Hot latkes, live music and plenty of light, Hanukkah Hullaballoo returns for 15th year

Bill Motchan, Contributing Writer

Published November 4, 2025

Hanukkah Hullaballoo St. Louis 2025 — Bill Motchan

Hanukkah Hullaballoo, the popular Festival of Lights celebration featuring hot latkes and live music, returns on Saturday, Dec. 13 to The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square in the Grand Center Arts District. The 2025 event will mark the 15th annual evening of Hanukkah music and community, hosted by the Brothers Lazaroff.

In 2010, the Lazaroffs created the Hanukkah party, thinking it would be a one-time affair. A funny thing happened along the way. Word of mouth made it a must-attend event, and it was even listed in a 2015 story in the Washington Post, which featured an array of “amazing Hanukkah parties across America.”

A community tradition with heart and rhythm

The longevity and popularity of Hanukkah Hullaballoo is a good reason to keep the party going, according to David Lazaroff.

“We love how the St. Louis community has embraced the hullabaloo and allowed it to sustain for 15 years,” Lazaroff said. “It is a nourishing event for us as musicians, and we are honored that it provides a bit of light each year.”

The music of the Brothers Lazaroff is a mix of jazz, rock, reggae and Americana. For years, David and Jeff Lazaroff have supported the St. Louis community through their work. They were honored in 2019 as St. Louis Jewish Light Unsung Heroes.

Latkes on stage and local talent in the spotlight

As in past years, the event will benefit a local charitable organization. This year, proceeds will benefit continuing tornado relief work in the city of St. Louis. Before the action gets into high gear, the Hullabaloo Klezmer All-Stars will entertain guests in The Dark Room bar and lounge, also located in The Grandel Theatre. The Brothers Lazaroff & Friends will take the main stage at 7 p.m. They’ll be joined by regular collaborators Anita Jackson, Blvck Spvde and DJ Boogieman.

The Hanukkah Hullaballoo latke ladies will also return, and fry latkes live, on stage, under the giant dreidel and menorah.

Proceeds to support St. Louis tornado relief efforts

Food (including latkes) and drinks will be available for purchase. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are now on sale and available from MetroTix.

About the Contributor

Bill Motchan, writer/photographer

Bill worked in corporate communications for AT&T for 28 years. He is a former columnist for St. Louis Magazine. Bill has been a contributing writer for the Jewish Light since 2015 and is a three-time winner of the Rockower Award for excellence in Jewish Journalism. He also is a staff writer for the travel magazine Show-Me Missouri. Bill grew up in University City. He now lives in Olivette with his wife and cat, Hobbes. He is an avid golfer and a fan of live music. He has attended the New Orleans Jazzfest 10 times and he has seen Jimmy Buffett in concert more than 30 times between 1985 and 2023.