Guide to Chanukah in Champaign-Urbana

How to Celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights in Champaign-Urbana

Call it Chanukah or Hanukkah or Hanukah; whatever the spelling, the festival of lights is perhaps one of the most well known Jewish holidays in the United States — if not the world.

We’ve put together this article to include everything you need to know about how to celebrate Chanukah in Champaign-Urbana, from resources to observe in the home to more communal opportunities.

(If you want to learn more about Chanukah in general, check out our popular “What You Need to Know About Chanukah” article.)

WHEN IS CHANUKAH?

In 2024 the eight-day festival of Chanukah starts the night of Wednesday, Dec. 25, and continues until sundown Jan. 2; the last candle is lit in the evening of Jan. 1, 2025. Chanukah lasts for eight days and nights, however, it’s the candle lighting that is perhaps the most important part of the holiday, and that occurs at night. Just to repeat — the first night is on a Wednesday, even if your calendar says that the holiday starts on Thursday. All Jewish holidays start the night before what might be labeled on a secular calendar as the first day of the holiday. (Did that make sense?)

WHAT IS CHANUKAH?

Chanukah is a minor Jewish holiday that celebrates a historical military victory over intolerance. It has plenty of customs and rituals, including the lighting of a nine-branch candelabra (Hanukkiah, commonly known as a menorah). There are traditional fried foods, games, and decorations.

WHERE CAN I BUY CHANUKAH STUFF?

If you are looking to buy Chanukah-related merchandise for your family or for a friend, here are some suggestions for how to do so in Champaign-Urbana. If you’ve found Chanukah stuff elsewhere, let us know (editor@chambanamoms.com).

1. Shop at the Sinai Temple Gift Shop Chanukah Showcase. This is without a doubt the BEST place in Champaign-Urbana to find merchandise related to Chanukah – candles, menorahs, dreidels (spinning tops), gelt (chocolate coins) and so much more — books, crafts, gifts, decorations, etc. See hours on our events calendar. Sinai Temple is located near the corner of Windsor and Duncan Roads in southwest Champaign.

2. Champaign-Urbana area local businesses that typically have Chanukah merchandise include International Galleries at Urbana’s Lincoln Square Mall (menorahs, candles, gift wrap), Art Mart (books for kids and gelt), the Literary bookstore (books and cards), and Curtis Orchard. We have seen some funny cards at Yellow and Company in Mahomet. We found a few items at Sun Singer (seen in November, below).

3. Big box stores. Chanukah stuff will pop up everywhere, you never know. In 2024 we have confirmed that there is Hanukkah chazerai (ha-zer-ay, a Yiddish word for JUNK) at the Champaign Target and the Urbana Meijer. In the past, we’ve also seen modest Chanukah displays at Aldi, Bath & Body Works, Party City, Walgreens, Schnucks and Harvest Market.

WHAT ABOUT LOCAL CHANUKAH EVENTS?

Illini Hillel, Sinai Temple, and Illini Chabad sponsor Chanukah events for families, students and community members. We will add events to our calendar as we learn about them.

Looking for more? Subscribe to our Holiday Newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Event Calendar.

Chanukah in Champaign-Urbana: What, When and Where to Shop

How to Celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights in Champaign-Urbana

Everything Holiday Season In and Around Champaign-Urbana