Chicago Hanukkah 2008

Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, begins at sundown on Sunday, December 21. Find many ways of enjoying your holiday with this growing list of Chicago Hanukkah events and things to do.

1. Maxwell Street Klezmer Band and Brother Heinrich's Christmas - Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21
   The North Shore Performing Arts Center hosts this holiday celebration for people of all faiths.
   
   
2. Car Top Menorah Parade - Sunday, December 21
   The parade leaves 8170 N. McCormick Blvd in Skokie at 3 p.m. Then, proceeds south through Rogers Park to Lake Shore Drive, then down Michigan Avenue. Goes to Daley Plaza, then to I-94W, then to the Kohl's Children's Museum at 2100 Patriot Blvd. in Glenview. You can even rent a Car-Top Menorah for the occasion.
   
   
3. Chanukah Wonderland at Kohl Children's Museum - Sunday, December 21
   The party continues after the Car-Top Menorah parade with crafts, activities, lighting of an ice menorah, pictures wtih Yehudah HaMacabbee and more. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $5 per person. $25 per family.
   
   
4. Hanukkah Dinner and Concert - Monday, December 22 The Chicago Botanic Garden hosts a traditional Hanukkah buffet featuring the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band and an exclusive tour of the Wonderland Express. 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
   
   
5. Blue Line Women's Night - Monday, December 22
   Jewish Women's group of Bucktown and Wicker Park hosts latke making night with a Grand Dreidel Game and more.
   
   
6. The Juju Ball Matzo Bash - Wednesday, December 24
   Martini Park party and bash runs from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Appetizers, DJ, free drinks for early birds, and more.
   
   
7. Something Else! at the Spertus Museum - Thursday, December 25
   An all ages, expanded community festival running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the new Gray Children's Center. $10 per family.
   
   
8. The Bagel Ride - Thursday, December 25
   This bike ride begins at the clock tower near Waveland and Lake Shore Drive (3700N) at 10 a.m. They go 12 miles at roughly 10 to 12 mph and end up at the Bagel Restaurant in Lakeview. People of all faiths welcome to ride.
   
   
9. Eight Nights of Joy Hanukkah Concert and CD Release Party - Saturday, December 27
   Temple Sholom hosts folk singer Rabbi Joe Black in concert at 7 p.m.
   
   
10. Bucktownukah - Saturday, December 27
    Nick's Beer Garden becomes Channukah Central with "all the greasy Channukah food you can eat" plus a free drink and $3 drafts. $15 at the door. $10 advance. 21+. Sponsored by the Chabad of Bucktown/Wicker Park.