9 ways to celebrate Chanukah locally this December—menorahs, latkes + more

Chanukah is December 15-22 and Birmingham has a lot planned, from community gatherings to glowing menorah lightings. Whether you’re looking for family activities, cultural celebrations or a chance to enjoy tasty treats like latkes, you’ve come to the right place. 

Read on for what’s ahead this December.

1. Grand Menorah Lighting at the Summit

• What to expect: Community togetherness and activities This menorah lighting is an annual collaboration of the Levite Jewish Community Center (LJCC), Chabad of Alabama, the Birmingham Jewish Foundation‘s Karl and Gladys LJCC Fund + the Birmingham Jewish Federation.
• When: Sun, Dec. 14 | Festivities begins at 4:15PM | Menorah Lighting begins at 5PM
• Where: The Summit–Saks Plaza
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

2. Mountain Brook Menorah Lighting

• What to expect: Family friend activities like a blizzard experience, mini golf + cookie decorating, plus Chanukah goodies like latkes and donuts.
• When: Mon, Dec. 15 | 5PM
• Where: outside Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams–Mountain Brook Village
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

3. Birmingham Menorah Lighting

• What to expect: A formal lighting ceremony of the menorah with blessing and reflections, music and family-friendly activities.
• When: Tues, Dec. 16 | 4PM
• Where: across from Birmingham City Hall
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

4. Irondale Menorah Lighting

• What to expect: The City of Irondale’s very first Menorah Lighting Ceremony in partnership with Chabad of Alabama filled with community and the joy of Chanukah.
• When: Tues, Dec. 16 | 5PM
• Where: Irondale City Hall
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

5. Hoover Menorah Lighting

• What to expect: Community togetherness and family-friendly activities, including face painting, balloon creations, kids’ entertainment, music, latkes and donuts.
• When: Wed, Dec. 17 | 5PM
• Where: Hoover Public Library
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

6. Homewood Menorah Lighting

• What to expect: Family togetherness and the lighting of Homewood’s beautiful menorah, plus kids’ crafts, a 360 Photo Booth, music, small bites and more.
• When: Thurs, Dec. 18 | 5PM
• Where: Outside Trak Shak
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

7. UAB Menorah Lighting

• What to expect: A celebration of the lighting of the menorah at UAB, music, Chanukah gelt (foil-wrapped chocolate coins) and more.
• When: Fri, Dec. 19 | 12PM
• Where: Outside steps of Wallace Tumor Institute
• Cost: Free admission
• Details

8. Car Menorah Parade + Vestavia Menorah Lighting

• What to expect: Chabad of Alabama is bringing Chanukah joy to the streets of Birmingham with its annual Car Menorah Parade. Participants will receive a magnetic car menorah or Chanukah flag to proudly display along the route. The parade begins at Chabad of Alabama and wraps up at the Vestavia Menorah Lighting at City Hall, complete with music, kids’ activities and sweet holiday treats.
• When: Sun, Dec. 21 | Parade begins at 5PM | Vestavia Menorah Lighting begins at 5:30PM
• Where:
  • Car Parade: Chabad of Alabama
  • Menorah Lighting: Vestavia City Hall
• Cost: $25 suggestion donation per car
• Details + RSVP for Car Parade | Vestavia Menorah Lighting details

9. Great Wall of Chinakah with Chef Josh Haynes

• What to expect: This dinner and lighting is open to all in the community. Featuring a kosher Chinese-food dinner, the event aims to bring people together for a shared meal, community and holiday celebration. On the menu: chicken lo mein, beef lo mein, sesame chicken, mixed veggies, fried rice, egg rolls
• When: Thursday, Dec. 25 | 5-7PM
• Where: Chabad of Alabama
• Cost: 
  • Before Sun, Dec. 21: $25 per adult | $10 per child under 12
  • After Sun, Dec. 21: $35 per adult |  $20 per child
• Details

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