JCC Chicago Presents 8 Nights of Hanukkah In-Person and Virtual Programming Every Night For Families, Children, Teens & Adults In City and Suburbs From December 7-14
NORTHBROOK, IL (November 20, 2023) — JCC Chicago is thrilled to announce the return of the 8 Nights of Hanukkah celebration. In its fourth year celebrating all eight nights, the J welcomes children, families, teens and adults to nightly in-person or virtual programming across the suburbs and city.
There’s plenty of programming for the whole family to enjoy, with most of it being FREE!
The 2023 lineup includes:
1st Night, 1st Light: Camp Chi Hanukkah Kick-Off Party | Thursday, December 7, 5:30-7:30pm
Kick off Hanukkah with Camp Chi! Eat some tasty food, light the candles, play arcade games and celebrate the first night with your Camp Chi friends at The Revere inside the Marvin Lustbader Center at Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook. Free; registration requested.
2nd Night, 2nd Light: Virtual Hanukkah Storytime | Friday, December 8, 10am
Join JCC Chicago Inclusion Coordinator Rena Rosen & Manager, Family Programs Mathew Charnay for a virtual Hanukkah Storytime. Throughout the day, Mat & Rena will be sharing videos on JCC Chicago Facebook for your family to tune in and listen to! Curl up in your pajamas and get ready to hear the story before lighting the candles with your family.
3rd Night, 3rd Light: DIY Hanukkah Night | Saturday, December 9
If you and your family are looking for something to do this Shabbat, consider a Hanukkah-themed night. Mat Charnay, Manager of Family Programs, shares some ways your family can enjoy the day and connect!
4th Night, 4th Light at Gallagher Way | Sunday, December 10, 3-7pm
Light up Wrigleyville with a FREE Hanukkah celebration in partnership with Gallagher Way. There’s something for everyone, all are welcome! Light the candles on the BIG menorah, enjoy live entertainment and explore Christkindlmarket. Then, teens and young adults will get free entry into Gallagher Way’s Winterland for special winter activities. Limited capacity available; pre-registration is required. Registration closes December 9 at 11:59pm.
5th Night, 5th Light with Apachi Day Camp | Monday, December 11, Various Times
JCC Chicago’s Apachi Day Camp will host FREE in-person, family-friendly events featuring cookie decorating and a special drive-up celebration at two locations in the suburbs (Northbrook and Evanston). Find a location nearest you and learn more at jccchicago.org/8nights.
5th Night, 5th Light: Film Screening: “Less Than Kosher” & Talkback | Monday, December 11, 7pm
At 20, Viv was a promising young singer. At 30, her failing music career has forced her back into her mother’s basement. But when this self-proclaimed “bad Jew” reluctantly lands a job as a Cantor at her family’s synagogue, she’s thrown into a wild ride of illicit affairs, drug trips and some serious Jewish bops. Continue the conversation after the film with Actress, Writer and Creator Shaina Silver-Baird. Adult content intended for ages 18+. $5 per person including popcorn from partner Highland Pop; registration required.
6th Night, 6th Light: Family Challah Bake | Tuesday, December 12, 7-8pm
Join Anya Viner, owner of Tigertail Bakery, to learn how to braid and decorate Challahkiahs at Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook. Registration includes pre-made dough from a local kosher bakery, decorations, baking pan and foil to take home to bake. $25 per family (4 people max), registration is required.
7th Night, 7th Light: Teen Hanukkah Party | Wednesday, December 13, 6:30-8:30pm
Celebrate Hanukkah with JCC Chicago teens, BBYO, Springboard, NCSY, USY, NFTY and Keshet at The Revere inside Marvin Lustbader Center at Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook! Teens in 7th-12th grade can drop in for friendly Hanukkah competitions like Lite-Brite Design and dreidel competitions, photo booth, fill your own sufganiyot, Maccabee dodgeball tournament and music. Registration requested; bring your friends!
8th Night, 8th Light: Latkes, Libations & Lo-mein | Thursday, December 14, 6-8pm
Young professionals in their 20s/30s can nosh their hearts out with latkes and libations at Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook. Listen to live music, play games, and eat some tasty Chinese food. $5 per person.
For more information on JCC Chicago’s 8 Nights of Hanukkah celebration, please contact Dakota Karson, dkarson@jccchicago.org to be put in touch a program director. Learn more about these amazing programs and how to register at jccchicago.org/8nights.
About JCC Chicago:
JCC (Jewish Community Centers) Chicago, founded in 1903 and rooted in Jewish values, offers a life-affirming journey fostering a connected, inclusive community from birth through senior years. With a focus on growing good kids and building connections, it is JCC Chicago’s mission to strengthen the Jewish community, from generation to generation. Today, JCC Chicago serves a diverse population of more than 65,000 community members who learn, grow, and thrive through early childhood, day and overnight camps, teen, adult and family offerings, fitness and wellness, aquatics & sports and special events and happenings year-round. For more information on JCC Chicago programming and commitment to community visit, www.jccchicago.org.