The temperatures have dropped to the 70s, the lights are up on the River Walk, there are boat loads of holiday celebrations popping up around town, and you know what that means, right?
IT’S ALMOST TIME FOR HANUKKAH, THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, Y’ALL!
There are lots of fun happenings in the coming weeks, and you can check them out below!
This list was compiled from the following local sources: The Jewish Federation of San Antonio, PJ Library San Antonio, Chabad Center for Jewish Life & Learning, Congregation Agudas Achim, Congregation Rodfei Sholom, Barshop Jewish Community Center, and Temple Beth-El. These organizations and congregations each have handy online programmatic resources to keep you up-to-date with Jewish cultural events and offerings for adults, children, and families in our community, so be sure to bookmark and follow them on Facebook and other social media.
*As always, call to confirm event details with sponsors, as some events require RSVPs or membership, while others are free and open to the general public as indicated on the flyers. If you know of additional Hanukkah events, please leave them below in the comments.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10
Hands-On Hanukkah and Havdalah | Whole Foods—Vineyard Shopping Center
“Join us for a festive Havdalah service, crafts, latkes, and so much more! This event is free and will be held at Whole Foods Market located in Vineyard Shopping Center (18403 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78258). All in the community are welcome!” https://agudas-achim.org/events/
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14
Hands on Chanukah | Barshop JCC
“Celebrate Chanukah at the JCC with fun for the whole family! We are excited to present a special showing of ‘The Chanukah Guest’ by San Antonio’s own Linda Kaufman! There will be two performances, one at 4:30 and one at 5:30, with fun activities such as candle dipping and Chanukah treats offered between performances! This family-friendly event is free and open to the community.”
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15
2nd Annual Hanukkah Family Concert | PJ Library San Antonio
Wear your PJs, pack some snacks, and sing along to the music of Jacob “Spike” Kraus as we prepare for Hanukkah! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. FREE Tickets: jfsatx.ticketspice.com/pj-2nd-annual-hanukkah-family-concert with add-on options available.
Catholics and Jews Celebrate Hanukkah
“Join the Jewish Community Relations and San Fernando Cathedral in partnership with Jefferson Bank and the University of the Incarnate Word, for this year’s Catholics and Jews Celebrate Hanukkah.” Tickets: https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/fa456622-ad79-4b78-a946-c1cfe31728c1
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18
Chanukah on the River | Arneson River Theater
Fun starting at 3:00 p.m. with a Chanukah Cruise with Gelt, and the Menorah Lighting at 4:00 p.m. Dinner and snacks available for purchase, as well as picture opportunities with Judah the Maccabee! River Boat tickets and more information: https://www.chabadsa.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/5715001/jewish/Chanukah-on-the-River-2022.htm
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19
PJ Hanukkah at SeaWorld | SeaWorld Bay of Play
Celebrate Hanukkah with marine friends at SeaWorld and light the menorah together! ***Special ticket pricing available: https://jfsatx.ticketspice.com/pj-library-seaworld-2022
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20
Donuts & Dreidels | Shipley Do-nuts—Bitters Road
“Bring your favorite Menorah to light as a community and enjoy songs, dancing, dreidel games, and Hanukkah fun as we celebrate at Shipley Do-Nuts (located at 1218 Bitters Rd #101, San Antonio, TX 78216) at 4:30 p.m. This event is free and open to all in the community!” https://agudas-achim.org/events/
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21
Hanukkah Hullabaloo | Congregation Agudas Achim SA
“Congregation Agudas Achim warmly invites everyone in our community to join us for Hanukkah Hullabaloo! Featuring family fun for all ages—chicken dinner, arts and crafts, games, bouncy house, and much more provided! $7 per adult and $4 per child 10 years and under (capped at $20 per family). Kindly RSVP to [email protected] or call 210-479-0307.”
Latkes and Libations | Kavy Family Pavilion
“Join us for an adults-only dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the Kavy Family Pavilion as we celebrate the 4th night of Hanukkah! The charge for this event is $10 per person and is open to all in the community. *Kindly RSVP to [email protected] or call 210-479-0307. ”
Chanukkah | The Pearl- Shade Structure
Lighting the menorah, a special menu, and a message from Rabbi Eli Block with live music. Learn more: www.atpearl.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22
Hanukkah Happy Hour
“Please join the Young Adult Division for our 2nd Annual Hanukkah Happy Hour! Together we will bring in the holiday with festive drinks, delicious latkes, and sufganiyot.” Tickets: https://jfsatx.ticketspice.com/yad-hanukkah-happy-hour-22
Hanukkah Shabbat Potluck Dinner | Congregation Agudas Achim SA
“Immediately following Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 6:00 p.m., join us for a family-friendly dinner! Please bring ready-to-serve dairy or parve dishes to share.” https://agudas-achim.org/events/
LOOKING FOR MORE HANUKKAH FUN AND ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH YOUR CHILDREN?
PJ Library has great suggestions. If you are not already familiar with it, PJ Library is a “Jewish Family Engagement Program” that provides useful educational resources for families “to explore the timeless core values of Judaism through books and music.” It is free to participate, and children typically receive one book or CD each month. (And if you think kids don’t LOVE getting their own mail each month, you are nuts.) In San Antonio, through partnerships with multiple Jewish organizations and agencies, all families raising Jewish children ages six months to seven years are eligible to participate. (I signed up both of my children when they were born, and they each get age-appropriate literature and music.) For a list of Hanukkah books selected by age group, click here.
Portions of this post were originally published by Ashley on December 14, 2014.
