Every year, several organizations present Hanukkah celebrations for the community in the Charlotte area. These events are family friendly and most are free.
Events include Menorah lightings, concerts, parties, and even a Menorah Car Parade. We are waiting to hear back about some events that take place most years.
Some of the events include free food. Traditional foods to eat on Hanukkah are potato latkes (potato pancakes), doughnuts and chocolate gelt (chocolate candy.)
Hanukkah begins the evening of Sunday, December 18th, 2022, and the final evening to celebrate is Sunday, December 25th.
Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) is a Jewish festival that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt. It’s also known as the Festival of Lights.
The central symbol of Hanukkah is the Menorah (or more specifically, a Hanukkiah), a candelabrum with 9 branches, each holding a candle.
On each of the eight nights, an additional candle is lit, so that on the first night, just one is, an on the last night, all eight are lit. The ninth branch holds a candle called the “shammash” (“helper” or “servant”) which is used to light the others, and also remains lit each night.
Build Your Own Menorah
Sunday, December 11th, 2022
2 p.m.
The Home Depot
17111 Statesville Road, Cornelius, NC
$1 per child (RSVP is required)
Chabad of Lake Norman is hosting this Menorah workshop for kids at The Home Depot. They’ll build their own Menorah, enjoy a special Chanukah story time, and have traditional Chanukah snacks. More info.
Chanukah Festival at Symphony Park
Sunday, December 18th, 2022
4:30 p.m.
Symphony Park
4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC
Free (but follow link to register)
Chabad of Charlotte is presenting this free family event, which includes music, a fire show, latkes, donuts, dreidels, and the lighting of a giant LED menorah.
More info on Chanukah Festival
Family Hanukkah Breakfast with Clifford the Big Red Dog
Sunday, December 18th, 2022
9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Lerner Hall, Levine JCC, 5007 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC
Kids are free. Adults who are members of the JCC: $10. Adults who are not members: $15
Celebrate Hannukah with a morning of breakfast, activities, music and FUN with Clifford the dog. For families with children ages 6 and under. Registration required by December 14th.
Hanukkah with Temple Kol Tikvah
Sunday, December 18th, 2022
5 to 8 p.m.
Davidson Village Green, Main Street and Concord Road, Davidson, NC
Free
Join the Jewish Council of LKN and Kol Tikvah Temple Youth) in a special community candle lighting. There will be a donut truck, crafts, games and more.
Menorah Lighting at StoneCrest
Monday, December 19th, 2022
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
StoneCrest at Piper Glen
7800 Rea Road, Charlotte, NC
Free
Meet at the Fountains Plaza. The celebration includes a laser show, LED juggler, music, latkes and donuts. In addition, there will be goody bags with crafts and fun for every family.
More info
Chanukah Celebration at Birkdale Village
Tuesday, December 20th, 2022
5:30 p.m.
Birkdale Village on the Green
8712 Lindholm Drive, Huntersville, NC
Free
Enjoy children’s crafts, latkes, donuts, hot drinks and more. Presented by Chabad of Lake Norman. More info.
Waxhaw Menorah Lighting
Wednesday, December 21st, 2022
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
111 E North Main Street, Waxhaw, NC
Free
The 8th Annual Menorah Lighting in Waxhaw is presented by Ballantyne Jewish Center. The celebration will be fun for the whole family. There will be donuts, latkes, hot drinks, crafts and music.
More info
Menorah Lighting in Matthews
Tuesday, December 20th, 2022
5:30 p.m.
Town Green Park, 232 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC
Free
The annual Menorah lighting will take place in front of Town Hall.
More info
Chanukah Wonderland
Chanukah Wonderland
December 18th to 22nd, 2022
15105 John J Delaney Drive, Charlotte
$10 per child
Registration is required for this fun event for kids age 2 and older. It includes Chanukah crafts, photo booth, Dance Dance Revolution, games, Chanukah snacks and more.
Menorah Lighting in Weddington
Thursday, December 22nd, 2022
5 p.m.
Weddington Town Hall
1924 Weddington Road, Weddington, NC
More info
Chanukah Concert with Yoel Sharabi
Saturday, December 24th, 2022
8 p.m.
Epstein Family Chabad Center
6619 Sardis Road, Charlotte, North Carolina
Free, but donations accepted
More information on Chanukah concert.
Charlotte on the Cheap is a member of 
Ariel DiDonato says
Why are all the events listed from Chabad agencies? Not that I don’t think these agencies are great, but it doesn’t mention anything of events that Temple Israel, Temple Beth El, the JCC or the Federation are offering. A little disappointed in Charlotte On The Cheap for not offering a better variety of options for the community.
Jody Mace says
We add the events as we become aware of them. I’d encourage all the synagogues to submit their events for inclusion. We are still adding events, and we would never intentionally exclude inexpensive public events from any synagogue. I expect more to be added to this list very soon.
Fred Shporer says
I find Charlotte on the Cheap listing all publicized Chanukah events as an excellent service. Ariel, what specific Chanukah event do you identify as COTC not listing? It appears that rather then being appreciative of the identified listings you are masking a problem with Chabad.