ST. LOUIS — The eight-day festival of lights known as Hanukkah, or Chanukah, is coming up soon and Jews around the world will be celebrating.
The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, according to History.com. It was there that Jews had risen up against their oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt, legend states.
Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December.
This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 7 and ends on the evening of Friday, Dec. 15.
Celebrations will be held around the St. Louis area leading up to and during the holiday. They'll include traditional activities like lighting the menorah and playing with a dreidel as well as activities like a car parade or ice skating.
Editor's note: The above video aired during a 2022 broadcast.
Here are a few events planned this year.
Chanukah @ The Arch
Thursday, Dec. 7: 6-7:30 p.m.
The community is invited to Keiner Plaza for the inaugural lighting of the 29-foot ' Staenberg Menorah, free ice skating and other holiday celebrations.
There will be free, family-friendly events as well as food and drinks available for purchase.
Hanukkah at MoBOT
Sunday, Dec. 10: Noon-8:30 p.m.
Enjoy live music, dancing, a menorah lighting and other festivities at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Daytime activities are included with regular admission, and evening activities are included with the purchase of a Garden Glow ticket.
For more information, click here.
Menorah Car Parade
Sunday, Dec. 10: 4:30 p.m.
The Menorah Car Parade will head out from Chesterfield Mall on Sunday afternoon. An announcement for the event said the parade will feature cars decorated with menorahs, led by fire trucks, police, and a motorcycle brigade.
Chanukah on Main Street St. Charles
Sunday, Dec. 10: 5 p.m.
Join members of the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County Sunday evening for holiday fun at Berthold Square Park. The event starts at 5 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
For more information and to register for tickets, click here.
Delmar Loop Public Menorah Lighting
Sunday, Dec. 10: 5:30 p.m.
Chabad WashU is hosting its 12th annual public menorah lighting at The Market in on the Delmar Loop. The celebration will include free refreshments, music and Chasidic dancing.
Chanukah Menorah Lighting @ New Town
Monday, Dec. 11: 3:30-4 p.m.
Head to Town Hall in New Town St. Charles for a giant menorah lighting, music and hot latkes all free of charge Monday. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, click here.
Chanukah at the Police Station
Wednesday, Dec. 13: 5 p.m.
The St. Charles Jewish Community and The Gan St. Charles invite you to the O'Fallon Police Department on Wednesday, Dec. 13 for a menorah lighting, photos with police officers, a police K-9 meet-and-greet and holiday treats.
It's all free, and you can find more information here.