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, festivals and other celebrations.
Some of the events include free food. Traditional foods to eat on Hanukkah are potato latkes (potato pancakes), doughnuts (especially jelly-filled) and chocolate gelt (chocolate candy.)
Hanukkah begins the evening of Wednesday, December 25, 2024, and the final evening to celebrate is Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
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 candle is lit, 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.
Family Hanukkah Breakfast with Clifford the Big Red Dog
Family Hanukah Breakfast with Clifford the Big Red Dog
Sunday, December 1, 2024
9:30 to 11 a.m.
Levine Jewish Community Center
5007 Providence Road, Charlotte, North Carolina
$12 for JCC members; $18 for non-members; $6 for children. Free for children age 1 and under.
This event is for families with children ages 6 and under. Enjoy breakfast, Hanukkah activities and fun with Clifford the Big Red Dog.
Chanukah Open House at Discovered Traditions Gift Shop
Chanukah Open House at Discovered Traditions
Sunday, December 8, 2024
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Temple Beth El
4101 Providence Road, Charlotte, North Carolina
Free
Browse the gift shop’s Chanukah collection, while enjoying hot cocoa and cookies. There will be door prize drawings every half hour and a free gift wrapping station.
Chanukah Workshop at Home Depot
Chanukah Workshop
Sunday, December 15, 2024
2 to 3 p.m.
Home Depot Cornelius
17111 Statesville Road, Cornelius, NC
$1 (reservation required and space is limited)
Kids can make their own dreidel set, and enjoy Chanukah treats like latkes and gelt.
Chanukah Celebration at Symphony Park
Chanukah Festival
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
4:30 p.m.
Symphony Park
4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte, North Carolina
Free
Enjoy food, music, family-entertainment, doughnuts and latkes. The event culminates with the grand menorah lighting and a special performance at 5:30 p.m.
Waxhaw Menorah Lighting
Waxhaw Menorah Lighting
Thursday, December 26, 2024
5 p.m.
W. North Main Street, Waxhaw, NC
Ballantyne Jewish Center is presenting the annual Menorah Lighting in Waxhaw. Children’s activities will start at 5 p.m. and the Menorah lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m.
Menorah Lighting in Matthews
Menorah Lighting in Matthews
Thursday, December 26, 2024
5:30 p.m.
Matthews Town Hall
243 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC
Free
This annual Menorah lighting typically includes music, dreidels, Chanukah treats, and more.
Chanukah Celebration at Birkdale Village
The Menorah Lighting at Birkdale Village
Sunday, December 29, 2024
5:30 p.m.
Birkdale Village on the Green
8712 Lindholm Drive, Huntersville, NC
Free
Enjoy children’s crafts, latkes, donuts, gelt (chocolate candy) and more. Presented by Chabad of Lake Norman.
Menorah Lighting at StoneCrest
Menorah Lighting at StoneCrest
Sunday, December 29, 2024
4 to 6:30 p.m.
StoneCrest at Piper Glen
7800 Rea Road, Charlotte, NC
Free
The StoneCrest Menorah lighting includes music, fun activities for the kids, crafts, carnival booths, hot drinks, latkes and donuts. The location this year is the parking lot near Regal StoneCrest. The Menorah will be lit at 5:30 p.m.
Chanukah on Ice
Chanukah on Ice
Monday, December 30, 2024
4:30 p.m.
Extreme Ice Center, 4705 Indian Trail Fairview Road, Indian Trail, NC
Admission is free; Skate rental is $5
Skate around a giant Menorah on the ice to Jewish music, and enjoy latkes and donuts. There will be arts and crafts for children. The giant Menorah will be lit at 5:15 p.m.
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.