Every year, several organizations present Hanukkah celebrations for the community in the Charlotte area. These events are family friendly and most are free.
Events include Menorah lightings, concerts, parties, and even a Menorah Car Parade. We are waiting to hear back about some events that take place most years.
Some of the events include free food. Traditional foods to eat on Hanukkah are potato latkes (potato pancakes), doughnuts and chocolate gelt (chocolate candy.)
Hanukkah begins the evening of Wednesday, December 25, 2024, and the final evening to celebrate is Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) is a Jewish festival that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt. It’s also known as the Festival of Lights.
The central symbol of Hanukkah is the Menorah (or more specifically, a Hanukkiah), a candelabrum with 9 branches, each holding a candle.
On each of the eight nights, an additional candle is lit, so that on the first night, just one is, an on the last night, all eight are lit. The ninth branch holds a candle called the “shammash” (“helper” or “servant”) which is used to light the others, and also remains lit each night.
Check back soon for Hanukkah 2024 events! We are updating them below as we learn about them.
Family Hanukkah Breakfast with Clifford the Big Red Dog
Family Hanukah Breakfast with Clifford the Big Red Dog
Sunday, December 10, 2023
9:30 to 11 a.m.
Levine Jewish Community Center
5007 Providence Road, Charlotte, North Carolina
$12 for JCC members; $18 for non-members; $6 for children. Free for children age 1 and under.
This event is for families with children ages 6 and under. Enjoy breakfast, Hanukkah activities and fun with Clifford the Big Red Dog.
Waxhaw Menorah Lighting
Waxhaw Menorah Lighting
Thursday, December 26, 2024
5 p.m.
W. North Main Street, Waxhaw, NC
Ballantyne Jewish Center is presenting the annual Menorah Lighting in Waxhaw. Children’s activities will start at 5 p.m. and the Menorah lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m.
Chanukah Celebration at Birkdale Village
The Menorah Lighting at Birkdale Village
Sunday, December 29, 2024
5:30 p.m.
Birkdale Village on the Green
8712 Lindholm Drive, Huntersville, NC
Free
Enjoy children’s crafts, latkes, donuts, gelt (chocolate candy) and more. Presented by Chabad of Lake Norman.
Menorah Lighting at StoneCrest
Menorah Lighting at StoneCrest
Check back soon!
The StoneCrest Menorah lighting typically includes music, fun activities for the kids, latkes and donuts.
Hanukkah! On the Green in Davidson
Hanukkah! On the Green
Check back soon.
Time TBA
Davidson Village Green
119 S Main Street, Davidson, North Carolina
The Jewish Council of Lake Norman and the Temple Kol Tikvah Youth are hosting this celebration.
Menorah Lighting in Matthews
Menorah Lighting in Matthews
Check back soon
Matthews Town Hall
243 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC
Free
This annual Menorah lighting, presented by Chabad of Charlotte and ZABS Place, typically includes music, dreidels, Chanukah treats, Judah the Maccabee and more.
Charlotte on the Cheap is a member of 
Ariel DiDonato says
Why are all the events listed from Chabad agencies? Not that I don’t think these agencies are great, but it doesn’t mention anything of events that Temple Israel, Temple Beth El, the JCC or the Federation are offering. A little disappointed in Charlotte On The Cheap for not offering a better variety of options for the community.
Jody Mace says
We add the events as we become aware of them. I’d encourage all the synagogues to submit their events for inclusion. We are still adding events, and we would never intentionally exclude inexpensive public events from any synagogue. I expect more to be added to this list very soon.
Fred Shporer says
I find Charlotte on the Cheap listing all publicized Chanukah events as an excellent service. Ariel, what specific Chanukah event do you identify as COTC not listing? It appears that rather then being appreciative of the identified listings you are masking a problem with Chabad.