Celebrate Hanukkah in 2024: Triangle menorah lightings, gift markets & events for kids
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 Wednesday, Dec. 25 and end after eight nights on Thursday, Jan. 2.
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.
Hanukkah events in Raleigh/Durham
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4
Grand Menorah Lighting in The Pit at UNC: Celebrate Chanukah with a Grand Menorah Lighting in the Pit with Chancellor Roberts. 11:45 a.m. on UNC Chapel Hill’s campus.
SUNDAY, DEC. 8
Handmade Hanukkah Market: This annual event showcases crafts and handiwork from Jewish artisans. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Temple Beth Or, 5315 Creedmoor Rd. in Raleigh.
SUNDAY, DEC. 15
Hanukkah 8K & Fun Run: This event is for runners and casual walkers. Donuts and Hanukkah gelt served at the end. Participants are asked to RSVP before the event. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Levin JCC, 1937 W Cornwallis Rd. in Durham.
SUNDAY, DEC. 22
Hanukkah Festival with Jewish for Good: The annual event will include latkas for sale, sugar cookie decorating, dreidel decorating, a menorah lighting and more. Participants are asked to RSVP before the event. 2-5 p.m. at Levin JCC, 1937 W Cornwallis Rd. in Durham.
THURSDAY, DEC. 26
Menorah Lighting & Chanukah Celebration at Crabtree: The menorah is located on the second floor near Abercrombie. Join for the menorah lighting, donuts, songs and more. This is a free event but donations are appreciated. 4:30 p.m. at Crabtree Valley Mall, 4325 Glenwood Ave. in Raleigh.
FRIDAY, DEC. 27
Menorah Lighting in Morrisville: General parking at Town Hall or behind the Town Connecter Building. 4 p.m. at the Indian Creek Greenway and Trailhead, 101 Town Hall Dr. in Morrisville.
SUNDAY, DEC. 29
Chanukah Festival in Apex: This event is organized by Chabad of Cary and will feature games, crafts, food and will end with a menorah lighting on Town Campus. Participants can park on Town Hall Campus or anywhere downtown. Children’s activities 3:30-5:30 p.m. and menorah lighting 5 p.m. at the Apex Senior Center, 63 Hunter St. in Apex.
Chanukah Parade in Raleigh: The event will include a petting zoo, latkes, donuts, live music, a gelt drop, a photo booth and more. The parade will start 2:45 p.m. at LaFayette Village, 8450 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh.
MONDAY, DEC. 30
Cary’s Hanukkah Menorah Lighting: Visit Downtown Cary Park for the menorah lighting on the 6th night of Hanukkah. Enjoy an activity for kids, holiday music, a sweet treat and the lighting of the menorah. The menorah at Cary Arts Center will be lit each evening through Jan. 2. 5:30-6:30 p.m. at 327 S. Academy St. in Cary
TUESDAY, DEC. 31
Downtown Raleigh public menorah lighting: Head to downtown Raleigh at 6 p.m. in front of the Martin Marietta Center for Performing Arts, 2 E. South St. Hosted by Chabad Young Professionals. Mayor Janet Cowell and former Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin will lead the ceremony, followed by warm drinks, latkes and doughnuts.
This story was originally published November 29, 2024 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Celebrate Hanukkah in 2024: Triangle menorah lightings, gift markets & events for kids."
