Hanukkah 2025 begins the evening of Dec. 14, and this year St. Louis is offering a packed calendar of public celebrations, hands-on workshops and family gatherings across the region.
From a giant menorah near the Arch to a rolling parade of menorah-topped cars in Chesterfield, St. Louis Hanukkah events bring the Festival of Lights into neighborhoods, parks and community spaces throughout December.
Below is a complete guide to what’s happening and when, organized by date so you can plan your holiday week with ease.
Pre-Hanukkah celebrations
Dec. 7 — Home Depot Chanukah Experience (11 a.m.–1 p.m.)
The Home Depot, 1603 S. Hanley Rd., Brentwood
Chabad of Greater St. Louis brings back its annual hands-on workshop where kids receive a plastic hard hat and build a Hanukkah craft using materials provided by Home Depot. Parents are encouraged to participate, and RSVPs are required due to limited capacity.
RSVP: ChabadSTL.org/HomeDepot
Dec. 9 — Schnucks Ladue Crossing Hanukkah Celebration (5:30–6:30 p.m.)
Barnes & Noble, Schnucks Ladue Crossing
The 29th annual celebration features Hanukkah storytelling with educator Jackie Oppenheimer, songs, STEAM activities for children and free chocolate gelt. Rabbi Shmuel Miller will emcee. The event is free and supported by merchants at the shopping center.
Dec. 13 — Gym & Swim Parent’s Night Out (6–9:30 p.m.)
The J in Creve Coeur
Families can drop off children for an evening of activities at the J while adults enjoy a night out.
Register: jccstl.com/gymandswim
Dec. 13 — Chaiway 30s, 40s & 50s: White Elephant Gift Exchange & Potluck (7 p.m.)
Home of Racquel and Daniel Goldberg
Bring a dish and a wrapped $10-or-less gift for a spirited white elephant exchange and potluck dinner.
RSVP: https://www.bnaiamoona.com/form/CPotluck25
⭐ First Night of Hanukkah — Sunday, Dec. 14
Chanukah @ the Arch: Opening Night Menorah Lighting
Kiener Plaza Park
Chabad’s annual public menorah lighting program begins with the first lighting of the 29-foot Staenberg menorah — the tallest menorah west of the Mississippi — as listed in the regional directory.
Full directory: ChabadSTL.org/Chanukah
Share the Light for Hanukkah’s First Night!
4:00–6:00 p.m. | B’nai Amoona
Bounce houses, bingo with Men’s Club, Carver House gift wrap and breakfast-for-dinner, including latkes.
Hanukkiah lighting at 5:00 p.m.
Special guest: Louie, mascot of the St. Louis Blues
Sponsored by the Tzinberg Hanukkah Fund
RSVP: https://www.bnaiamoona.com/form/stlfhfn
Hanukkah at Garden Glow
Missouri Botanical Garden
The J highlights this special night at Garden Glow, where free music and vendors begin at noon and Garden Glow opens at 4:30 p.m.
Details: jccstl.com/gardenglow
Menorah Car Parade lights up Chesterfield (4:30 p.m. meetup; 5 p.m. departure)
Chabad of Chesterfield, 15310 Conway Rd.
Chabad of Chesterfield will once again take Hanukkah to the streets with its menorah-topped car parade. Participants arrive at 4:30 p.m., and on a first-come basis can mount an electric car menorah on their vehicle before the parade departs at 5 p.m.
The convoy travels through Chesterfield as a mobile celebration of Hanukkah, concluding with a public menorah lighting and a 75-foot chocolate gelt drop with eight golden gelt winners, plus music and treats for all ages.
“Even a small amount of light can push away a tremendous amount of darkness,” said Rabbi Avi Rubenfeld.
“The parade is a rolling statement of joy, resilience and Jewish pride,” added Chanala Rubenfeld.
Second Night — Monday, Dec. 15
Chanukah @ the Arch: Menorah Light & Audio-Visual Show
Kiener Plaza Park
Nightly menorah lighting and program.
Directory: ChabadSTL.org/Chanukah
ECC Early Childhood Celebration (Fox)
4–5:15 p.m.
A special Hanukkah gathering for families enrolled in the J’s Early Childhood Center.
