Happy Hanukkah, Atlanta! Also known as Chanukah, the Hebrew word for “dedication,” Hanukkah is the eight-day Jewish “festival of lights” celebrated annually each winter. The festival is comprised of nightly menorah lightings, special prayers and fried foods. Hanukkah is recognized because of the miraculous, historic defeat and liberation of the Jewish people from Greek rule – who possessed one of the mightiest armies on Earth. After the Jewish community reclaimed the Holy Land, they sought to light the Temple’s Menorah and found a single cruse of olive oil remaining. To their surprise, the oil, which was a one-day supply, lasted eight days until new oil could be prepared for ritual purity. Thus, the festival of Chanukah was implemented to commemorate these miracles!
Today, Hanukkah is observed with a menorah lit in Jewish households, each night consisting of the lighting, special blessings and traditional songs. Because the Hanukkah miracle involved oil, it is customary to eat fried foods that are cooked in oil. Classic dishes include potato latke and the Isreali favorite sufganya, a jelly-filled doughnut. Additionally, the well-known Hanukkah game, played with a dreidel, is played for things like coins and nuts, which are won or lost depending on which letter the dreidel lands on after being spun. If you’re hoping to celebrate Hanukkah in the Atlanta area, read on for events to attend in your community!
Celebrate Chanukah in Milton/Crabapple – 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Monday, December 23 at City of Milton’s Broadwell Pavilion
Gather at the Milton/Crabapple Chanukah celebration! Enjoy a grand menorah lighting, festival snacks, entertainment, music and more.
Grand Chanukah Celebration on the BeltLine – 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 25 at Chabad Intown on the BeltLine.
In partnership with the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, the BeltLine’s Grand Chanukah Celebration will feature a bounce house, fun activities, latkes, hot drinks, a fire eater and a Menorah Lighting Ceremony!
Chanukah in Roswell – 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Thursday, December 26 at Roswell Park
This free event at the heart of Roswell Park will showcase a Grand Menorah Lighting, sing-a-long, treats, latkes, music, free dreidels and more! The event is hosted by Chabad of Roswell and Chabad of North Fulton.
The Egg Drop – 8 p.m. – 1 a.m., Tuesday, December 24 at Smith’s Olde Bar
Presented by Atlanta Jewish Music Festival, Smith’s Olde Bar is hosting its first annual Egg Drop, which will include Chinese food, 2000s Bar Mitzvah music and other holiday merriment.
Menorah Lighting at Avalon – 5 p.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday, December 22 at Avalon
Join Chabad of North Fulton and Avalon for a Chanukah celebration! Gather at the Boulevard to watch a traditional Menorah lighting and enjoy refreshments, music and entertainment.
We hope you have a happy Hanukkah! Read our Holiday Guide for tips and tricks regarding hosting hacks, last-minute gift ideas and holiday activities to enjoy with loved ones.