This year the Festival of Lights begins at sundown on Dec 25th through sundown on January 2, 2024. This Jewish holiday celebrate the miracle of lights and the victory of the Macabees over the Greeks. The holiday is often celebrated with readings, candle lighting, latkes, fried donuts, and playing dreidel with chocolate gelt. Celebrate Hanukkah in Austin with family-friendly events, festive lights, and delicious traditional foods.
Here are a few events around town:
Light Up South Austin at this family friendly celebration on Dec 26 . chocolate drop by the city of Austin and free light up gift for the kids- must RSVP.
Lakeway menorah lighting takes place nightly during Hanukkah outside the entrance to Lakeway city hall.
Community Chanukkah celebration in Round Rock on Dec 29th 5:30 pm. This LED robot looks really neat and there is also a chocolate gelt drop.
Kindle the Texas menorah at the Austin capitol on Dec 30 with Secretary of State Jane Nelson. RSVP here
Where to find items to celebrate at home:
The Home Goods in Cedar Park has a display of Hanukkah entertaining. We picked up this fun menorah for the kids to add to our collection and they are excited to light candles.
Trader Joe’s to stock up on your chocolate felt for dreidel games
And Central Market has you covered with premade brisket, latkes, and more.
Bonus for Adult Only:
Kitty Cohen’s annual Hanukkah pop up bar goes until Jan 3 and features fun drinks like the Maccabee’s Knees, Oy Fashioned, and a Latke Punch, a play on the traditional Hanukkah potato pancake dish, made with potato vodka, apple cider, ginger liqueur, and lemon.
Even if you aren’t Jewish, Hanukkah in Austin is a beautiful celebration and the non-Jewish members of my family always enjoy celebrating every year and joining in candle lighting, latkes, and dreidels.
