Public Menorah Lighting & 'Chanukah Village' Celebration Scheduled In Fairfield

News release from Chabad of Fairfield:

FAIRFIELD, CT — Chabad of Fairfield will host its annual public Menorah lighting and Chanukah celebration on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, the first night of Chanukah, at Sherman Green. The event, free and open to the entire community, features the lighting of a 12-foot menorah and follows the popular Chanukah Village along Post Road from 2–4 p.m.

“Chanukah Village and the Menorah lighting bring joy, family connection, and a universal message of light triumphing over darkness,” said Rabbi Shlame Landa, who co-directs Chabad of Fairfield with his wife, Miriam. “For many in Fairfield, the Sherman Green Menorah lighting is the highlight of the holiday season — a true beacon of light for our town.”

A Festive Chanukah Village Along Post Road

The Chanukah Village begins at the Sherman Green Gazebo, families will pick up an activity map and visit participating shops along Post Road that will transform into a festive holiday village. Highlights include:

• Face painting
• Story time
• Balloon sculpting
• Chanukah nail art
• A party room and photo booth
• “Maccabee Jiu-Jitsu Training” for kids
• Photo opportunities with “Judah the Maccabee”

Traditional Chanukah treats — including latkes, donuts, and chocolate gelt — will be served. Children will also receive complimentary dreidels and menorah kits to take home.
The event is free of charge. RSVPs are encouraged at JewishFairfield.org/ChanukahVillage. All registrations received by Dec. 12 will receive a surprise gift at check-in.

Part of a Global Chanukah Awareness Campaign

Chanukah celebrates the power of every individual to bring light, goodness, and kindness into the world. In 1973, the Rebbe — Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory — launched the worldwide Chanukah awareness initiative, encouraging public menorahs to spread this message far and wide. As part of this global campaign, Chabad will set up more than 15,000 public menorahs in over 100 countries, including near iconic landmarks such as the White House, the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, and Plymouth Rock.

“Chanukah carries a timeless message of light, liberty, and kindness,” Rabbi Landa said. “May the lights of the menorah inspire each of us to shine our own light, strengthen our faith, and increase acts of goodness throughout our community.”

EVENT DETAILS

• What: Fairfield Chanukah Village & Public Menorah Lighting

• Where: Chanukah Village: Post Road, beginning at Sherman Green Gazebo Menorah Lighting: Sherman Green Gazebo, 1451 Post Rd, Fairfield, CT

• When: Chanukah Village: 2–4 p.m. | Menorah Lighting: 4:00 p.m.
• Cost: Free; sponsorship opportunities available
• RSVP: JewishFairfield.org/ChanukahVillage

Additional Chanukah Events in Fairfield : Chabad of Fairfield will host several other community-wide events throughout the holiday.

Public Menorah Lighting at Pequot Library

• When: Monday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m.
• Where: Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Ave, Southport, CT
• RSVP: https://www.JewishFairfield.org/7131618

CTeen Chanukah “Kindness Party Bus”

• When: Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 4:30–7:00 p.m,
• Where: Meet at Chabad - 452 Brookside Drive
• What: Local teens will ride a festive party bus, sing Chanukah songs, play games, and visit retirement homes across Fairfield to spread holiday joy to seniors.
• RSVP: http://JewishFairfield.org/7125735/

ABOUT CHABAD OF FAIRFIELD

Chabad of Fairfield provides Jewish education, community engagement, and social-service programming for individuals and families of all ages, backgrounds, and affiliations. For more information, visit https://www.jewishfairfield.org/

ABOUT CHANUKAH

Chanukah, the eight-day Festival of Lights, begins the evening of Sunday, Dec. 14 and concludes the evening of Monday, Dec. 22. The holiday commemorates the victory of a small, spiritually strong Jewish people over the Syrian-Greeks, who sought to suppress religious freedom. Upon reclaiming the Holy Temple, only one undefiled jar of oil remained — enough for one day — yet it miraculously burned for eight. Today, Chanukah symbolizes the triumph of freedom over oppression and light over darkness.

Additional information is available at www.JewishFairfield.org/Chanukah2025.

— Flyer from Chabad of Fairfield