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Daniel M. Hoan Memorial Bridge
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Celebrate the
Festival of Lights
Chanukah, the joyous eight-day festival of lights, is a time for celebration, reflection and community.
Did you know that Chanukah and Hanukkah are two spellings for the same beloved holiday? The difference comes from how the word is transliterated from Hebrew to English—there isn’t just one “correct” way to capture the original sound. Both spellings are widely accepted, so whether you prefer Chanukah or Hanukkah, you’re joining in a celebration that spans cultures, languages and traditions. No matter how you spell it, this joyous eight-day festival of lights is a time for celebration, reflection and community. All across the country, cities are hosting unique events to mark the holiday, from grand menorah lightings to concerts and family-friendly festivals. Here are some wonderful Chanukah events happening this holiday season.
Washington, D.C.
National Menorah CeremonyDate: Dec. 14, 2025Time: 5 p.m.
Experience the lighting of the National Chanukah Menorah on the Ellipse, just across from the White House. Hailed as one of the most prominent public Chanukah events in the world, this ceremony is a cherished tradition. The event features performances by military bands, often joined by a celebrity Jewish artist. You can also enjoy music, food and other entertainment. The ceremony helps launch the celebration of Chanukah in all 50 states and more than 100 countries. More info. >
Apex, North Carolina
Apex Chanukah FestivalDate: Dec. 14, 2025Time: 4 p.m.
Join the community in downtown Apex for a fun-filled festival organized by Chabad of Cary. The celebration begins with a Chanukah Wonderland at the Apex Senior Center from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., featuring holiday crafts and games for all ages. At 5:30 p.m., gather for the Grand Menorah Lighting, complete with a gelt drop from the Apex Fire Department, a fire show, doughnuts and hot drinks. More info >
Charleston, South Carolina
Chanukah in the SquareDate: Dec. 14, 2025Time: 4 p.m.
Head to Marion Square for the City of Charleston’s official menorah lighting. This beloved community celebration brings neighbors together for an evening of music, food and light. Enjoy hot latkes, delicious treats, live music and arts and crafts. The event is free and family-friendly, culminating in the lighting of the menorah at dusk. More info. >
Delray Beach, Florida
Chanukah Festival and Menorah LightingDate: Dec. 14, 2025Time: 6:00 p.m.
Join the community for Delray Beach’s annual Chanukah Festival and Menorah Lighting at Old School Square. Enjoy a giant menorah lighting, traditional treats like latkes and sufganiyot, a bounce house and a cheerful gelt drop for kids. Gather friends and family for this festive, family-friendly celebration in the heart of downtown—free and open to all. More info >
Decatur, Georgia
Decatur Square Menorah LightingDate: Dec. 14, 2025Time: 4:30 p.m.
Light up the Decatur Square with Chabad Intown. This annual menorah lighting is a festive gathering with music, entertainment and a gelt drop. Enjoy doughnuts, hot latkes and crafts for the kids. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate together as a community. Other events in the Atlanta area include lightings at Atlantic Station on Dec. 15, Virginia-Highland on Dec. 18 and Ponce City Market on Dec. 21. More info. >
Naperville, Illinois
DuPage Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Magic!
Date: Dec. 14, 2025
Time: 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Bring the whole family to Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville for DuPage Symphony Orchestra’s cherished holiday tradition, “Holiday Magic!” This festive concert celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah traditions through lively medleys, new orchestral arrangements, and familiar favorites from around the world. Delight in a heartwarming holiday tale from a special guest narrator, and anticipate the return of a surprise conductor for Leroy Anderson’s spirited “Sleigh Ride.” Arrive early to soak in the ambiance and consider pairing the concert with a stroll under downtown Naperville’s sparkling lights or a visit to a local restaurant. More info. >
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Menorah Lighting CelebrationDate: Dec. 15, 2025Time: 5 p.m.
Celebrate Chanukah at Calder Plaza with a lively event for the whole family. The celebration includes spirited Chanukah music, the menorah lighting, doughnuts and hot latkes. Don’t miss the exciting gelt drop and other entertainment. The event is free to attend. More info. >
Minneapolis, Minnesota
A Very Funky Hanukkah ShowDate: Dec. 18, 2025Time: 7 p.m.
Get ready for a soulful celebration at The Cedar Cultural Center. Presented by Adam Bohanan, this show combines Soul, Funk and R&B with the rich history of Judaism. Growing up as a black Jewish American, Bohanan blended his two cultures in a Hanukkah performance like no other. Enjoy modern, funky takes on Hanukkah classics and new music written exclusively for the show. If you love soul music and you love Hanukkah, you’re going to love this special holiday celebration. More info. >
Omaha, Nebraska
Chanukah Skate Night
Date: Dec. 16, 2025
Time: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Lace up your skates and head to Heartwood Park for an unforgettable Chanukah celebration! In partnership with Chabad of Nebraska, this free community event features open ice skating with complimentary skates, festive music, kosher treats, and creative arts and crafts inside a cozy heated tent. Don’t miss the highlight—a dazzling menorah sculpted from ice, lit during the festivities. It’s a joyful night for all ages, welcoming first-time skaters and seasoned pros alike. More info. >
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chanukah On Ice!Date: Dec. 10, 2025Time: 5:30 p.m.
Join the community for a unique celebration at the First Horizon Pavilion. A parade begins at 5 p.m. at the Chattanooga Theatre Center, leading to Chanukah on Ice at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy ice skating, a menorah lighting, a prize drop from a fire truck, doughnuts and latkes. This event is a great night out for the whole family. More info. >
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hanukkah on the Hoan
Date: Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Chanukah as the Daniel M. Hoan Memorial Bridge transforms into a glowing menorah each night of Hanukkah. In partnership with Light The Hoan, Milwaukee’s iconic bridge will light up at dusk with one additional candle each evening, culminating in all eight lights ablaze on the holiday’s final night. Gather for special candle lighting times, including a 6 p.m. ceremony on the first night and Shabbat’s early lighting on Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Join the local community in lighting up the city and your own menorah at home for a memorable festival experience. More info. >
Enjoy This Tasty Recipe for Hanukkah!
Sufganiyot
Sufganiyot (singular: sufganiyah) are a type of round, deep-fried, jelly-filled doughnut traditionally eaten during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The act of eating foods fried in oil commemorates the miracle of the oil in the Hanukkah story. The tradition of eating Sufganiyot dates back to at least the 12th century and today millions are consumed annually during the holiday. Modern variations also include fillings like custard, chocolate or even savory options.
Easy Sufganiyot (Jewish Jelly Donuts)
Ingredients:
2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk (warm)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
Vegetable oil (for frying)
1/2 cup jam or jelly (strawberry or raspberry are traditional)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast, warm water and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Add the eggs, warm milk, softened butter and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Donuts: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Fry the Donuts: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to 350°F. Fry the donuts in batches, about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels.
Fill the Donuts: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a piping bag fitted with a small tip to inject jam or jelly into the center of each donut.
Dust and Serve: Generously dust the sufganiyot with powdered sugar and serve warm.
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