Celebrating Hanukkah in Denver offers so many cozy and joyful options, especially with family traditions in the mix! This year, the special festival of lights falls between the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024 and Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and is also known as the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah is celebrated on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon and sun. Because of this, the exact date of Hanukkah changes every year on the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the sun’s cycles.
Here are some ideas to make this Hanukkah season extra special:
- Menorah Lighting and Family Prayers: Start each night by lighting the menorah together. Denver has community menorah lighting events around the city (like at the Denver Jewish Center, Chabad Jewish Center, Highlands Ranch Eastridge Rec Center, Bega Park in Littleton, the Castle Rock Menorah Lighting at Festival Park and the Greenwood Village City Hall lighting ) if you’d like to join other families in a big celebration.
- Latke and Sufganiyot Cooking Night: A traditional Hanukkah meal with latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts) is a must! Make it a family activity where everyone can participate, from peeling potatoes to filling donuts.
- Dreidel Games: Kids (and adults) love the dreidel game, and you could add a twist by using Denver-inspired prizes—like small tokens of Colorado pride or winter-themed treats.
- Nature Walks with Hanukkah Lights: Take a winter stroll in a nearby Denver park, bringing along a thermos of hot cocoa and Hanukkah blessings. You can even bring some battery-powered menorah lights to add a symbolic glow.
- Local Hanukkah Events: Denver hosts Hanukkah events, like candle-making workshops, craft fairs, and concerts with traditional Jewish music. Attending one together could be a fun way to meet other families and learn more about different Hanukkah customs.
- Gift-Giving with a Twist: For the eight nights, exchange small meaningful gifts, or perhaps make a “mitzvah night,” where you give to each other and a local charity or family in need.
- Snow Fun and Family Photos: If there’s snow, have a day where you embrace it! Build a snow menorah or dreidel, or just play outside. Wrap it up with family photos to remember each Hanukkah as the kids grow.
Enjoy your Hanukkah in Denver, bringing warmth to the cold season with family, traditions, and a lot of light!
Author: Mile High Mamas
