This year’s Hanukkah begins on Thursday night, December 7th, and ends on Friday night, December 15th.
ST. LOUIS — The eight-day Festival of Lights known as Hanukkah or Hanukkah is just around the corner and will be celebrated by Jews around the world.
According to History.com, the holiday commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. According to legend, it was there that the Jews rose up against their oppressors in the Maccabees Revolt.
Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December.
This year’s Hanukkah begins on Thursday night, December 7th, and ends on Friday night, December 15th.
Celebrations are held around the St. Louis area leading up to and during the holiday. Activities include car parades and ice skating, as well as traditional activities like lighting the menorah and playing dreidels.
Editor’s note: The video above aired during the 2022 broadcast.
Here are some events scheduled to be held this year.
Hanukkah at the Arch
Thursday, December 7th: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
The community is invited to Keiner Plaza for the lighting ceremony of the 8-meter-tall Stenberg Menorah, free ice skating, and other holiday celebrations.
There will be a free family-friendly event, and food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Click here for free tickets and more information.
menorah car parade
Sunday, December 10: 4:30 p.m.
The Menorah Car Parade departs from Chesterfield Mall on Sunday afternoon. The parade will be led by fire trucks, police and motorcycle teams, and will feature cars decorated with menorahs, according to an event announcement.
You can drive into the parade and more information can be found here.
Hanukkah on Main Street in St. Charles
Join members of the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County for some holiday fun Sunday night at Berthold Square Park. The event begins at 5 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Click here for more information and to register for tickets.
delmar loop public menorah lighting
Sunday, December 10: 5:30 p.m.
Chabad WashU will hold its 12th Annual Public Menorah Lighting at The Market at Delmar Loop. The celebration will include free refreshments, music, and Chasidic dancing.
Hanukkah Menorak Lighting @ Newtown
Monday, December 11th: 3:30pm – 4:00pm
Head to City Hall in St. Charles Newtown on Monday to see the giant menorah lighting, music, and warm racquets, all for free. The event is free and open to the public.
Click here for more information.
Hanukkah at the police station
Wednesday, December 13th: 5pm
The St. Charles Jewish Community and Gan St. Charles invite you to the O’Fallon Police Department on Wednesday, December 13th for a menorah lighting, photo ops with police officers, police K-9 meet-and-greet, and holiday celebrations. We will provide you with hospitality. .
Everything is free. Learn more about.