Hanukkah, or Chanukah, begins on the 25th day of the month of Kislev in the Jewish calendar. It is usually in December. In 2012 Hanukkah begins at sunset on December 8 and lasts through sunset December 16.
Hanukkah is a fun holiday, especially for children. After lighting the Hanukkah candles, families will eat and play games.
For those of the Jewish faith this holiday is really not like Christmas. There are other holidays in that religion that are considered by many to be more important than Hanukkah. The fact that both Christmas and Hanukkah are times when people exchange gifts are really all that the two holidays have in common. You'll not find many community happenings, parades and festivals relating to Hanukkah. It is more of a quiet, family holiday.
Celebrate Hanukkah 2012
Ha Ha Hanukkah: The Festival of Laughs
National Comedy Theatre, Mesa
At this show NCT says 'the menorah, the merrier!' Watch them spin the dreidel for points and give away tickets at this spontaneous, interactive show! All ages.
In 2012: December 7 and 8
Menorah Lighting at Dana Park Village
A holiday celebration which will include menorah lighting, holiday songs, children’s crafts and hot latkes (potato pancakes). All are invited and there is no charge. The Menorah will be up throughout the holiday of Chanukah. Mesa.
In 2012: December 8 - 16
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
A nightly menorah lighting with applesauce and latkes takes place at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in the resort lobby.
In 2012: December 8 - 16
Mozart Café & Bakery
Mozart Café & Bakery offers Chanukah delicacies including original and sweet potatoe latkes served with traditional apple sauce as well as a variety of sweet Sufganyot filled with a mixed berry jam, chocolate or vanilla crème, and a special Halvah fillings. You can dine in ( and it's pet-friendly!) or order ahead and pick up. Mozart Café offers Middle Eastern pastries and cuisines as well as coffee and drinks. Certified Kosher Dairy (Cholov Yisroel). Most of the menu is vegetarian, with the exception of some dishes that include seafood.
In 2012: December 8 - 16
Loca Rosa: Old World and Russian Jewish Folk Songs and Instruments
Enjoy an afternoon with Loca Rosa (or “Wild Rose”) as she performs a wide variety of old-world winter-festival folk songs and fables. Listen as she plays the balalaika (a Russian lute) and other European instruments. Learn Chanukah songs in Yiddish, Hebrew, and Ladino. Celebrate Russian Christmas, or Rozhdestvo, with Russian carols and learn about old-world winter-solstice lore. Free with museum admission. Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix.
In 2012: December 9 at 1 p.m.
Chanukah on Ice
a six foot ice menorah, dreidel moon bounce, latkes, gelt. $10 per person includes skating, crafts and refreshments. Polar Ice in Chandler. RSVP to 480-855-4333.
In 2012: December 9 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Hanukkah Dinner at Chompie's
For the eight days of Chanukah Chompie's offers a festive holiday dinner after 4 p.m. to eat in or take out. Matzo ball soup, brisket, latkes and more. Locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler.
In 2012: December 9 - 16
Chanukah Dinner
Hosted by Congregation Beth Israel in Scottsdale and prepared by local Chef Eddie Matney. Includes dinner and activities. Registration required. $15 per person. Family pricing available.
In 2012: December 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Mazelpalooza
At The Mint, Scottsdale. "jews, booze, schmooze." $25 per person in advance online or $30 at the door. 21+ only.
In 2012: December 24, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
There are Hanukkah activities for the members of various Jewish organizations in Greater Phoenix. Typically, you'll find latke making, Hanukkah songs, story times, family games and menorah lightings. Here are some local resources where you might find additional Hanukkah celebrations.
- Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center
- Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix
- East Valley Jewish Community Center
- Other Jewish Organizations and Synagogues in and around Phoenix
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Tree lightings, holiday lights, festivals, holiday music and entertainment, gift guides and holiday travel tips -- find them all in the Holidays Guide for Greater Phoenix.
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
