Chanukah is almost here, and I’m so excited to plan our event schedule! I was a bit worried about what we would do for Chanukah after moving here from Kentucky, and I’m so pleased to see that the Jewish Community here has planned so many events for children and the entire family to enjoy. Be sure to RSVP to any events that require it.
Menorahs & Martinis: December 6, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. RSVP required. Hosted by Jewish St. Johns County. Cost: $15. This event is for ladies only. You will design your own awesome granite Menorah and enjoy a martini and gourmet Chanukah treats. You will also be invited to discover the connection between women and Chanukah.
Chanukah Storytime at PlayToday Toys: December 10, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. RSVP required. Event is FREE and open to the public, for children age birth and older. Children will hear Chanukah stories, fun Chanukah sing-along songs, participate in special arts & crafts and fun prizes will be raffled off. There will also be awesome discounts on Chanukah gifts (a portion of sales will benefit Chabad of St. Johns County).
Civic Orchestra of Jacksonville: Jewish Composers and Themes: December 10, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Event is FREE and open to the public. Hosted by Jacksonville Jewish Center. The Facebook event describes the event as, “A fun and festive concert featuring Leonard Bernstein’s Westside Story Overture, Giacomo Meyerbeer’s The Prophet, George Gershwin’s An American in Paris, as well as the beautiful Kol Nidre by Max Bruch featuring cellist Tim Stephen.” There will also be a Kosher cake and punch reception that includes an art exhibit.
Chanukah Story & Craft Hour: December 10, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Event is FREE and open to the public at Books a Million. Hosted by Chabad at the Beaches.The Facebook event says, “The Chanukah story and craft hour is a fast-paced hour of books, crafts, raffles, dreidels, and fun! It will definitely whet your excitement for the holiday!”
Glow in the Dark Chanukah!: December 10, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. RSVP Required. Hosted by Ganeinu Early Childhood Development Center and Chabad of Southside. Children will participate in Chanukah crafts, eat a delicious dinner, enjoy face painting and of course the fun of the Pump It Up bouncy structures.
Chanukah Wonderland and Concert: December 12, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Event is FREE and open to the public. Hosted by Chabad at the Beaches. The event will be held at the Ponte Vedra Cultural Center. The children’s wonderland and fair will be from 5-6 p.m., followed by a menorah lighting with free Chanukah treats. Children will have the opportunity to get their faces panted and pose for photos in a dreidel costume. The featured master musician is Israeli Violinist, Boris Savchuk.
Grand Menorah Lighting Celebration: St. Johns Town Center: December 12, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Event is FREE and open to the public. Hosted by Chabad of Southside. The event will feature the lighting of the menorah to kick off Chanukah and a LIVE performance by America’s Got Talent Finalist, David Ferman. Free raffle and delicious Chanukah refreshments included.
Grand Chanukah Menorah Lighting and Celebration: Orange Park: December 12, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Event is FREE and open to the public. Hosted by Chabad of Clay County. The event features Klezmer Music with Guy and the Yehudas, Kindling of Clay County’s largest menorah, Delicious treats (hot latkes, fresh donuts, and drinks), a special Chanukah craft and treat for all children, and a grand raffle. Fun for the entire family!
Chanukah Light Show & Helicopter Gelt Drop!: December 12, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Event is FREE and open to the public. Hosted by Jewish St. Johns County. The event is a Chanukah light Show over the Nocatee Splash Water park including a Helicopter Gelt Drop. There will be a giant glowing menorah, donuts, dreidels, latkes and more! Kosher BBQ Dinner will be available to purchase. There will also be a special presentation by the GROW Enrichment Program.
Hemming Park’s Totally Lit Hanukkah Party– December 14, 5 p.m to 7 p.m. Event is FREE and open to the public. Hosted by Hemming Park, Jacksonville Public Library and AVANT MUSIC. This event will feature music by Cantor Jesse Holzer and Koltrain, Israeli dance, learning about Hanukkah and it’s traditions, story time, crafts, dreidel games, a menorah lighting and doughnuts!
Hanukkah Craft & Storytime: December 15, 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Event is FREE and RSVP requested. Hosted by Dubow Preschool Treehouse and PJ Library Jacksonville. The event will feature listening to a Hanukkah story from PJ Library and making Hanukkah pocket presents and wall hangings. Ages: 3 months to 3 years.
Hanukkah Party Special Erev Shabbat Service: Decmeber 15, 7:30 p.m. Event is FREE and open to the public. RSVP requested. Hosted by Beth Israel Messianic Synagogue Youth. There will be Krispy Kreme donuts and refreshments and a homemade Menorah contest. There will be a collection of non-perishable canned food for the Jewish Family and Community Services food drive.
Latkes & Vodkas: December 16, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Admission cost varies and open to public. Hosted by Jacksonville Jewish Center. An evening filled with vodka tasting, dreidel spinning, music, casino gaming and gourmet latke eating! Event is age 21 and over.
