Hanukkah 2026 runs from the evening of Dec. 4-12. We gathered up a few local celebrations for the whole family.
Pre-Chanukah events
The Chabad of South Palm Beach presents a pre-Chanukah Women of Wisdom event, “Beaten & Beautiful,” at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 29 at Chabad of South Palm Beach, 224 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan. The program includes creating hammered wire jewelry with artist Mary Christou of Wire & Wings Studio, a conversation with Chaya Estrin, and a shawarma bar with Chanukah treats. Tickets are $40. RSVP at chabadspb.org/rsvp
“Maccabees Go to the Movies”
This festive Chanukah Shabbat service and Celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 with services at Temple Beth El’s Schaefer Family Campus, 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. At 7:30 p.m. the celebrating begins with the clergy and choirs performing an entertaining parody featuring beloved movie music and unforgettable songs from the big screen. Characters like Rocky, Olaf, Forest Gump, the Ghostbusters and Darth Vader sing and dance. A dinner catered by Artisan Foods follows services. Dinner for members is $35 adults, $20 ages 4-12, free for children ages 3 and under. Guests: $40 adults, $25 ages 4-12, free for children ages 3 and under. Early purchase discount until Nov. 24. Deadline to register is Nov. 30. Contact Elinor at EJosephson@tbeboca.org or 561- 314-2833.
Adults-only Chanukah Party
Boca Beach Chabad, 490 E. Palmetto Park Road, will host “Fire Up Your Soul,” an adults-only Chanukah party, at 8 p.m. Dec. 5 featuring mentalist David Jaison, a latke bar and an open bar. Tickets are $54. Register here.
Old School Square Menorah Lighting
The annual Chanukah Festival & Menorah Lighting takes place again at the amphitheater at Old School Square at 5 p.m. Dec. 6 at 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Hosted by the city of Delray and Chabad of East Delray, the free, family-friendly celebration features music, latkes, donuts, bounce houses, children's activities and a giant bubble show, but the highlight of the night is the lighting of the menorah. www.facebook.com/share/1DvzV7aUhf/ or www.jewisheastdelray.com
Chanukah in West Delray
Chabad at the City of Delray Beach hosts Chanukah at Delray Marketplace at 5 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Delray Marketplace Amphitheater, 9025 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. This community celebration features hot cocoa, donuts and latkes, a fire truck gelt drop, inflatables and musical performance by the Hebrew School. The best part is lighting the giant 9-foot ice menorah. A suggested donation of $36 per family is requested. 561-285-1024 or www.delrayjewish.org/.
Chabad of South Palm Beach hosts two free events
The 21st annual Chanukah Concert & Grand Menorah Lighting at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Plaza del Mar, 224 S. Ocean Blvd, Manalapan. Hot latkes and donuts will be served and it’s free to attend.
Light Up Lake Worth Beach takes place at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 7 in Cultural Plaza, 414 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach. Chabad hosts a menorah lighting and celebration with live music, hot latkes and a kid’s activity zone.
Both events are free. Info: www.chabadspb.org or 561-889-3499.
Fire & Ice
Light the menorah with the B’nai Torah community at its Hanukkah Extravaganza from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at B’nai Torah Congregation, 6261 SW 18th St., Boca Raton. Featuring dancing LED robots, fire dancers, snow globe photo ops, and appearance by Elsa and Olaf from “Frozen,” and a latke bar and Sufganiyot. Members: $10 per person or $36 for a family; guests: $15 and $45. A family is considered parents and children who live at home. Register here or call 561-392-8566.
Zusha Live in Concert
Boca Beach Chabad hosts a performance by Zusha at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 in Sanborn Square, 72 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. The event also features Rabbi Liraz Zeira and Omri Goren. Tickets start at $20 for adults, with children age 10 and younger admitted free with a ticketed adult. Seating is first come, first served. Get tickets here or call 561-394-9770.
Hooray for Chanukah!
Enjoy a special Chanukah cabaret written, directed and performed by congregant Rachel Matz Hunter, along with a talented group of friends, at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at Temple Beth El’s Schaefer Family Campus, 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. Featuring beloved songs that have made the journey from stage to screen, this festive evening will begin with the lighting of the Chanukah candles. $18 per person. Register here or call 561-391-8900.
Chanukah Shabbat
Congregation B’nai Israel will hold a Chanukah Shabbat at 6 p.m. Dec. 11 in the Pollock Family Courtyard, 2200 Yamato Road, Boca Raton. A lighting of the Chanukah and shabbat candles is followed by a Sufganiyot (jelly donut) Oneg. A free raffle, gelt and dreidels are part of the festivities. Bring an unwrapped toy or gift card to support the Kantor Family Center for Justice Holiday Toy Drive. Registration is required here or call 561-241-8118.
Compiled by Janis Fontaine
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