glow games and more. Kids should come dressed in white or neon colors to add to the glowing fun. Tickets are $18 per family and include fun Chanukah stations, crafts, gelt, Chanukah cookie baking, donut decorating, latkes, and bagel brunch.

Preschool Jewish Discovery: Hanukkah
15 December 10:30 a.m. Deerfield High School
Children ages 2-6 with a grown-up join Rabbi Adam Chalom and veteran preschool teacher Lynn Miller as they explore a Jewish holiday or cultural value along with interactive songs, books, and hands-on activities. There is time for a snack and for the children and parents to socialize. At home, resources will also be provided.  Class if free but registration is required.

Kol Hadash Hanukkah Party & Luncheon
15 December 11:00 a.m. Deerfield High School
This annual family Hanukkah celebration with songs, games, and a delicious luncheon. Admission is $10 per person, children 5 and younger are free.

Latke Fest
15 December 11:30 a.m. Makom Solel Lakeside, Highland Park
Celebrate Chanukah with Makom Solel Lakeside community as they light the Menorah, eat latkes, and watch the children’s choir perform.

Hanukkah Concert
15 December 1:00 p.m. North Shore Congregation Israel, Glencoe
The Klezmer Music Foundation presents Hanukkah Concert with Rabbi Joe Black and Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, featuring Chicago’s Maxwell Street Klezmer Band with special guest artist, singer-songwriter Rabbi Joe Black of Temple Emanuel, Denver. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger.

Menorah Building Workshop
15 December 2:30 p.m. Home Depot, Vernon Hills
Build your own Menorah for children ages 3-13 with a parent. Cholocate gelt and hot latkes for all to enjoy. A joint project of Chabad Jewish Center of Vernon Hills and Hoe depot. Free of charge, registration required.

Hanukkah Storytime for Young Children
17 December, 10:00 a.m., Barnes & Noble Deerfield
Celebrate the Jewish Holidays with stories, songs, and activities especially for young children. Everyone is welcome at this free, family program. Rabbi Adam Chalom and our Youth Education Director will lead holiday activities for children up to age 2 (older siblings welcome) with a grown-up. There will be time for a snack and to get to know other families in your community, too. Resources for celebrating Hanukkah in your home will also be provided. RSVPs encouraged but walk-ins welcome.

Hanukkah Storytime for Young Children
18 December, 10:30 a.m., Barnes & Noble Mellody Farms
Celebrate the Jewish Holidays with stories, songs, and activities especially for young children. Everyone is welcome at this free, family program. Rabbi Adam Chalom and our Youth Education Director will lead holiday activities for children up to age 2 (older siblings welcome) with a grown-up. There will be time for a snack and to get to know other families in your community, too. Resources for celebrating Hanukkah in your home will also be provided. RSVPs encouraged but walk-ins welcome.

Hanukkah Party for Kids
22 December 10:00 a.m. Whimsy Play, Buffalo Grove
Join Ms. Flowers to make Hanukkah puppets, do storytime with them and enjoy a sing-along of favorite Hanukkah songs! Each child will get a little goodie bag as well. Tickets are $20

Menorah at the Mall
23 December 5:30 p.m. Gurnee Mills, Entryway G
Gather at the mall for a menorah lighting, live music, latkes, doughnuts, and gelt. There will be activities for kids and entertainment. Co-Sponsored by Clowning Around/Celebration Authority, Matthew Edelstein, CLU CHFC and Click Imports – Canada.

Public Menorah Lighting
23 December 5:30 p.m. 600 Vernon Ave., Glencoe
For the first time ever in Glencoe! There will be a community Chanukah gathering with fun for the whole family! Music, crafts, hot latkes, donuts, entertainment, inspiration and of course a Giant Menorah! Chanukah gifts for all! As well as a special raffle!

Chanukah Family Game Night
24 December 7:00 p.m. Chabad House, Grayslake
Join Chabad of Gurnee for a Chanukkah Family Game Night. Bring your own games or use theirs for a fun family time with Chinese nibbles. RSVP required $5 per person.

Menorah, Chineses Food and a Movie
25 December 4:00 p.m. Chabad Jewish Center of Vernon Hills
Enjoy the lighting of the Menorah, sing Channukah songs and watch a Jewish movie with a Kosher Chinese Dinner. There will be a special movie for kids too. RSVP required.

Public Menorah Lighting
26 December 4:00 p.m. Gurnee Fire Department
RSVP required. Music, latkes, and doughnuts, gelt, crafts and more.

The Great Big Gelt Drop
29 December 10:00 a.m. Chabad Jewish Center of Vernon Hills
Chabad’s 10th Annual Chanukah Celebration featuring the Great Big Gelt Drop. Collect as much chocolate Gelt as you can, as it ‘Rains’ down from the Vernon Hills Firetruck. Join Chabad in honoring and recognizing our heroic fire department. There will be hot siling latkes, assorted donuts, activities, and entertainment for all ages. RSVP required.

Chanukah Bowl
29 December 4:00 p.m. Lakeside Lanes, Mundelein
Join Chabad Jewish Center of Gurnee for a family Chanukah event. Enjoy dinner, bowling, and laser tag. Light a bowling pin menorah, latkes and donuts. RSVP required.

Did we miss your family’s favorite Hanukkah celebration? Please share it with us in the comments!