Hanukkah is officially lighting up Lakeview East, and this year’s lineup has range. We’re talking cozy candle lightings, full-on community parties, latkes in all their glorious forms, brisket situations, desserts you’ll “just have one more” of, and at least one event that ends with bowling or a car parade. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or your entire group chat, there’s something happening pretty much every night.

Here’s where to be, what to eat, and how to celebrate all eight nights around the neighborhood.

First Night, First Light at Gallagher Way

Sunday, December 14 | 3–6 PM
Gallagher Way, 3635 N Clark St

Kick things off properly with JCC Chicago’s community-wide Hanukkah celebration. This free, family-friendly event brings live entertainment, a DJ, festive giveaways, and a communal menorah lighting at sunset. It’s joyful, welcoming, and a great “we’re really doing Hanukkah this year” moment to start the holiday strong.

Chanukah Candle Lighting at Anshe Sholom B’nai Israel

Monday, December 15 | 6–7:15 PM
Registration Required

Wine, cheese, candles, and a cappella is a combo that simply does not miss. Hosted by Rabbi Finkelstein and Julie Sugar, this intimate candle lighting starts with wine and cheese, flows into a communal menorah lighting, and wraps with a live performance from Rhythm & Jews, the University of Chicago’s Jewish a cappella group. Cozy, musical, and exactly the vibe you want on a Monday night.

Chanukah Week with Chabad East Lakeview

December 14–20 | Various locations

If you like options, Chabad East Lakeview understood the assignment. Their week-long lineup includes everything from volunteer opportunities and kids’ workshops to multiple menorah lightings, bowling night for young adults, a community celebration, Chanukah Shabbat dinner, and the iconic Car Menorah Parade. Pick one event or try to hit as many as humanly possible. Either way, RSVPs are your friend.

Sunday Dec 14, 10:30 am -12:00 pm Kitchen of Kindness – Chanukah event. Help prepare food and deliver to those alone. RSVP here.

Sunday Dec. 14, 12:30 – 2:00 pm: Kids holiday Club: “Miracle Makers Olive Press”. Click here to RSVP.

Sunday Dec. 14, 5:30 pm Menorah Lighting in West Lakeview at Lincoln/Marshfield.

Monday Dec 15, 7:00 pm: Chanukah Ladies Night Out. Private location. RSVP to join.

Tuesday Dec 16, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Main Community Chanukah celebration with community officials and the “tumblers”. Click here for details and to RSVP.

Wednesday Dec 17, 7:00 – 9:00 pm Young Adult Chanukah Bowling at Lucky Strike. Limited spots – Must RSVP.

Thursday Dec 18, 5:00 – 6:30 pm Menorah Lighting & Celebration at Sheil Park on Southport.

Friday Night, Dec 19 at 5:30 pm Community Chanukah Shabbat Dinner at Chabad. RSVP here

Saturday night Dec. 20, 6:45 pm – 8:00 pm annual Car Menorah Parade. RSVP here.

AES Community Hanukkah Celebration

Thursday, December 18 | 5:30 PM
Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3751 N Broadway

Celebrate the fifth night of Hanukkah with latkes, candle lighting, and live music. This community-wide event includes a latke dinner, performances from Rhythm and Jews and the Anshe Emet Youth Choir, and interactive Eight Candles stations for adults and older families. Festive, meaningful, and a great “everyone together in one room” kind of night.

Temple Sholom’s Chanukah Shabbat Celebration

Friday, December 19 | 6:15–8:30 PM
Temple Sholom, 3480 N Lake Shore Dr

How many ways can you top a latke? Temple Sholom is here to find out. Their Chanukah Shabbat blends glowing candles, joyful community energy, and a latke bar that fully understands the assignment. Come for the light, stay for the toppings. Join in person or online, because everyone’s invited to this one.

Makom Chanukah Extravaganza at Barcocina

Saturday, December 20 | 7–10 PM
Barcocina Lakeview, 2901 N Sheffield Ave

If your Hanukkah plans include cocktails, candle lighting, and actually fun people, this is your move. Makom teams up with Mishkan and Chicago Sinai for a high-energy Chanukah party made for the 20s and 30s crowd. Expect festive bites, drinks flowing, lots of light (literal and figurative), and a vibe that feels way more party than program.

Celebrate Hanukkah with The Bagel Restaurant & Deli

The Bagel Restaurant & Deli, 3107 N Broadway

Sometimes you just want the classics, done right. The Bagel is serving fresh bagels, whipped schmears, fried kreplach, homemade matzo ball soup, and beautifully stacked fish trays loaded with lox and whitefish salad. Perfect for hosting, brunching, or feeding a hungry post-candle-lighting crowd. Easy, traditional, and always a win.

Hanukkah at Milt’s Barbecue for the Perplexed

Milt’s Barbecue for the Perplexed, 3411 N Broadway

Hanukkah, but make it BBQ. Milt’s is serving up kosher, smoked-to-perfection comfort food with brisket, ribs, latkes, and hearty sides that solve the “what are we feeding everyone?” question immediately. Less cooking, more celebrating, and zero leftovers if you plan correctly.

8 Crazy Nights at Graystone Tavern

Graystone Tavern, 3441 N Sheffield Ave

Graystone goes all in with its 8 Crazy Nights menu, and it’s exactly as fun as it sounds. Think fluffy matzo ball soup, crispy latkes (traditional, loaded, or topped with brisket), mini bagels and lox, challah grilled cheese with tomato soup, and a legit brisket sloppy joe. Finish strong with a boozy jelly donut and call it a holiday victory.

Hanukkah Treats from Bittersweet Pastry Shop

Bittersweet Pastry Shop, 1114 W Belmont Ave

Do not forget dessert. Bittersweet’s Hanukkah collection includes festive cookies, cakes, and sweets that are perfect for gifting, hosting, or quietly keeping for yourself. No judgment, just good pastry.