The eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, otherwise known as the festival of lights, runs from November 28 to December 6 this year. Check out these spots to celebrate with latkes, live music, skating, and plenty of family fun.
Chanukah Cookie Decorating Kits
Nov. 2 to Dec. 22,
Mention the JCC Denver when you purchase a Chanukah Cookie Kit in store from Olive & Finch or include “JCC Denver” in the notes section when you pre-order online and the restaurant will donate 10 percent back to the JCC Denver. The kit includes a dozen sugar cookies in various shapes, five frostings, themed decorations, and a reusable tote. $45. Olive & Finch, Uptown and Cherry Creek locations.
Bob’s Babka Ice Cream
Nov. 8 to Dec. 5, while supplies last
The Jewish Community Center Denver and High Point Creamery have teamed up for the third year to sell an exclusive Hanukkah ice cream flavor called “Bob’s Babka” named after Robert “Bob” E. Loup. The ice cream is an olive oil ice cream base with homemade babka swirled in. Pre-order pints from November 8 to 19 for pick up from November 22 to December 5. Guests can purchase ice cream in-person starting November 22. Each pint costs $10 and proceeds from each sale will go to support JCC Denver programs. JCC Denver.
Chanukah Gear Pick-Up
Nov. 21, 5 to 6 p.m.
Select Menorah and candle boxes, dreidels, chocolate gelt, and a Chanukah guide, plus kids DIY wooden menorah kits and other fun treats for pick up from Jewish Colorado and Jewish in the City. Become an Ambassador of Light and pick up free Chanukah kits to deliver to others. Register online. Free. Cheesman Park, Denver.
Chanukah On Ice
Nov. 28, 3 to 5 p.m.
Skate to Chanukah music, enjoy treats like latkes and donuts, play games and do crafts, and watch as a Menorah is lit up on the ice. Bernie the Colorado Avalanche mascot will make a special appearance. $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Family Sports Center, Centennial.
Superhero Chanukah on Ice
Nov. 28, 4 to 6 p.m.
Kids can skate with heroes like Batman and Superman and enjoy all the Chanukah festivity fixings with the family: a dinner buffet, latkes and jelly donuts, and Menorah lighting. Super capes are available for all children. Register online. $15 to $15, free age two and under. Big Bear Ice Arena, Denver.
Chanukah Menorah Lighting
Nov. 28, 5 p.m.
Join the Chabad of Cherry Creek in family fun including face painting, crafts, fire juggling entertainment, hot drinks and sufganiyot (Israeli donuts). All are welcome. Free entry. Cherry Creek North, Denver.
Chanukah at the State Capitol
Nov. 30, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a public Menorah lighting featuring a formal address from state government officials, a fire show, barbecue, donuts, and chocolate coins. All ages. RSVP online. Free. Colorado State Capitol west steps, Denver.
Latke-Palooza with Cookbook Author Jake Cohen
Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m.
Celebrity chef Jake Cohen, author of “Jew-ish: A Cookbook”, will host a latke competition, featuring latkes from four local restaurants: Rosenberg’s, Safta, Latke Love, and Rye Society. The restaurants will compete for the Golden Latke. Attendees will have the chance to taste each restaurant’s combination of latkes and toppings, and vote for their favorite. $25. The Elaine Wolf Theatre, Denver.
Latkes & Lights
Dec. 5, 10 to 11 a.m.
Celebrate Hanukkah with singing, dancing, stories, and hands-on projects from the comfort of your home and in your pajamas. Hosted by Judaism Your Way, the Staenberg-Loup JCC, and Jewish Explorers. Free. Online.
Grand Menorah Lighting Celebration
Dec. 5, 6 p.m.
Celebrate Chanukah with live music, latkes, donuts, hot beverages, and a variety of performances. Hosted by The Chabad of North West Metro Denver. Come early for a paint and sip class at 10:30 a.m. and carriage rides from 2 to 6 p.m. (Register online, extra cost.) Free. The Orchard Town Center, Westminster.
Chanukah on Pearl
Dec. 2, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Join the Boulder Jewish Community Center and Boulder County Center for Judaism for an outdoor event open to the entire community. The festivities include the Menorah lighting, music, sufganiyot (jelly donuts), hot chocolate, and Chanukah favors. Free. Pearl Street Mall, Boulder.
Menorah Lighting at Stanley Marketplace
Dec. 5, sundown
Taste latkes and watch as the Chabad Denver North Jewish Life Center Menorah is lit to celebrate Hanukkah. All ages. Free. Stanley Marketplace, Aurora.
Looking for Hanukkah activities, stories, crafts, and recipes? PJ Library assembled a Hanukkah Hub that includes everything families with young children need to prepare for the Festival of Lights.
