Hanukkah In Montgomery County: Parades, Menorah Lightings, More

SILVER SPRING, MD — Hanukkah events are scheduled across Montgomery County to celebrate the Jewish winter holiday that begins on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 22 and ends on the evening of Monday, Dec. 30. Known as the Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah — also spelled Chanukah — celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

As the story goes, the region was ruled by Greek-Syrian oppressors, who abolished Judaism and retaliated against anyone who disobeyed King Antiochus. A small army of Jews, known as the Maccabees, fought back and drove their enemies out of Judea — also known as the land of Israel. The Jews returned to the Second Temple, which had been destroyed, and started to rebuild the altar and restore the sacred gold candelabra called a menorah. But there was only enough oil to illuminate the Temple's menorah for one day — or so they thought. That small amount of oil miraculously kept the menorah illuminated for eight full days.

Today, the Jewish holiday is centered around the menorah and celebrated with loved ones.

Along with celebrating Hanukkah at home with family and friends, residents celebrate the holiday at public events across the region. Most of the scheduled events welcome both adults and children of all ages. Here is a list of events in Montgomery County:

Firetruck Menorah Parade (Dec. 22)

• Upcounty Chabad's Firetruck Menorah Parade returns on Sunday. The parade starts at 3:00 p.m. at Cabin Branch, before making its way to Arora Hills, Clarksburg Town Center, and ending at Clarksburg Cottage. There will be a menorah lighting and Hanukkah party at Clarksburg Cottage at 4:30 p.m. Click here to see the parade schedule and route and RSVP here if you want a seat at the Chabad dinner.

Chanukah Menorah Lighting (Dec. 22)

• At 5 p.m., Chabad Of Bethesda will be hosting a Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony on Bethesda Lane. But this menorah isn't like most other menorahs. It's a baseball-themed WINnorah. So expect baseball-themed giveaways, live entertainment, and food and drinks. Register for the menorah lighting here. Location: 4950 Elm St., Bethesda, MD 20814

Hanukkah Block Party (Dec. 22)

• Families in Clarksburg will celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah by lighting a menorah, eating holiday treats, and giving back to the community. In partnership with Comfort Cases, Shaare Torah and PJ Library Greater Washington will donate necessities to children in the foster care system. This event runs from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Location: 11523 Dogwood Hills Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871

Chanukah Gelt Drop and Giant Menorah Public Lighting (Dec. 22)

• Chabad of Aspen Hill's second annual Chanukah Gelt Drop and Giant Menorah Public Lighting returns on Sunday. From 6 to 7 p.m., attendees can enjoy a fire juggling show, LED menorahs, hot cocoa, donuts and latkes, and more. The Kensington Fire Department is partnering with Chabad for this event and will be unleashing a hail storm of chocolate gelt. Location: 14625 Bauer Drive, Rockville, MD 20853

Tasty Books - Hanukkah Cookies With Sprinkles (Dec. 22)

• From 10:30 a.m. to noon, children can hear food-themed stories and then explore them through snack-making and a thematic craft activity. Admission is $5 per person. Adult supervision is required. Click here to buy tickets and learn more. Location: 810 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877

Let There Be Light and Latkes: Glow in the Dark Family Chanukah Party (Dec. 22)

• This family-friendly, glow-in-the-dark Hanukkah party starts at 5:30 p.m. There will be: a build-your-own latke bar, a community menorah lighting ceremony, glow-in-the-dark activities, and more. Ticket prices vary. Reserve a spot (and a glow stick) here. Location: 1840 University Blvd. W., Silver Spring, MD 20902

YISE Chanukah Carnival (Dec. 22)

• A Hanukkah carnival packed with food, family, and fun. The event, hosted by Young Israel Shomrai Emunah, starts at 12:30 and ends at 2:30 p.m. There will be sing-alongs, a moonbeam obstacle course, pizza, and more. Tickets are $5 per person, $25 maximum per family. Location: 1132 Arcola Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20902

Cabin John Village Chanukah Celebration (Dec. 22)

• It's raining chocolate gelt at the Cabin John Village Chanukah Celebration. Guests can hang out with Montgomery County firefighters, enjoy a special performance by a world famous unicyclist, and participate in many other family-friendly activities. The event starts at 4:00 and ends at 5:30 p.m. Location: Intersection of Tuckerman Ln & Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, MD 20854

Menorah Lighting Ceremony (Dec. 22)

• Rockville Town Square will host a number of family-friendly Hanukkah activities. Head over to Dawson's Market at 4 p.m. for indoor Hanukkah arts and crafts. At 4:30 p.m. Chabad Israeli Center of Rockville will hold a menorah lighting ceremony and play live music. Guests can ice skate starting at 5 p.m. Click here to learn more. Location: 200 E Middle Lane, Rockville, MD 20850

Family Chanukah Party (Dec. 23)

• Celebrate the second night of Hanukkah with the family at Bender JCC in Rockville. There will be a candle lighting ceremony, latkes and donuts, crafts, story time, and more. The event runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. And admission is $5 for the whole family. Purchase tickets here or call Deb Rosenberg at 301-348-3847 for more info. Location: 6125 Montrose Rd., Rockville, MD 20852

Chanukah Fire Truck Parade (Dec. 23)

• The Chanukah Fire Truck Parade will be held on Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The fire truck will leave from the fire station on Hungerford Drive, and make stops in Fallsgrove, Washingtonian Woods, and Lakelands. Following the parade, there will be a community menorah lighting and Hanukkah party at "Chanukah Wonderland." More information about the parade route and celebration can be found here.

Build A Chanukah (Dec. 23)

• At the Westfield Wheaton mall, attendees can build a Lego menorah, latke, and stuffed dreidel. Guests are also invited to make a menorah out of boxed food to donate to Yad Yehuda Pantry. The event, hosted by Chabad of Silver Spring, runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Location: 11160 Veirs Mill Rd., Wheaton, MD 20902