Hanukkah begins at sundown on Friday, December 4, and continues through Saturday, December 12, 2026. Across Arizona, families can celebrate the Festival of Lights with community menorah lightings, traditional foods, music, crafts and special holiday events.
Whether you’re looking to continue a family tradition, introduce your children to Hanukkah or celebrate with your local Jewish community, there are plenty of opportunities to join in the festivities.
We’ve rounded up family-friendly Hanukkah celebrations throughout the Phoenix metro area, Scottsdale, the East Valley, Tucson and Southern Arizona. Some events are free and open to the public, while others require advance registration or tickets.
Hanukkah is also commonly spelled Chanukah. We’ve preserved the spelling used by individual event organizers.
Phoenix, Scottsdale and the East Valley
Chanukah in Carefree
Dates: December 4–11, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. nightly
Location: Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St., Carefree, AZ 85377
Admission: Community celebration; donations welcomed
Website: Chanukah in Carefree
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Chanukah in Carefree features eight evenings of menorah lightings, music, traditional holiday foods and community gatherings in downtown Carefree.
Each night has a different theme, with several evenings offering activities especially suited for families with children.
2026 Schedule:
- Friday, December 4 – Rocking Chanukah Shabbat: Kick off the celebration with Rabbi Schneider, Cantor Noa and the Temple Kol Ami Congregational Band. Traditional Hanukkah and Shabbat treats will be served.
- Saturday, December 5 – Chanukah Havdalah: Celebrate with Temple Chai’s adult and children’s choirs and Cantor Josh Finkel.
- Sunday, December 6 – Kids Light Up the Night: A family-focused evening featuring a performance by the Phoenix Boys Choir, hands-on activities from local organizations and holiday gift bags for children while supplies last.
- Monday, December 7 – Community Night: Celebrate the event’s 10th anniversary with live music, local businesses, children’s activities and holiday treats.
- Tuesday, December 8 – Community Family Night: Enjoy an interactive musical performance, Hanukkah games, free PJ Library books, crafts and refreshments.
- Wednesday, December 9 – Family Chanukah Celebration: Chabad of Carefree and Chabad of Anthem & the North Valley host an evening featuring freshly made latkes, doughnut decorating, live music, games and children’s crafts.
- Thursday, December 10 – Phoenix Holocaust Association Night: An evening featuring Holocaust survivor Dr. Mark Olsky, with a silent auction benefiting the Phoenix Holocaust Association.
- Friday, December 11 – Chanukah Shabbat: Close out the eight-night celebration with Congregation Kehillah, Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman and rabbinical student Erica Erman.
Families with younger children may especially enjoy the December 6, 8 and 9 celebrations, which feature interactive activities and entertainment.
Chanukah on the Avenue – Fountain Hills
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Across from Chabad Edelman Jewish Center, 16830 E. Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Admission: Free
Website: Chanukah on the Avenue
Chabad of Fountain Hills invites families to celebrate Hanukkah with a public menorah lighting, music and traditional holiday foods.
Enjoy freshly prepared latkes, doughnuts, dreidels and chocolate gelt while gathering with friends and neighbors for the Festival of Lights.
The celebration is free and open to the community.
More information: 480-795-6292
Downtown Tempe Menorah Lighting
Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Time: 5:30–7 p.m.
Location: Downtown Tempe, Tempe, AZ
Admission: Free
Website: Downtown Tempe Menorah Lighting
Celebrate Hanukkah in downtown Tempe with a community menorah lighting presented in partnership with ASU Chabad.
Families can enjoy traditional blessings, kosher holiday treats and children’s crafts while learning more about the traditions and meaning of Hanukkah.
This free community gathering offers an opportunity for families to celebrate together in the heart of Tempe.
Check the event website for the exact gathering location before attending.
Public Hanukkah Celebration at Soleri Plaza – Scottsdale
Date: Thursday, December 10, 2026
Time: 4:30–6 p.m.
Location: Soleri Plaza, Scottsdale Waterfront, Scottsdale, AZ
Admission: Free
Website: Public Hanukkah Celebration at Soleri Plaza
Join Chabad of South Scottsdale for a community Hanukkah celebration at Soleri Plaza near the Scottsdale Waterfront.
The afternoon includes a public menorah lighting, music, singing and children’s crafts. Families can gather to celebrate the Festival of Lights in an outdoor setting.
Annual Hanukkah Bazaar – Scottsdale
Date: Sunday, November 22, 2026
Time: 3–5 p.m.
