Lighting the menorah, crispy potato latkes, chocolate gelt, spinning dreidels. There’s so much to love about Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. The first night falls on Saturday, December 24 this year, which means you have even more time throughout the month to plan your gift-giving and celebrate! Here are the Hanukkah events in or around Boulder that have earned a spot on our calendar:
When: Tuesday, December 13, 4:15 p.m.-5:45 p.m.
Where: Boulder JCC (6007 Oreg Avenue)
Preparing traditional foods is one of many ways to celebrate the holiday season! Bring your little ones, and create delicious Hanukkah treats to bring home and share with family and friends.
When: Tuesday, December 13, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Rembrandt Yard (1301 Spruce St)
This is the biggest young adult Hanukkah party in Colorado, and it just keeps getting better. We’re so excited for this year’s Ignite Chanukah, the Boulder JCC’s annual party for those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. You’ll hear five-minute talks on topics related to anything Jewish or Hanukkah-themed. Get there early for the pre-party, complete with latkes, falafel, an open bar, and more, and stay late and celebrate at the after-party on Pearl Street.
Festival of Lights Colorado Hebrew Chorale Concert
When: Thursday, December 15, 6:00 p.m.
Where: McNichols Building, 144 West Colfax, Denver
Festival of Lights, the Colorado Hebrew Chorale’s annual Hanukkah celebration, has been going strong since 2010. This year, hear the talented voices of this community choir perform stories and songs around Yiddish author, Sholem Aleichem. If you can’t make this one, don’t fret. Catch the Colorado Hebrew Chorale at one of their December concerts, which are happening in Aurora and Morrison.
When: Friday, December 16, 1:15 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Where: Boulder JCC (6007 Oreg Ave.)
Bring the whole family for an interactive musical celebration of Hanukkah with educational musicians/storytellers, Jeff and Paige! They’ll bring their trademark costumes, storytelling, and song style to retell the story of Hanukkah in a fun and unique way.
Congregation Har Hashem Hanukkah Bazaar
When:
- Friday, December 9, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
- Sunday, December 11, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
- Monday, December 12, 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, December 15, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
- Friday, December 16, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 21, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
- Friday, December 23, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Where: Congregation Har Hashem (3950 Baseline Rd)
Congregation Har Hashem’s annual Hanukkah bazaar has everything you need to be ready for the holiday. Stock up on candles and gelt for your celebration, and be sure to check out their unique Judaica and jewelry, all of which is fair trade to boot!
When: December 24, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Mercury Café (2199 California St, Denver)
On the first night of Hanukkah, head to the Mizel Museum’s Sixth Annual Klezfest to celebrate all things pertaining to Jewish klezmer music. This year’s event will feature Hal Aqua and the Lost Tribe, Temple Emanuel’s own Rabbi Joe Black with Sandra Wong, and a special performance by Brooklyn-based klezmer group Tsibele.
Whether you are Jewish and celebrate Hanukkah, want to learn more about the traditions, or are simply searching Boulder for the perfect potato latke, there’s a celebration nearby that’s perfect for you this month. Happy holidays!