Chanukah is just around the corner, and there are some truly amazing events lined up this year.
We’ve got the scoop on the top 5 you won’t want to miss. So grab your calendars and let’s dive in!
Hanukkah on the Hoan
When: December 25-31, 2024
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with the Daniel M. Hoan Memorial Bridge lit as a menorah each night. Families are encouraged to light their menorahs at home alongside the Hoan.
Candle Lighting Schedule:
- December 25 at 6:00 p.m. – Lighting of the Shamash (helper candle) and first candle
- December 26 at 6:00 p.m. – Lighting of the second candle
- December 27 at 4:00 p.m. – Early lighting for Shabbat and third candle
- December 28 – 31 at 6:00 p.m. – Lighting of the next four candles
- January 1 at 6:00 p.m. – Lighting of the eighth and final candle
Chanukah Festival & Gelt Drop – Unite Through Light!
BAYSHORE is lighting up the season with this exciting family-friendly Chanukah celebration.
📅 Date: Sunday, December 29, 2024
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM
📍 Location: The Yard @ Bayshore
🎉 Event Highlights:
- Interactive LED Experience
- LED Robot Dancers
- 12-Foot Lite Brite Wall
- Glow Games
- Giant Menorah Lighting
- Illuminated Swings & Glow Dreidel Lounge
- LED See Saw
- Choo Choo Train Rides
- FREE Hot Drinks & Donuts
- Food for Sale at The Dell on Crown
🎁 Special Giveaway:
Pre-register to receive a FREE LED Chanukah Head-Bopper (while supplies last).
🌐 Learn more & pre-register mkechanukah.com.
Hanukkah with the Admirals
Light up the night with the Milwaukee Admirals as they celebrate Hanukkah on the ice! Support the JCC Wisconsin Delegation Maccabi athletes as they prepare for the 2025 Maccabi Games in Pittsburgh. A portion of each ticket sold will directly benefit the delegation.
Event Details
When: Monday, Dec 30, 7:00 p.m.
Where: UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena
400 W Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee
Community Hanukkah Celebration at the JCC
Get your family ready for Hanukkah at the JCC’s annual community-wide celebration. Plan for the 8 nights of Hanukkah, create a Hanukkah travel kit for winter vacations, and connect with the community through crafts, activities, mitzvah projects, and entertainment for young families.
Event Details
When: Monday, Dec 16, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC
6255 N Santa Monica Blvd, Whitefish Bay
Cost: FREE and open to the community (Food available for purchase from Hannah’s Kitchen CAFA B Data).
Chanukah with Nissim Black!
Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024 | 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
2007 N. MLK Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212
cesmke.com/nissim
Get ready to GET LIT this Chanukah with Nissim Black live in concert! This unforgettable evening will feature hot beats, Jewish pride, and fun for all ages.
Highlights Include:
- Food: Delicious dinner, craft drinks, donuts, and gelt!
- Activities: Hands-on fun, Menorah lighting, Dreidel tournament, Donut bar, and Music synthesizer.
- Music: Nissim Black’s dynamic live performance.
Tickets: On sale now! Prices increase as the event approaches, so grab yours early.
Don’t miss this night of music, food, and Jewish joy that the whole family will love!
CBINT Hanukkah Dinner
December 29 at 5:30 p.m. | Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a warm and welcoming community at Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid’s annual Hanukkah dinner. Enjoy a delicious meal while all ages come together to help retell the Hanukkah story—no prior experience needed! Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for kids, making it a fun and meaningful evening for the whole family.
(Pre)Hanukkah Celebration and Packers Watch Party
Sunday, December 15, 2024 | 6 PM–End of Game
Sprecher Brewing Co., 701 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, WI 53209
Celebrate Hanukkah early with Own Your Judaism! Enjoy live music by special guest Lil Rev, a Packers watch party, and festive activities. Tickets include food and a drink (soda or beer).
- Cost: $20/adult, $10/child (8 & under)
- Early Registration (by Dec. 8): $16/adult, $8/child
- More Info & Registration: Register Here
Get raffle tickets at a discounted rate before the event!
TBD for 2025:
Chanukah Coinorah
When: TBD for 2024
Chanukah Train at the East Troy Railroad
When: TBD for 2024
All aboard the Chanukah Train!
Enjoy a unique evening with a latke dinner, Chanukah music, menorah trivia, and the ever-popular dreidel game. Tickets are just $10, but hurry – seating is limited!
Check out jewishwaukesha.com/train to snag your spot.
Last Night of Hanukkah at Old World Wisconsin
Old World Wisconsin (W372 S9727 WI-67, Eagle, WI 53119)
Website
TBD for 2024
The Last Night of Hanukkah activity takes place in the historic Four Mile House at Old World Wisconsin, which served as a boarding house during the 1870s.
Interpreters imagine with guests that an immigrant Jewish family has stopped over as lodgers and are treating other boarding house residents to a traditional Hanukkah meal.
They bake challah in a wood stove, set the table for the meal, and have examples of other dishes that may have been prepared.
The interpreter also introduces elements such as the menorah, dreidel game, and candle prayers as part of the activity.
And don’t forget the Fiserv Forum Menorah Lighting on the first night of Hanukkah – details to come, so stay tuned!
That’s a wrap on the top Chanukah events in Milwaukee this year.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
