There’s no shortage of in-person, free, family-friendly events this Hanukkah season to commemorate the Festival of Lights, which begins on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 18 and concludes the evening of Monday, Dec. 26. Here is a roundup of the communitywide happenings — please note that while most of these events are free, several ask for a RSVP in advance.

Wednesday, Dec. 14

Hanukkah at Schnucks Ladue Crossing: Hanukkah storytelling, STEAM activities for children and a singing presentation will be featured at the 27th Hanukkah Celebration from 6-7 p.m. at Schnucks Ladue Crossing shopping center, I-170 at Ladue Road. The event will take place at the Barnes & Noble Booksellers. The free, public event will be emceed by Rabbi Shmuel Miller, head of school at H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy, and features Hanukkah storytelling with educator Jackie Oppenheimer and Hanukkah songs. The event will also feature STEAM activities for children. All children will receive a free gift of traditional Hanukkah chocolate “gelt” (gold coins).

Thursday, Dec. 15

Women’s Circle Hanukkah celebration: Join the Women’s Circle, a project of Chabad of Chesterfield, for “A Secret Maccabee Chanukah Celebration” starting at 6 p.m. at Chesterfield Mall. The evening kicks off with a Hanukkah shopping bazaar, along with cocktails and snacks, followed by a do-it-yourself Hanukkah tray workshop and a raffle and giveaways. A “Secret Maccabee” game will be played — bring a wrapped gift that is of $10 value or less and represents your initials. RSVP is required by Dec. 12.

Sunday, Dec. 18

The Home Depot Chanukah Experience: After a COVID hiatus, this family-friendly Hanukkah event will be back in-person from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at The Home Depot at 1603 S. Hanley Rd. in Brentwood. Participants will receive a plastic “hard hat” and then craft their own unique menorah from wood and other supplies available at The Home Depot. Latkes, Hanukkah swag and holiday music are just some of the special items being featured. Parents or grandparents accompany their children and there is no charge for attending. Sponsored by The Home Depot and Chabad of Greater St. Louis, more than 500 people are expected to attend. Click here to RSVP and register.

Hanukkah at Missouri Botanical Garden: Kick off the first night of Hanukkah at Chanukah@Garden Glow. Special events in the Missouri Botanical Garden Visitor’s Center from noon to 4 p.m. include musical performances by Ha Shemesh, Shir Ami, Shakshuka and Alex Rich, as well as food and vendors. Then tour the Garden Glow starting at 4:30 p.m. This event, sponsored by the Jewish Community Center, offers special group rate tickets of $18 for adults, $10 for children. To purchase tickets.

Hanukkah in St. Charles: Join Chabad of St. Charles for the Fourth Annual “Chanukah on Main Street” at Berthold Square Park. 221 S. Main St., St. Charles at 5 p.m. for a menorah lighting, gelt drop, hot latkes and Jewish holiday music. Reserve a spot to this free event.

Hanukkah party at B’nai Amoona: From 3-5 p.m., Congregation B’nai Amoona will host a Hanukkah party for families, with “moving, grooving, games and other Hanukkah activities.”

First Night, First Light at CRC: From 4 -6 p.m., Central Reform Congregation will hold an afternoon of Hanukah celebration at First Night, First Light. All are welcome at this event, which will include crafts, dreidel, a latke snack, and a Hanukah program with the CRC rabbis. Bring your Hanukkah menorah from home to light with others as guests welcome the holiday as a community. For more information or to register.

First Night Celebration at Kol Rinah: Join Kol Rinah from 4:30 to 8 p.m. for games, art, music, food and fun. There is a young families event from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., with Hanukkah songs, stories and sufganiyot with Ms. Karen. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. families and adults can enjoy an event featuring a Minute to Win It Tabletop Games and Spirit of Hanukkah Art Drawing. At 6 p.m. there will be a minyan, and from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Hanukkiah lighting followed by a light dinner along with “Music by Members.” A donation of $18 is suggested. RSVP here. For more information, email [email protected].

Monday, Dec. 19

Celebrate Hanukkah in downtown St. Louis: Chabad of Greater St. Louis is hosting the first-ever “Chanukah @ The Arch” on the second night of Hanukkah. Following a 6 p.m. menorah lighting ceremony at Kiener Plaza Park, there will be Jewish holiday music and winter fun for families, including free ice skating and latkes. Register here for free tickets.

Tuesday, Dec. 20

Menorah Car Parade: Chabad of Chesterfield’s 10th annual Menorah Car Parade will feature 100+ menorah-topped car parade that culminates in a special anniversary celebration. The event will feature a public menorah lighting event with a 75-foot Hanukkah gelt drop (with eight lucky golden gelt winners), a laser light show, live Jewish music, glow up balloons, entertainment, and Hanukkah treats. Unlike traditional parades, everyone is invited to participate by driving in the car menorah parade. Each car will receive a swag bag complete with car decorations, a Jewish music radio program, treats and activities. Parade attendees are asked to meet at Chesterfield Central Park at 6 p.m. The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the special 10-year anniversary celebration at 7. RSVPs required.

Wednesday, Dec. 21

Rabbi and reverend discuss similarities between Hanukkah and Christmas: The Mirowitz Center will feature a free, in-person discussion from 10-11 a.m. on “Oy to the World: Similarities Between Hanukkah & Christmas” led by Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham of B’nai Amoona and Rev. Jim Poinsett of Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis. Register online or call 314-733-9813 or email [email protected].

Sunday, Dec. 25

Hanukkah celebration at NHBZ: Nusach Hari B’nai Zion will hold its annual Hanukkah party from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 25. The event will include bingo for all ages with prizes, kids’ dreidel games, prizes and chocolate, balloons by Mike Geerlof, sloppy joes, hot dogs and more.  The cost is $15 for adults, $9 for children under 10 and no charge for children 3 and under ($60 maximum cost per family). Open to the community but RSVPs required by Dec. 18 to [email protected] or 314-991-2100.