Hanukkah, or Chanukah, begins on the 25th day of the month of Kislev in the Jewish calendar. It is usually in December. In 2009 Hanukkah begins at sunset on December 11 and lasts through sunset on December 19. In 2010 Hanukkah begins at sunset on December 1 and lasts through sunset December 9.
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
Ha Ha Hanukkah: The Festival of Laughs
National Comedy Theatre, Mesa
Celebrate the Festival of Laughs with the best and most improvised comedy show in the Valley. At Ha Ha Hanukkah the already hilarious competitive comedy show gets a Hanukkah spin with dreidels and latkes included. NCT's shows are All Ages so bring the whole family.
In 2009: December 11 & 12
Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel!
Glendale Main Library
A special storytime and quick craft celebrating Hanukkah. No reservations necessary. Free. 7 p.m.
In 2009: December 15
MacAbee: Ace Detective (A Chanukah Tale)
Arizona Jewish Theater
A new play written and directed by Layne Racowsky. Phoenix College, 11th Ave and Thomas Rd in Phoenix.
Call for info 602-264-0402 or 602-264-7131
In 2009: December 12, 13
Chompie’s Chanukah Dinner
Join the Chompie’s family on the first night of Chanukah and celebrate with a traditional Chanukah feast. Appetizer choice: chopped liver or 2 mini latkes; Soup choice: split pea, sweet and sour cabbage or matzo ball; Entrée choice: braised brisket of beef with gravy, roast chicken with stuffing, or filet of salmon with lemon dill; Special Chanukah Latke choices: potato, spinach potato or sweet potato latke. Also includes a basket of dinner rolls served with glazed carrots, Lovey's holiday dessert and a glass of wine for adults, a fountain soda, coffee or tea. Adult price $20, Child price $10. Reservations taken for parties of 6 or more. Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Tempe locations. 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In 2009: December 11
Mazelpalooza
At W Scottsdale. "jews, booze, schmooze." $25 per person in advance online or $30 at the door. 21+ only.
In 2009: December 24, 8 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
- - - - - - - - - -
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.