Location: Pardes Jewish Day School, 12707 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Admission: Check event website for registration information
Website: 2026 Annual Hanukkah Bazaar
Get a head start on Hanukkah shopping at the Bureau of Jewish Education’s Annual Hanukkah Bazaar.
Families can browse Judaica, artwork, jewelry, candles, home goods and other gifts from local and Israeli entrepreneurs.
This year’s event includes the ESEK Hanukkah Shuk Tour, featuring products from Israeli small businesses, as well as a Children’s Business Boutique where young entrepreneurs ages 7–17 can sell their own handmade items and merchandise.
It’s a chance to shop for meaningful holiday gifts while supporting small businesses and young entrepreneurs.
Tucson and Southern Arizona
Tucson’s Tallest Menorah Lighting
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Time: 5–6 p.m.
Location: El Presidio Plaza, 160 W. Alameda St., Tucson, AZ 85701
Admission: Free
Website: Chabad Tucson Menorah Lighting
One of Tucson’s longstanding Hanukkah traditions returns for its 43rd annual celebration.
Chabad Tucson will light the city’s tallest menorah, a 13-foot-tall, nine-branched steel menorah that has been part of the community’s Hanukkah celebrations since the 1980s.
Families can enjoy holiday songs, traditional treats, crafts and personal menorahs to take home.
The event takes place outside Tucson City Hall and is free and open to the public.
Northwest Chanukah Festival – Oro Valley
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Time: 3–5 p.m.
Location: Oro Valley Marketplace, near Tuk Tuk Thai, Oro Valley, AZ
Admission: Free
Website: Northwest Chanukah Festival
Chabad of Oro Valley hosts a community Hanukkah celebration at Oro Valley Marketplace.
The festival offers an opportunity for families throughout Northwest Tucson and Oro Valley to gather and celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Admission is free. Visit the event website for the latest activity schedule and additional details.
Hanukkah Hot Cocoa Run – Tucson
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Time: 8 a.m.
Location: Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718
Admission: Registration required; see event website for pricing
Website: Tucson Jewish Community Center
Start your Hanukkah celebrations with a little exercise and some hot cocoa!
The Tucson J’s Hanukkah Hot Cocoa Run offers 5K, 1K and one-mile options, giving families an opportunity to participate at different fitness levels.
Whether you’re running, walking or cheering from the sidelines, this event combines physical activity with holiday community spirit.
Check the Tucson J’s website for registration details and participation fees.
Lights, Latkes & Laughter – Tucson
Date: Sunday, November 22, 2026
Time: 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Location: Tucson Torah Day School, Tucson, AZ
Admission: Free; advance registration required
Website: Lights, Latkes & Laughter Registration
PJ Library and Tucson Torah Day School are teaming up for an early Hanukkah celebration filled with activities for families.
The event features an LED light show by Cirque Circus Collective, festive Hanukkah crafts and a latke dinner.
Families can enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, hands-on activities and traditional holiday foods before Hanukkah officially begins.
Festival of Jewish Joy – Tucson
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 5–8:45 p.m.
Location: Kol Ami Synagogue, Tucson, AZ
Admission: Free admission; optional dinner and whiskey tasting available for an additional fee
Website: Festival of Jewish Joy
Although not exclusively a Hanukkah event, Kol Ami Synagogue’s Festival of Jewish Joy includes an artisan market featuring Hanukkah gifts and supplies, along with holiday-themed activities for children.
Families can enjoy live music, food demonstrations, hands-on workshops and educational activities for different ages.
It’s an opportunity to celebrate Jewish culture and traditions while shopping for Hanukkah gifts ahead of the holiday.
Jews at the Zoo – Tucson
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Time: 4:30 p.m.; Zoo Lights admission begins at 6 p.m.
Location: Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ
Admission: $18 per person or $72 per family
Registration: Required by November 30
Website: Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona
Celebrate Hanukkah with an evening at the zoo!
Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona is hosting Jews at the Zoo, featuring light bites, performances by Tucson Hebrew Academy students and time to explore the Pathways to Asia exhibit.
The celebration also includes admission to Zoo Lights beginning at 6 p.m., giving families a chance to enjoy the zoo’s seasonal light displays.
Advance registration is required.
Awakening the Lights Concert – Tucson
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Time: 2–3:30 p.m.
