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 Thursday, December 7, 2023, and the final evening to celebrate is Sunday, December 14.
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.
Chanukah Workshop at The Home Depot for Kids
Chanukah Workshop
Sunday, December 3, 2023
2:30 p.m.
The Home Depot
17111 Statesville Road, Cornelius, NC
$1 (registration required)
Presented by Chabad Lake Norman, this program offers kids the chance to make a dreidel set, and enjoy Chanukkah storytime, as well as latkes, gelt and more.
Chanukah Celebration at Birkdale Village
The Menorah Lighting at Birkdale Village
Thursday, December 7, 2023
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.
Menorah Lighting at StoneCrest
Menorah Lighting at StoneCrest
Thursday, December 7, 2023
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
StoneCrest at Piper Glen
7800 Rea Road, Charlotte, NC
Free
The tenth annual StoneCrest Menorah lighting will take place at The Fountains Plaza. There will be music, fun activities for the kids, latkes and donuts. Also, goody bags with crafts. CMPD and private security will be on site.
Hanukkah! On the Green in Davidson
Hanukkah! On the Green
Saturday, December 9, 2023
5 to 8 p.m.
Davidson Village Green
119 S Main Street, Davidson, North Carolina
The Jewish Council of Lake Norman and the Temple Kol Tikvah Youth are hosting this celebration.
Family Hanukkah Breakfast with Clifford the Big Red Dog
Family Hanukah Breakfast with Clifford the Big Red Dog
Sunday, December 10, 2023
9:30 to 11 a.m.
Levine Jewish Community Center
5007 Providence Road, Charlotte, North Carolina
$10 for JCC members; $15 for non-members; Free for children
This event is for families with children ages 6 and under. Enjoy breakfast, Hanukkah activities and fun with Clifford the Big Red Dog.
Chanukah Concert with Nissim Black
Chanukah concert with Chassidic Rapper Nissim Black
Sunday, December 10, 2023
6 p.m.
Le Méridien
555 S McDowell Street, Charlotte, NC
$36, with early bird price of $32. Use promo code EARLYBIRD.
Chabad of Charlotte is presenting this concert. It starts with a Menorah lighting ceremony. There are also group discounts: $90 for 3 people and $110 for 4 people.
Menorah Lighting in Matthews
Menorah Lighting in Matthews
Monday, December 11, 2023
5:30 p.m.
Matthews Town Hall
243 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC
Free
This annual Menorah lighting, presented by Chabad of Charlotte and ZABS Place, includes music, dreidels, Chanukah treats, Judah the Maccabee and more.
Waxhaw Menorah Lighting
Waxhaw Menorah Lighting
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
5:30 p.m.
111 E North Main Street, Waxhaw, North Carolina
Ballantyne Jewish Center is presenting the ninth annual Menorah Lighting in Waxhaw.
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.