ECC info: jccstl.com/ecc
Third Night — Tuesday, Dec. 16
Chanukah @ the Arch: Menorah Light & Audio-Visual Show
Kiener Plaza Park
Directory: ChabadSTL.org/Chanukah
Fourth Night — Wednesday, Dec. 17
Chanukah @ the Arch: Menorah Light & Audio-Visual Show
Kiener Plaza Park
Directory:ChabadSTL.org/Chanukah
Chanukah @ the Police Station
O’Fallon Police Department, 1019 Bryan Rd.
A community menorah lighting hosted by Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County.
Directory: ChabadSTL.org/Chanukah
Hazak Hanukkah Hoopla
11:45 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | B’nai Amoona
Festive Hanukkah lunch and games.
Cost: $10
RSVP: https://www.bnaiamoona.com/form/hazakdec2025
ECC Early Childhood Celebration (SFC)
8–9 a.m.
Morning Hanukkah event for ECC families.
ECC info: jccstl.com/ecc
Fifth Night — Thursday, Dec. 18
Chanukah @ the Arch: Menorah Light & Audio-Visual Show
Kiener Plaza Park
Directory: ChabadSTL.org/Chanukah
Menorah Lighting @ New Town
Town Hall, New Town at St. Charles
Hosted by Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County.
Directory: ChabadSTL.org/Chanukah
Wente’s X United Hebrew Chanukah Pop-Up Bar (6–11 p.m.)
Wente’s
Wente’s and United Hebrew are teaming up for a Chanukah Pop-Up Bar that goes big on holiday spirit. Think signature Chanukah cocktails, great bites and more blue-and-silver décor than a Judaica shop after inventory day. Come dressed in your best Chanukah chic—ugly sweaters, glittery gelt-glam, anything that sparkles—for the night’s sweater contests. With live music by Decedy, good vibes, great company and candle lighting together on the fifth night, this adults-night-out is built for all eight. No cover; food and drinks available for purchase.
You can find more info online.
Sixth Night — Friday, Dec. 19
Chanukah @ the Arch: Menorah Light & Audio-Visual Show
Kiener Plaza Park
Directory: ChabadSTL.org/Chanukah
Seventh Night — Saturday, Dec. 20
Chanukah @ the Arch: Menorah Light & Audio-Visual Show
Kiener Plaza Park
Directory: ChabadSTL.org/Chanukah
Hanukkah Pop-Up Bar (7 p.m.)
Sports & Social St. Louis, Ballpark Village
A 21+ gathering with themed drinks and food available for purchase; no registration required.
Details: jccstl.com
Eighth Night — Sunday, Dec. 21
Chanukah @ the Arch: Menorah Light & Audio-Visual Show
Kiener Plaza Park
Directory: ChabadSTL.org/Chanukah
Donuts & Dreidels
3:00–5:00 p.m. | Duck’s Donuts
Free donuts, coffee, hot chocolate, dreidel games and Hanukkah fun.
Hanukkiah lighting at 4:45 p.m.
No RSVP required.
Chanukah on Main Street
Berthold Square Park, 221 S. Main St., St. Charles
A public menorah lighting hosted by Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County.
Directory: ChabadSTL.org/Chanukah
Additional Holiday Programming
Dec. 24 — YPD LollapaJEWza 2025 (8 p.m.–11:59 p.m.)
Jewish Federation’s Young Professionals Division is throwing LollapaJEWza’s Sweet 16 — and yes, it’s exactly as disco as it sounds. Expect a full retro bash with a DJ and photo booth from Ellishellacool & Company, curated drinks from Hidden Gem bartenders, birthday treats and a few “magical surprises” throughout the night. Register by Dec. 21 to get a free drink; Impact180 donors get a second one. Walk-ins welcome, but pre-registration is encouraged.
Dec. 25 — Christmas Day Movie (11 a.m.)
The J in Creve Coeur
The Jewish Film Festival presents “Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause.” Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
Details: jccstl.com/jewishchristmas
Whether you’re lighting candles at home or joining the community for a public celebration, St. Louis Hanukkah events offer something meaningful for every night of the holiday. From parades and performances to quiet moments of reflection, each gathering adds its own light to the season.
