Top 10 Things to Do for Chanukah 2020 in Houston

Celebrate the Jewish holiday of Chanukah at in-person and online events around Greater Houston from Thursday, December 10 through Friday, December 18, 2020.

Load up on chocolate gelt (coins), latkes, and other holiday favorites while lighting the menorah and enjoying music, live entertainment, crafts, and other activities during Chanukah 2020 in Houston.

This year, Chanukah starts on Thursday, December 10, 2020, and concludes on Friday, December 18, 2020. You’ll find plenty of opportunities in between to enjoy the Festival of Lights throughout the month.

Top 10 Things to Do for Chanukah 2020 in Greater Houston

• Menorah Lighting at HEB in Meyerland Plaza | Thursday, December 10 and Sunday, December 13 to Thursday, December 17 | FREE – Join Chabad Outreach of Houston and HEB in Meyerland Plaza for a Menorah Lighting on 6 of the 8 nights of Chanukah. Every participant will receive a goodie bag filled with Chanukah treats. 4pm each day.
• Chanukah: Distanced Gelt & Gift Hunt in Uptown Houston | Thursday, December 10 | FREE – Chabad of Uptown hosts a socially distanced Chanukah Gelt & Gift Hunt at Sofa Park on Post Oak with a giant Menorah lighting, a 71-car Menorah parade, a paint-your-own-cookie kit and more. Face masks and six-foot social distancing is required. 5:30pm to 6:30pm.
• Shabbat Chanukah Dinner at Chabad West Houston | Friday, December 11 – Head to Chabad West Houston for their Chanukah Shabbat Dinner featuring an outdoor Menorah lighting, a Shabbat candle lighting and service, and a socially distanced dinner. You must RSVP for this event. $18 for adults and $10 for ages under 10. 4:45pm.
• Congregation Emanu El presents Havdalah 4 Chanukah on Zoom | Saturday, December 12 | FREE – Join Congregation Emanu El for a spirited singalong to mark the end of Shabbat as well as a traditional lighting of the menorah. 7pm.
• Giant Menorah Lighting Celebration at Sugar Land Town Square | Sunday, December 13 | FREE – Bring the whole family to Sugar Land Town Square for a lighting of the giant menorah, and enjoy a greeting by dignitaries, arts and crafts for children, Israeli food, performances, music, and dancing. 5pm to 6:30pm.
• 25th Annual Menorah Lighting at Houston City Hall via Zoom | Sunday, December 13 | FREE – The annual menorah lighting at Houston City Hall goes virtual this year, taking place on the 4th night of Chanukah and including addresses by dignitaries and elected officials. 5pm.
• 10th Annual Menorah Lighting at The Galleria Mall on Zoom | Monday, December 14 | FREE – The Galleria celebrates Chanukah with addresses by prominent citizens and dignitaries, a children’s choir, treats for the crowd and special gifts for children. The 12-foot-tall menorah was specially designed for the Galleria by local artist Isaac Cohen and forms the shape of the famous Magen Shlomo, or Shield of Solomon. 5:30pm to 6pm.
• Chanukah at CityCentre | Monday, December 14 | FREE – Enjoy a menorah lighting, arts and crafts, Chanukah snacks and more at this inaugural public menorah lighting at CityCentre in west Houston. 6pm
• Chanukah Annual Katy Menorah Lighting at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch | Tuesday, December 15 | FREE with RSVP – Chabad West Houston hosts its annual Menorah Lighting at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch featuring music, raffles, chocolate gelt, and more. Lightings take place at 5:30pm and 7pm, and space will be limited to 50 people for each.
• Grand Chanukah Celebration and Menorah Lighting at Market Street | Thursday, December 17 | FREE – Market Street in The Woodlands hosts the Chabad of The Woodlands for a Grand Chanukah Celebration and Menorah Lighting. This year’s event kicks off with special guests Rogers Park, the country’s only Hasidic folk-rock band. Led by Rabbi Mendel Blecher, the lighting of a nine-foot, seven-branched menorah will take place with additional musical entertainment from Rogers Park following the ceremony. 4:30pm to 6:30pm.