How and when to celebrate Hanukkah in the Triangle: A 2023 list of events
We’ve put together a list of all Hanukkah celebrations taking place across the Triangle this holiday season.
It is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays, also spelled “Chanukah” and known as the Festival of Lights. This year, it will begin at sundown on Thursday, Dec. 7 and end after eight nights on Friday, Dec. 15.
We’ll update this list throughout December, so bookmark it online and check back often. If you see something we missed that you think we should include, let us know by emailing ask@newsobserver.com.
Sunday, December 3
▪ Handmade Hanukkah Market: Jewish artisans will be selling their work including jewelry, baked goods, pottery, textiles and woodwork. When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Temple Beth Or, 5315 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh Info: tboraleigh.org/handmade
▪ Hanukkah Festival: Kick off the Hanukkah season with this annual Hanukkah festival featuring a Kids’ Corner with arts and crafts, face painting, PJ Library activities, plus Judaica goods/crafts for sale from local synagogues. Latkes and suganiyot for sale at the J Cafe. Menorah lighting at 4:30 p.m. When: 2-5 p.m. Where: Levin JCC, 1937 West Cornwallis Road, Durham Info: jewishforgood.org/hanukkah
Sunday, December 10
▪ Apex Chanukah Festival: Join for holiday crafts, a chocolate gelt drop, Yakk Kosher food truck and more. Chanukah Wonderland 3-5 p.m. and Grand Menorah Lighting at 5 p.m. When: 3 pm. Where: Apex Senior Center, 63 Hunter St. in Apex Info: apexnc.org/1871/Chanukah-Festival
▪ Triangle Jewish Chorale: Jewish Music Near and Far: In a variety of languages, the Triangle Jewish Chorale presents Hanukkah selections and melodies of praise and reflection. Free admission. When: 3 p.m. Where: Jewish for Good, 1937 W. Cornwallis Rd. in Durham Info: trianglejewishchorale.org
▪ Menorah Lighting on the Green: Join Lafayette Village and Chabad Center of Raleigh for the Grand Menorah Lighting with live music, a petting zoo, latkes, donuts, crafts, hot drinks, Gelt Drop, Yalla! food truck and more. When: 3:45 p.m. Where: Lafayette Village, 8450 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh Info: lafayettevillageraleigh.com
Wednesday, December 13
▪ Hanukkah Menorah Lighting: Gather outside the Cary Arts Center to light the menorah on the seventh night of Hanukkah. Cary has partnered with the Beth Shalom congregation, Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary and Chabad of Cary for a special celebration with treats, fun for kids and holiday music for all. When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Where: Old Library Site, 310 S. Academy in Cary Info: carync.gov
Thursday, December 14
▪ Morrisville Menorah Lighting: A special ceremony with a live flame lighting for the last night of Hanukkah. There will be hot cider, Hanukkah donuts, and a performance by Jewish recording artist Tali Yess. When: 6-7 p.m. Where: Indian Creek Trail Head, 101 Town Hall Dr. in Morrisville Info: morrisvillenc.gov
This story was originally published December 2, 2023 at 8:10 AM with the headline "How and when to celebrate Hanukkah in the Triangle: A 2023 list of events."
