8 Phoenix Hanukkah 2019 Events To Bring In The Holiday Spirit

PHOENIX, AZ ­— Hanukkah (or “Chanukah”) is a Jewish light festival Dec. 22-30 featuring special prayers, a nightly menorah lighting, and fried foods. It commemorates the reclamation of the Jerusalem Holy Temple from the Greeks by a small group of Jews, and it celebrates the temple’s rededication thereafter, according to Chabad.org. With JewishVirtualLibrary.org ranking Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale combined as the 11th highest Jewish population in the U.S. as of 2018, it’s no wonder Phoenix has quite a few Hanukkah activities this holiday season. These 8 can help usher in the holiday spirit:

1. Hanukkah Community Cultural Festival of Lights Celebration, Dec. 15, 2-4 p.m., Arizona Jewish Historical Society, 122 E. Culver St., Phoenix. Open to the public and family friendly, this event includes Hanukkah gelt, dreidel games, grape juice and sweet sufganiyot (deep-fried jelly donuts). Attendees can bring their own menorahs. Info: 480-865-4710. RSVP: oradaminfo@gmail.com.
2. Barnes & Noble Chanukah Story Hour hosted by Chabad Jewish Center of North Phoenix, Dec. 18, 3:30-4:30 p.m., 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste. 42, Phoenix. The event is open to all, and a Chanukah craft and story invite the Chanukah spirit. 480-538-8520.
3. Paint Night – Happy Hanukkah hosted by Craft Nights Studio and North 32nd, Thurs., Dec. 19, 7-9 p.m., 3241 E. Shea Blvd., Ste. 9A, Phoenix. The step-by-step painting class doesn't require any artistic ability, according to Craft Nights Studio's website. A 16 by 20-inch canvas, paint, brushes and instruction are included in the $24 admission price. Payment is due when reservations are booked.
4. 2019 Happy Hanukkah 8K – Eight Crazy Nights – Phoenix, Dec. 22, 7 p.m. through Tuesday Dec. 31 at 7 p.m., 2727 W. Agua Fria Fwy., Phoenix. Events include Medal and Bib: Participants from the USA ($20 + $3.10 fee), Medal and Bib: Participants Outside the USA ($30 + $3.76 fee), and Bib Only (No Medal) Worldwide ($9 + $2.37 fee). 602-869-8070.
5. Chabad of Phoenix’s Chanukah on the Lawn, Sun., Dec. 22, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Biltmore Fashion Park, 2502 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. Event includes a grand menorah lighting, popcorn and hot cocoa, latkes and jelly donuts, family entertainment, a live DJ and Chanukah crafts. Info: Chabadaz.com/lawn.
6. Grand Menorah Lighting - High Street - Desert Ridge, Dec. 22, 4:30 p.m., 5415 E. High St. (in the fountain court), Phoenix. An annual menorah lighting and Jewish pride event includes frozen and festive crafts, ice menorah, latkes and hot cocoa, the opportunity to create your own donut and more. Free admission.
7. Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration, Dec. 23, 5 p.m., Crescent Ballroom, 302 N. 2nd Ave., Phoenix. Includes a Hanukkah playlist, certified kosher beer, homemade jelly donuts and latkes. All ages welcome, free admission, food prices vary. 602-716-2222.
8. Hanukkah Game Night, Sat., Dec. 28, 4:45 p.m., Beth El Phoenix, 1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix. Includes 4:45 p.m. Mincha, Learning and Ma’ariv; 6 p.m. Havdahah and Hanukkiah lighting; and a game night and latke party. Attendees are encouraged to bring board games and a Hanukkiah to light. Trivia, dreidel and raffles are also part of the festivities. $36 admission for a family of 4, or $10 per person. RSVP at www.bethelphoenix.com or by calling 602-944-3359.