Celebrate Hanukkah in Charlotte with these menorah lightings, local meals
Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish celebration also known as the Festival of Lights, lasts from sundown on Thursday, Dec. 7 through Friday, Dec. 15. And for those days and festive nights, you’re going to need something to eat and events to gather for celebrations in the Charlotte area.
The holiday — also spelled Chanukah — marks the Maccabees’ uprising against the Syrian Greek army and the miracle that followed. Just enough oil was found to illuminate the menorah, or lamp, in the newly rededicated Holy Temple in Jerusalem for one day, but it lasted for eight full days.
Traditional foods eaten during the Jewish celebration the include challah, brisket, latkes, rugalach and sufganiyot (which are jelly-filled doughnuts).
Locally, there are several events planned, as well as places making food for the holiday.
Charlotte Hanukkah events in 2023
Celebrate the holiday with these gatherings in the Charlotte area:
Chanukah at Chabad Center for Jewish Life
Location: 6619 Sardis Road Charlotte, NC 28270
When: Dec. 7-15
Activities will continue throughout Hanukkah.
Price: Varies
Waxhaw Menorah Lighting
Hanukkah meals in 2023
Pre-order food for the holiday from a Charlotte business:
Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen
Location: 4001-C Yancey Rd. #100, Charlotte, NC 28217
Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen is offering a Hanukkah menu that includes gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan choices. Entree offerings include beef brisket, seared Corvina filet or salmon, Frenched chicken breast or spaghetti squash with eggplant caponata. Braided Challah is available and served with honey butter.
Side dish choices are:
- Brussels sprouts with white balsamic and honey glaze
- 3-piece crispy potato cake with house made apple sauce and sour cream
- Carrots with orange and ginger glaze
- Mac and cheese with smoked gouda and white cheddar
- Honey thyme roasted root vegetables
Price: Price varies, as items are a la carte. For example, Beef brisket is $70, and seared salmon is $68. Challah is $26. Orange Olive Oil Cake with Raspberry Jam is $6 per slice or a cake for $20.
How to order: Online
Deadline: Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. for Dec. 7 pickup; Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. for Dec. 8 pickup; or Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. for Dec. 15 pickup
Pickup: Pickup or delivery Dec. 15
Kosher Charlotte
Location: 6619 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC 28270
This kosher food service offers individual servings of options including bagels and lox, sandwiches, hummus bowls and salads, or deli platters for serving larger crowds.
Price: Prices vary, as items are a la carte. A bagel and lox box is $14 per person, or platters are available for 10+ people, starting at $160.
How to order: Order online
Deadline: Two hours’ notice is needed Monday-Thursday. Shabbat takeout orders are due Wednesday by midnight. Daily menu orders for Friday are due by Thursday midnight. Kosher Charlotte is closed Saturday and Sunday but is available for weekend catering events.
Pickup: Pickup or delivery is available.
The Salty Donut
Location: 1515 S Tryon St #105, Charlotte, NC 28203
The Salty is offering traditional Sufganiyot, made with a 24-hour mini brioche filled with strawberry jam and rolled in powdered sugar.
Price: $3.25 each
Deadline: ASAP
Pickup: When you schedule it before Dec. 17
Your Mom’s Donuts
Location: 11025 Monroe Rd, Matthews, NC 28105
Location: Park Road Shopping Center, 4205 Park Road Charlotte, NC 28209
The bakery — which is closed at both locations Mondays and Tuesdays — will offer raspberry sufganiyot throughout December for pre-orders and walk-in customers, although the treats sell out frequently.
Price: $4.50 each
Deadline: When you set it.
Pickup: When you set it. Delivery is also available.
This story was originally published November 24, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
