Hanukkah happenings in Jewish Tidewater

by | Dec 12, 2024 | Holidays, Other News


Light up the holiday by attending one or more of these community-oriented experiences.  With some events geared for children and others for adults, some in Virginia Beach and others in Norfolk, plenty of options are available to celebrate Hanukkah with community. Chag Hanukkah Sameach!

Chabad Lubavitch of Tidewater

Menorah Car Parade – Sharing the light in a world that seems dark

Thursday, December 26, 5:30 pm

Starts at Chabad House

Includes the CTEEN Limo Party.

First 30 cars to RSVP will be outfitted with a rooftop menorah.

Dinner to go provided with an RSVP to 757-616-0770.

Giant Menorah Lighting and Celebration – Light up the night and darkness 

Sunday, December 29, 4:30 pm

Mount Trashmore parking lot near the YMCA 

Hanukkah treats, gelt drop, latkes, donuts, and festive music.

RSVP: www.chabadoftidewater.com/light.

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Congregation Beth Chaverim and Temple Emanuel

Combined Hanukkah services and celebration

Friday, December 27, 6 pm

Temple Emanuel

Musical Shabbat/Hanukkah services with the combined Congregation Beth Chaverim and Temple Emanuel Choir. Stay for latkes, jelly donuts, laughter, and fun. Free.

RSVP by Dec. 20 at 757-428-2591.

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Congregation Beth El

Celebrate Hanukkah

Friday, December 27, 5:30 pm

Congregation Beth El

Services, dinner, and lighting the menorah (provided by Beth El or bring your own)

$10/adult, $5/children under 13, $30/family.

RSVP by December 20: 757-625-7821.

Jewish Museum & Cultural Center

A Celebration of Lights

Sunday, December 29, 2 – 3:30 pm

Jewish Museum & Cultural Center, Portsmouth

Crafts, spin the dreidel, light a menorah, hot chocolate, snacks.

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins screening.

RSVP: jmccportsmouth@gmail.com or 757-391-9266 

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Jewish Virginia Beach

Jewish rapper Ari Lesser

Thursday, December 26, 6 pm

24th Street Park 

Chanukkah and Ice

Monday, December 30, 5:30 pm

Town Center

Special Hanukkah gifts for every child, donuts and latkes, and arts and crafts.

$9.50/person includes skates.

VB Menorah Parade, Spreading the light of Hanukkah

Wednesday, January 1, 4 pm

Meet at 3400 Holly Road, Virginia Beach

Receive an LED menorah. Stops at Trader Joe’s and Town Center for menorah lighting, Hanukkah gifts and donuts.

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Kehillat Bet Hamidrash/ Kempsville Conservative Synagogue (KBH)

Indoor and Outdoor Menorah Lighting

Monday, December 30, 5:30 pm

KBH

Light dinner, latkes, and Hanukkah music.

Ohef Sholom Temple

Drinks & Dreidels

Tuesday, December 17, 6 – 8:30 pm

Ohef Sholom Temple

Latkes and vodka, improv show, and trivia competition. 

For adults, with babysitting available.

$25/person 

RSVP: ohefsholom.org

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Temple Lev Tikvah

Friday, December 27, 7:30 pm

Temple Lev Tikvah

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Temple Israel

Candle lighting service on the last night of Hanukkah during Zoom minyan.  

Thursday, January 2

Call for Zoom information: 757-489-4550.

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The Norfolk Kollel Family Chanukah Celebration

Wednesday, January 1, 6 pm

B’nai Israel Congregation

$8 per person, $40 per family.

Information: Norfolkkollel.com.