Here’s how the Tampa Bay area is observing Hanukkah
This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown Thursday and ends at sundown Dec. 15. The holiday is coming at a time as the world continues to watch the war between Israel and Hamas and marches and protests erupt around the world. The following is a list of 14 ways the Tampa Bay area is observing the holiday.
Hanukkah in the City: The Chabad Center of Greater St. Petersburg celebrates with aerial performances, live music, a gelt drop, face painting, latkes, doughnuts and a menorah lighting with elected officials. RSVP to chabadsp.com/Chanukah23. Free. 5:30 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 7). South Straub Park, 198 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Petersburg.
Outdoor Menorah Lighting: A New York deli popup and menorah lighting with latkes, doughnuts and chocolate gelt. No cover. 5 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 7). Kosher Kaddy Market, 5113 State Road 674, Wimauma.
Unite Through Light: Hanukkah: Join Chabad of Clearwater for the lighting a themed menorah, a visit from ThunderBug, a show by Nerdy Noah, a gelt drop by the Clearwater Fire Department, live music, a Hebrew school performance, latkes, doughnuts and dreidels. Free. 5 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 7). Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater. 727-265-2770.
Hanukkah Celebration: This inclusive celebration of food and culture features potato pancakes and other fried party foods. No cover. 5-10 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 7) through Dec. 14. Wheelhouse, 7220 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-623-0589.
Hanukkah Stay and Play: Kids can decorate a Star of David through coloring and stickers. RSVP to amandaseaton@fit4mom.com to ensure there are enough supplies. No cover. 10 a.m. Friday (Dec. 8). Westfield Countryside Mall, 27001 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater. 727-796-1070.
Hanukkah on Ice: The annual celebration features the lighting of an ice menorah and skating to Jewish music around the flaming menorah. $10 (includes skate rental). 8-10 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 9). AdventHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel. 813-803-7372.
Chase the Dreidel 5K: Chase a human dreidel in sneakers as it “spins,” or runs, through St. Petersburg. Includes a medal, shirt, swag bag, potato pancake supper and doughnuts. $36. 4-7 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 10). Congregation B’nai Israel, 300 58th St. N., St. Petersburg.
Hanukkah at the Beach: Join Chabad Jewish Center of Greater St. Petersburg to light up the fourth candle of Hanukkah at this beachfront celebration with music, latkes and dreidels. Free. 5:30 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 10). Treasure Island Beach Access, 10400 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island. 727-549-6165.
Hanukkah: This “Light of the World” biblical celebration includes dinner, traditional music, songs, activities, games, lessons, a bonfire, desserts and a cocoa bar. $30, $20 children. 4-7 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 10). The Barn at Pine and Palms, 19146 Huckavalle Drive, Odessa.
Hanukkah Menorah Parade: The parade will leave from the Chabad House and drive through Fishhawk, making stops at individual homes to give out treats. Free. 5 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 10). Chabad of Brandon and Southshore, 11412 Mcmullen Road, Riverview.
Hanukkah Street Fair: Join Chabad at Wiregrass to “Light Up the Night” at this celebration with a helicopter gelt drop, aerial show, DJ dancing, bungee jump, rock climbing, obstacle course, photo booth, face painting, stilt walkers, potato latkes and doughnuts. No cover. 5-7 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 10). Krate at the Grove Wesley Chapel, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd. 813-406-5819.
Hanukkah on Ice: Join Chabad of Pinellas for the annual celebration with ice skating, the Grand Israel menorah lighting, music, balloons, gelt, doughnuts and latkes. Free. 5-7 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 10). Tampa Bay Skating Academy at Westfield Countryside, 27001 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater. 727-723-7785.
Downtown Dunedin Hanukkah Celebration: Chabad of Pinellas County lights a jumbo neon menorah at this celebration with a drone gelt drop, DJ dancing, songs, latkes and doughnuts. Free (reservations required at YIChabad.com/Festival). 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday (Dec. 12). John Lawrence Pioneer Park, 420 Main St., Dunedin.
Hanukkah Read Aloud: An interactive read-aloud to a Hanukkah-themed book with games and craft activities for children. Free. 4:30 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 13). Clearwater Beach Library, 69 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater. 727-562-4970.
