Speaking of things to do in November, how can you forget about Hanukkah? Also called the festival of lights, Hanukkah is one of the most popular holidays in the world and is loaded with history, culture, and delicious food. The holiday celebrates the Jewish army’s defeat of the Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean. Queue up your favorite Adam Sandler holiday song, get out the menorah, and light the candles because it’s time to celebrate Hanukkah! Or, grab your families and friends and check out the best places to celebrate Hanukkah in Chicago this year!
Image Credit: Maple & Ash
Maple & Ash
8 W Maple St, Chicago, IL 60610
For those looking to ball out and ring in the season in grandiose fashion, the Gold Coast’s top see-and-be-seen steakhouse is pulling out all of its signature over-the-top stops with a post-parade party in its elaborate, covered and heated outdoor courtyard. Expect an open bar sponsored by Remy Martin (complete with an ice luge, of course), plus seasonal hot cocktails, overflowing fire-roasted seafood towers, a hand-rolled sushi station, and plenty of passed bites, plus a visit from Santa and photo ops galore. This party is for guests 21 and over looking for a good f@*king time.
Image Credit: Christian Horan
Bar Pendry
81 E Wacker Pl, Chicago, IL 60601
Guests are invited to saunter over to Pendry Chicago’s cozy ground-floor gathering spot Bar Pendry on Saturday, November 19th to kick off the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival parade with a complimentary Prosecco or hot cocoa toast. Those looking to stay cozy by the fireplace can curl up on one of their overstuffed leather couches and watch the live broadcast from one of the televisions set up throughout the space while enjoying seasonal sippers and chef-driven bites all evening long.
Image Credit: Venteux
Venteux
224 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
The Mag Miles glitziest French brasserie and cafe, Venteux, is geared up with warm, cozy drinks for the whole family this year. For the kiddos, the festival’s magical, glittering lights are mirrored in the cafe’s white hot chocolate, complete with twinkling, edible sparkles for $6 – available as a grab and go or a sit down beverage for those looking to take a break from the chill. The dining room will also have hot toddies on special for $10 from 10am-10pm for a more spirited warm-up sipper.
Image Credit: The Greystone Tavern
8 Crazy Nights at The Greystone Tavern
3441 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Back by popular demand for its third year, The Graystone Tavern in Wrigleyville will open “8 Crazy Nights” on Friday, November 25. Chicago’s first and only Hanukkah-themed pop-up bar will be open through Sunday, January 8.
Guests can expect a winter wonderland of decorations created for the Jewish holiday throughout the bar and weatherproofed beer garden, including over 14,000 blue and white lights and Hanukkah ball lanterns adorning the ceiling, Star of David and dreidel ornaments, lighted menorah decor, Mensch on a Bench, a Hanukkah sweater wall, an 8-foot inflatable dreidel and more.
Image Credit: The Goddess and Grocer
The Goddess and Grocer
all locations
The Goddess and Grocer makes Hanukkah entertaining easy with a robust a la carte to-go / delivery menu full of twists on the classics with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options as well as Sommelier wine selections. This year’s Hanukkah menu features Bite Size Potato Latkes, Beef Tenderloin, Classic Noodle Kugel Size, Sufganiyot (traditional jelly donut), and more!
Orders can be placed via their website, call 773.292.7100, or Tock. Place orders by Tuesday, Nov 23 at Noon. Delivery is available for an additional charge with a three-hour drop-off window with heating instructions. Select items will be available in stores for pickup as well. Locations include River North, Gold Coast, and Bucktown.
JB’s Deli Inc
5501 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Self-donned as “One of a Few Jewish Delis” in Chicago, JB’s Deli is the perfect place to pop in for some authentic Jewish cuisine. From matzo ball soup to pastrami sandwiches and challah bread, this deli has everything you could want out of genuine Jewish food. Nestled in Andersonville, the experience of ordering is everything you’d expect. Fast-paced and busy, a stop in at JB’s will likely leave your head spinning and your stomach anxious for some of the delicious delicatessen that will be hard to find anywhere else in the city.
Smack Dab Chicago
6730 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626
This year, Smack Dab is bringing back a seasonal favorite – latkes! Known for their expansive menu that includes items for everyone, Smack Dab has something for you whether you’re dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, or anywhere in between. Latkes, or potato pancakes, are a Hanukkah must, and there are many ways to enjoy them. Dipped in sour cream, smothered in syrup, or spread with grape jelly, there is no right or wrong way to eat your latke. So, when you host a Hanukkah night celebration and want to “wow” your pals, a big order of latkes from Smack Dab is the way to go!
Image Credit: Open House Chicago
Temple Shalom
3480 N Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60657
If you’re looking to dive into the history and traditions of Hanukkah and Judaism, head to Temple Shalom. Founded in 1867, Temple Shalom is one of the oldest temples in Chicago, but takes on a modern approach to the religion. This Hanukkah season, Temple Shalom will host their normal services and different, exciting community events. From cooking classes to Hanukkah parties, Temple Shalom welcomes everyone with open arms and invites anyone to celebrate the Festival of Lights this year. For more information about different events at Temple Shalom, head to their website HERE.
Jewish United Fund at the Morton Arboretum
4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532
Jewish United Fund, or JUF, is a country-wide community-based organization dedicated to serving people of all faiths across the globe. The Chicago branch of JUF is hosting some events this Hanukkah season, with one being held at the Morton Arboretum! This December 18th, families are invited to head out to Lisle to take part in a Chanukah magic show, sing holiday songs, and enjoy the one-mile path of Morton Arboretum’s Illumination event. You can register for this event on their website, which costs $36 per family.
Featured Image: The Greystone Tavern
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