Tampa Bay's Largest Chanukah Celebration Returns For 13th Year

WESLEY CHAPEL, FL — The 13th annual Chanukah Street Festival will take place Sunday, Dec. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Grove at Wesley Chapel and include a COVID-safe menorah lighting featuring one of the largest menorahs (12 feet high) in Tampa Bay.

The outdoor event was moved to the Grove to accommodate the large crowds with socially distanced seating as well as a stay-in-your-car drive-in option.

“Even though this year is different, we wanted to ensure the Chanukah Street Festival would be bigger and better than ever,” said Chanie Yarmush, co-director of Chabad at Wiregrass. “We knew that after the uncertainty and stress of the last few months, we need an opportunity to come together publicly to celebrate Chanukah in a safe, unified and memorable way.”

Featured entertainment will include a BMX bike stunt show, live klezmer music by the Fraylekh band, comedy, stilt walkers, raffles and more. Prepackaged holiday food will be distributed. All are welcome and there is no charge to participate.

"I want my kids to grow up with pride in their Jewish heritage and a feeling of equality and self-confidence as Americans,” said Alicia Zicchino of Lutz. “I wish they had this where I grew up.”

The menorah lighting is part of the worldwide Chanukah campaign, an initiative launched by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, in 1973. The campaign highlights and encourages the central theme of the holiday — publicizing the story of the Hanukkah miracle.

“The menorah serves as a symbol of dedication to preserve and encourage the right and liberty of all its citizens to worship G‑d freely, openly and with pride. This is true especially in America, a nation that was founded upon and vigorously protects the right of every person to practice his or her religion free from restraint and persecution,” said Rabbi Mendy Yarmush.