Location: Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718
Admission: $30 in advance; $35 at the door
Website: Tucson Jewish Community Center
The Tucson J presents Awakening the Lights, a musical celebration featuring Shofar and Chorale Sounds with Bar Tzemach and the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.
This afternoon concert offers families with older children and music lovers a different way to celebrate Hanukkah through live performance.
Brisket & Bright Lights Community Chanukkah Celebration – Tucson
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.; minyan at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Congregation Anshei Israel, Tucson, AZ
Admission: Members: $100 per family (up to two adults and three children), $30 per adult ages 13 and older, $20 per child. Guests: $40 per adult ages 13 and older, $30 per child.
Registration: RSVP by December 1
Website: Congregation Anshei Israel
Congregation Anshei Israel invites families to celebrate Hanukkah with a community dinner, candle lighting and holiday sing-along.
The evening includes traditional foods and an opportunity to gather with others in celebration of the Festival of Lights.
Advance registration is required.
Chanukkah Market & Judaica Exchange – Tucson
Date: Sunday, November 22, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Congregation Anshei Israel, Tucson, AZ
Admission: Contact organizer for details
Website: Congregation Anshei Israel
Shop for Hanukkah gifts and holiday essentials at Congregation Anshei Israel’s Chanukkah Market & Judaica Exchange.
Local artisans will be on hand, and families can browse new and gently used Judaica items.
Those wishing to donate new or gently used Judaica items should do so by November 15.
More information: 520-745-5550
Great 8: Hanukkah and Anniversary Celebration – Tucson
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Congregation Beit Simcha, 12111 N. La Cholla Blvd., Tucson, AZ
Admission: RSVP required; confirm any fees with organizer
Website: Congregation Beit Simcha
Congregation Beit Simcha is combining Hanukkah festivities with its eighth-anniversary celebration.
Families can enjoy music, latkes, birthday cake and refreshments while celebrating the holiday and congregation milestone.
Festival of De-Lights: The Ultimate Donut Showdown – Tucson
Date: Monday, December 7, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718
Admission: $10
Website: Festival of De-Lights
Tucson Torah Center and TTC Tribe are hosting a Hanukkah-themed doughnut competition featuring team challenges and light bites.
This event may be especially appealing to teens and older participants interested in a different kind of holiday celebration.
Advance registration is available online.
Chanukah Menorah Lighting – Sierra Vista
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 3105 E. Fry Blvd., Sierra Vista, AZ
Admission: Check with organizer
Organizer: Chabad of Cochise County
Families in southeastern Arizona can gather for an outdoor community menorah lighting hosted by Chabad of Cochise County.
The celebration includes holiday treats and music.
Additional menorah lightings are planned for Benson on December 8, Bisbee on December 9 and Fort Huachuca on December 10. Families should contact the organizer for exact times and locations for those additional celebrations.
What Is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
According to Jewish tradition, after the Temple was reclaimed, there was only enough consecrated oil to keep its menorah burning for one day, but the oil miraculously lasted eight days.
Today, Jewish families celebrate by lighting a hanukkiah, a nine-branched menorah, adding one candle each night of the holiday. Other traditions include playing dreidel, enjoying foods fried in oil such as latkes and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), singing songs and spending time with family and community.
Tips for Attending a Community Hanukkah Celebration
Many public menorah lightings welcome families and visitors, including those who may be learning about Hanukkah for the first time.
If you’re attending with young children, look for celebrations that include crafts, music, games or interactive activities. Outdoor evening events can get chilly in December, so bring jackets and plan to arrive a little early.
Some celebrations are free, while dinners, concerts and special activities may require tickets or advance registration.
Event details can change. Check the organizer’s website before heading out, especially for registration deadlines, parking information and weather-related updates.
More Hanukkah Ideas for Families
Looking for ways to celebrate Hanukkah at home or introduce your children to the holiday’s traditions? Explore these additional resources from Raising Arizona Kids:
- How to Celebrate Hanukkah — Learn more about the holiday and ways to celebrate with your family.
- 8 Hanukkah Celebration Ideas and Traditions — Find inspiration for making the eight nights of Hanukkah special.
- Hanukkah Ideas for Families from PJ Library — Discover family-friendly activities and holiday inspiration from PJ Library.
- Celebrating Hanukkah as a Family — Explore meaningful ways to share Hanukkah traditions with children.
Know of a family-friendly Hanukkah celebration in Arizona that we missed? Contact Raising Arizona Kids to share the details for consideration in this roundup.
