Hanukkah, or Chanukah, begins on the 25th day of the month of Kislev in the Jewish calendar. It is usually in December. In 2011 Hanukkah begins at sunset on December 20 and lasts through sunset on December 28. 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 2011
Hanukkah Celebration Carnival
Hanukkah carnival for all ages! Rides, carnival games, face painters, balloon twisters, bounce houses, pony rides, rock wall. Congregation Beth Israel, 10460 N. 56th Street, Paradise Valley
In 2011: December 11 - 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hanukkah Celebration Lunch
At Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale. Call 480-483-7121.
In 2011: December 15 at 11 a.m.
Hanukkah in the Hallway
Daily activities, games and daily candle lighting for Hanukkah.
In 2011: December 21 - 28 at 5:30 p.m.
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
Chabad of the West Valley will host a Menorah lighting ceremony that includes entertainment for children, live music and holiday foods. Fountain Park. Westgate City Center, Glendale.
In 2011: December 21 5:30 p.m.
Pancakes 'n' Latkes Holiday Character Breakfast
Ages 3 and up will enjoy having breakfast with their favorite characters. Register by December 16. $25 for a family of 4.
In 2011: December 25 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
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 2011: December 16 and 17
Mazelpalooza
At Hotel Valley Ho, Scottsdale. "jews, booze, schmooze." $25 per person in advance online or $30 at the door. 21+ only.
In 2011: 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 Hanukkah celebrations.
- Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center
- Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix
- Barness Family 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.
