Hannukah 2018 Events In The North Suburbs

The North Shore is home to many opportunities to celebrate Hanukkah this year. The eight-day celebration begins on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 2 and ends at sundown on Dec. 10.

Known as the "Festival of Lights," the holiday commemorates the the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after it was recaptured by Jewish forces in the second century B.C.

A small group of warriors led by Judah the Maccabee drove Greek fighters from the temple but found only enough olive oil for one night. Instead, the oil lasted eight days, allowing for new oil to be prepared under conditions of ritual purity, according to a history of the holiday from Chabad.

Hanukkah, which translates to "dedication," is also often spelled Chanukah due to differences in transliterating the Hebrew letter ח (Heth).

Chanukah Wonderland
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 2-3
Northbrook Court, 1515 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook

The Chanukah Wonderland returns to Northbrook Court with a giant dreidel moon bounce, olive press demonstration, face painting, menorah-making work shop, doughnut decorating, gelt pouches, candle making, dreidel-stuffing and more. Taking place in a larger space this year, the event is located on the lower level near the fountains in the center of the mall. The wonderland is also open during off hours for private groups by appointment. Tickets are $10 per child. More info...

Hanukkah Happenings
10-11:30 a.m., Dec. 2
Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills

The annual Hanukkah celebration at Hawthorn Mall features crafts, photo booth and music. This free event is hosted by Northwest Suburban Jewish Connectors and co-hosted by Congregation Beth Am, Congregation Beth Judea, BJE, Camp Henry Horner, Interfaith Jewish Families, JCC of Chicago, JUF Young Families, Congregation Or Shalom and Shir Hadash Synagogue. Advanced registration is requested. Attendees were asked to bring a new pair of gloves or hat to donate to those less fortunate. More info...

Chanukah at The Mall
2-5 p.m., Dec. 2; 3-5:30 p.m. Dec. 3 to Dec. 6; 7:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 8; 1-3:30 p.m. Dec. 9
Old Orchard Mall, 4905 Old Orchard Center in Skokie

There will crafts, music and refreshments at Cube Park at the Old Orchard mall ahead of menorah lighting every night of Hanukkah. The event is hosted by Chabad of Skokie. The event begins Sunday with storytime at Barnes & Noble before facepaint and a live olive oil pressing demonstration. More info...

Grand Chanukah Menorah Lighting
5:30 p.m., Dec. 5
Fountain Square, Davis Street at Sherman and Orrington avenues

A 10-foot menorah will be lit in Fountain Square on Wednesday. Mayor Steve Hagerty, along with members of Evanston's civic, business and communities will be on hand. The event will feature music from The Cheder Boys Choir and refreshements. More info...

JUF Young Families Celebrates Chanukah
9:30-11:30 a.m., Dec. 9
Kohl Children's Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd. in Glenview

Families are invited to celebrate Hanukkah and light the menorah on the second Sunday of the festival. The event is being hosted by jBaby Chicago and PJ Library. More info...

Evanston Children's Choir Holiday Concert
3 p.m., Dec. 16
Alice Millar Chapel 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois

Directors Gary Geiger, Sarah Bartolome and Bryan Johnson will lead the Evanston Children’s Choir in its most popular concert of the year, with music celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas. The event is free with donations accepted. More info...

Have another event you'd like to see listed? Email Northbrook@Patch.com or add the event information in the comments below.