Hello to holiday shopping, fun, and lots more festive events in Detroit to come! Hanukkah 2023 begins at sundown on Thursday, Dec. 7 and lasts until sundown on Friday, Dec. 15. Find Hanukkah 2023 events in Metro Detroit/Detroit to start off this December on a warm note. What exactly is Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah)? This week of religious observation is a Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Hanukkah is also known as the festival of lights, so expect to see celebrations involving multi-branched candelabras being lit by real flames along with other bright lights.
Detroitisit rounded up a brief guide of great Hanukkah 2023 events in Metro Detroit (and Detroit) to help you celebrate closely with your family and the Detroit Jewish community.
MENORA IN THE D 2022, PHOTO @MENORAINTHED ON INSTAGRAM
MENORAH IN THE D
Date: Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 5 PM
This list of Hanukkah 2023 events in & around Detroit wouldn’t be complete without Menora in the D! The city of Detroit is prepping for the 13th annual Menorah in D that’s returning to Campus Martius on December 7. Each year, this free event is lit up with a fire show, complimentary hot soup, snacks and cider, crafts, games, dancing dreidels, and greetings with community leaders. All of these festivities will be in anticipation for the lighting of the giant menorah. Stay tuned for the Giveaway and Meet & Greet the Detroit Pistons Extreme Team and Hooper! A live broadcast is also an option for anyone celebrating from home. Click HERE to RSVP (required).
Location: Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit
PHOTO THE WELL ON FACEBOOK
SHARE THE LIGHT COMMUNITY-WIDE CHANUKAH CELEBRATION
Date: Sunday, December 10
Hanukkah 2023 events in Metro Detroit have a way of bringing together the community and spreading joy. Bring your family and friends along for a Chanukah celebration. There’ll be plenty of activities for kids, including games, arts and crafts, face painting, circus entertainment, giveaways and more. Cost is $8/single ticket, $18/family ticket (includes 2 adults and children). Click HERE for more information.
Location: Congregation Shaarey Zedek, 27375 Bell Road, Southfield
SPACE-THEMED CHANUKAH PARTY, PHOTO @AISHDETROIT ON INSTAGRAM
CHANUKAH MISSION TO THE MOONBEAMS
Date & Time: Monday, December 11, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
You could celebrate Hanukkah in the comfort of your own home or you could help bring that cozy warmth & light to others. On December 11, you can slow down for a delicious Chanukah dinner and games. Hanukkah 2023 events in Metro Detroit/Detroit are extra special when they shed light on lifting up the community. Join the “Chanukah Mission to the Moonbeams” party and then take a bus to Beaumont Hospital for the mitzvah of bikur cholim, where you’ll shine flashlights throughout the hospital. Young patients will be more than glad to feel connected with the community! Cost is $18/adult & $10/child. Click HERE to view the Aish Detroit website
Location: Aish Detroit, 25725 Coolidge Hwy., Oak Park
DETROIT PISTONS AT LITTLE CAESARS ARENA, PHOTO @DETROITPISTONS ON INSTAGRAM
L’CHANUKAH DETROIT AT PISTONS JEWISH HERITAGE NIGHT
Address: Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Time and Date: 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. 5:30 – 7 PM: Happy Hour
7 PM: Tip Off
Hanukkah 2023 events in Detroit are getting a little spin this year with the happy hour series, L’Chaim Detroit. The Chanukah spirit and the “spirit of Detroit” are merging for a special holiday edition. Wear your best Chanukah sweater or other apparel and join the celebration at Little Caesars Arena for Jewish Heritage Night. The Detroit Pistons will be playing the Philadelphia 76ers.This event is a great opportunity to bond and strengthen the Jewish community! Register in advance by December 11. $40/person. Click HERE for more information.
Location: Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit
AT-HOME CELEBRATIONS
Grab your family and friends for your at-home menorah lighting. It wouldn’t be a festive gathering without some fun, decorated cookies and other desserts for the Jewish holiday. This is also a wonderful time to stop by a loved ones home to deliver some of your creations or fresh-baked goods from a Detroit bakery. There are plenty of original baked goods recipes to try preceding Hanukkah holiday meals that will impress guests. Whether you prefer cookies, bark, biscuits, or more potato latke & challah raisin bread, look into expanding everyone’s tastes! Keep in mind that some of the Jewish community keeps kosher while others do not.
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