View a Charlotte menorah lighting and celebrate Hanukkah 2022 with these events
Hanukkah is here, and it’s time to make holiday plans in the Charlotte.
The Jewish holiday — also spelled as Chanukah — celebrates the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Syrian-Greek Seleucids were driven out. One night’s worth of oil was found to light the temple’s menorah, but it lasted eight. Now, Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting a new flame on a menorah each night for eight nights.
This year, Hanukkah is celebrated from Sunday night, Dec. 18 through Monday, Dec. 26. First, pre-order your holiday meal. Then check out this list of ways you can celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights with events and activities in Charlotte.
Chanukah at Chabad Center for Jewish Life
Location: 6619 Sardis Road Charlotte, NC 28270
When: Sunday, Dec. 18-Monday, Dec. 26
Activities throughout Hanukkah include:
- Unite with Light Chanukah Festival on Sunday, Dec. 18 (see below for details).
- A Chanukah Gift Shop, open every Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Wednesday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., until Hanukkah, with a selection of gifts, toys, crafts and menorahs.
- A free Chanukah concert featuring Yoel Shabari on Saturday, Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. An RSVP is required, and a Mediterranean dinner of a falafel slider, hummus, Israeli salad is available to add on for $10.
Chanukah Laser Spectacular
Location: StoneCrest Shopping Center’s Fountains Plaza, 7832 Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
When: Monday, Dec. 19, 5:30 p.m.
The Ballantyne Jewish Center menorah lighting will include a laser show, a juggler with LED-lit items and latkes and doughnuts.
Price: Free
Drinks + Dreidels 5.0
Location: Ink N Ivy, 222 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Wednesday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Dress in cocktail attire and head to the Chabad Young Professionals of Uptown Charlotte and the Jewish Federation’s Drinks + Dreidels 5.0 event. It will feature an open bar and photo booth, a doughnut and latke bar, a menorah lighting and more.
Price: Tickets start at $30 per person, but sponsorship levels are available.
Matthews Menorah Lighting
Location: Matthews Town Hall, 232 Matthews Station St., Matthews, NC 28105
When: Tuesday, Dec. 20, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The town of Matthews’ menorah lighting ceremony will include kids activities such as Chanukah Sand Art, a photo opp with Judah the Maccabee and chocolate Chanukah gelt.
Price: Free
Menorah Lighting at Birkdale Village
Location: Birkdale Village, Sam Furr Road and Birkdale Commons Parkway, Huntersville, NC 28078
When: Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Light up the night in celebration of Hanukkah with Birkdale Village and Chabad of Lake Norman. Enjoy children’s crafts, doughnuts, latkes and gelt, and more during a traditional Menorah lighting ceremony, hosted in The Grove.
Price: Free
Sun City Chanukah Party
Location: The Lodge, 2955 Sun City Blvd., Fort Mill, SC 29707
When: Thursday, Dec. 22, 6:30 p.m.
Sun City’s Chanukah Party includes a menorah lighting and dinner with latkes, doughnuts and more.
Price: $15. RSVP to Rabbi@JewishBallantyne.com or 704-737-0555.
Waxhaw Menorah Lighting
This story was originally published December 12, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
