Hanukkah in Milwaukee's North Shore: Complete 2025 Guide

Hanukkah 2025 runs December 14-22 this year, and Milwaukee's North Shore communities are lighting up with family-friendly celebrations, giant menorahs, gelt drops, and latke-filled festivities. From Glendale's spectacular Chanukah Festival to nightly menorah lightings in Whitefish Bay, here's everything your family needs to plan eight nights of community celebration.

The Festival of Lights arrives early this winter, beginning at sundown on Sunday, December 14 and continuing through Monday, December 22. If you marked your calendar based on last year's late-December dates, adjust now—this year's celebration wraps before Christmas. Most major community events cluster on the first weekend, making December 13-14 the prime time for family Hanukkah outings.

Chanukah Festival & Gelt Drop at Bayshore

The Chanukah Festival & Gelt Drop at The Yard at Bayshore is Wisconsin's largest public Hanukkah celebration, and it's completely free. Hosted by Lubavitch of Wisconsin on Sunday, December 14 at 4:00 PM, this event transforms Glendale's outdoor entertainment district into an immersive Festival of Lights experience.

Kids will go wild for the signature gelt drop—chocolate coins showering down from a fire truck ladder—while LED robot dancers and interactive light installations create Instagram-worthy moments throughout the venue. Live music from performer Eli Marcus keeps the energy high, and families can fuel up with hot latkes, fresh donuts, and warm drinks from Deli on Crown.

Pro tip: Pre-register at chabadwi.org/mkechanukah to snag a free holographic gelt belt bag while supplies last. The event draws crowds, so arrive early for parking and prime gelt-catching position.

• Location: The Yard at Bayshore, 5800 N Bayshore Dr, Glendale

• Time: 4:00 PM

• Cost: FREE

• Best for: All ages; particularly exciting for elementary-age kids

• Contact: 414-961-6100 or info@chabadwi.org

The Grand Car Menorah Parade

Before the Bayshore festival, catch one of Milwaukee's most unique Hanukkah traditions: over 100 vehicles with glowing menorahs on their rooftops parading through North Shore neighborhoods. The Grand Car Menorah Parade departs from Chabad of Mequon (2233 West Mequon Road) on the afternoon of December 14, winding through Bayside, Fox Point, Whitefish Bay, and Shorewood before arriving at Bayshore for the festival.

This is a fantastic low-key option for families who want Hanukkah magic without the crowds—station yourselves along the route with hot cocoa and wave as the illuminated procession passes. Want to participate? Limited car-top menorahs are available to reserve at chabadwi.org/parade.

Family-friendly celebration at the JCC

The Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC hosts a Community Wide Hanukkah Neon Glow Celebration on Sunday, December 14 from 1:00-3:00 PM—perfectly timed to attend before heading to Bayshore's evening festivities.

This year's theme is "Come Together, Shine Brighter," featuring a kid-led Hanukkah skit, community blessings, and a collective "glow moment" followed by:

• Neon glow party with Kid Boogie Down dance session

• Hands-on crafts and take-home DIY kits

• Mitzvah stations supporting local community partners

• Music, movement, and activities designed for young families

Food is available for purchase from Hannah's Kitchen. The event is free and open to the entire community, regardless of synagogue membership or JCC affiliation. Multiple partner organizations—including Congregation Shalom, Congregation Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun, Congregation Sinai, Milwaukee Jewish Day School, and the Milwaukee Jewish Federation—collaborate to make this the area's most welcoming family Hanukkah gathering.

• Location: Daniel M. Soref Community Hall, Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC, 6255 N Santa Monica Blvd, Whitefish Bay

• Cost: FREE

• Best for: Families with young children through tweens

• Contact: 414-964-4444 or visit jccmilwaukee.org

Eight nights of public menorah lightings

For families who want to experience community candle lighting each night, the Light the Menorah series offers outdoor gatherings at 401 E Silver Spring Drive in Whitefish Bay from December 14-21. Each night features a different community organization leading the blessings—a wonderful way for kids to see the broader Jewish community coming together.

Night Date Time Led By 1 Sunday, Dec 14 5:00 PM Congregation Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun 2 Monday, Dec 15 5:00 PM JCC Disability Inclusion – Chaverim 3 Tuesday, Dec 16 5:00 PM NCJW-Milwaukee 4 Wednesday, Dec 17 6:00 PM JCC & Milwaukee Jewish Federation Boards 5 Thursday, Dec 18 5:00 PM JCC Leadership Team 6 Friday, Dec 19 5:00 PM TBD 7 Saturday, Dec 20 5:30 PM Tikkun Ha-Ir 8 Sunday, Dec 21 5:00 PM Nathan & Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center

These quick outdoor gatherings (approximately 15-20 minutes) are perfect for squeezing in community connection on busy weeknights. RSVP to lvaldez@jccmilwaukee.org if you plan to attend.

Hanukkah on the Hoan

Look toward the lakefront each night of Hanukkah to see the Daniel M. Hoan Memorial Bridge illuminated as a giant menorah. This partnership between the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, Light the Hoan, and the JCC transforms one of Milwaukee's most iconic structures into a city-wide celebration of the Festival of Lights.

Each evening at approximately 6:00 PM, an additional "candle" lights up on the bridge's support beams, building to full illumination on the eighth night. It's visible from anywhere along Milwaukee's lakefront, the Third Ward, and Harbor District—making it perfect for a family drive-by celebration or post-dinner walk.

Can't make it in person? Watch the livestream at lightthehoan.com/hoan-bridge-livestream. This display typically continues through the holiday period, offering extended viewing even after official Hanukkah programming ends.

Pre-Hanukkah village celebrations

Two North Shore communities host festive holiday celebrations before Hanukkah officially begins, each featuring menorah lightings alongside Christmas traditions.

Mequon Winter Wonderland — Friday, December 5

This inclusive celebration offers photos with Judah the Maccabee in front of a giant menorah—a rare opportunity in the Milwaukee area. Held in the Walgreens parking lot at 278 North Main Street in Mequon from 6:00-7:00 PM, the event includes Santa's arrival by horse-drawn wagon, cookie decorating, carriage rides, gingerbread bounce house, and food trucks. FREE admission; food and beverages for purchase.

Shorewood Winterfest — Saturday, December 6

Shorewood's beloved village celebration features a simultaneous tree and menorah lighting at 5:45 PM in Wood Square. The event runs 3:30-6:30 PM along Oakland Avenue with Santa traveling via vintage sleigh, cookie decorating, performances by Milwaukee Irish Dance Studio, and stops at local businesses. Contact: Shorewood Business Improvement District, 414-585-8100.

Additional family events throughout Hanukkah week

Hanukkah with the Admirals — Saturday, December 13

Kick off Hanukkah weekend with hockey! The Milwaukee Admirals host a special "Light the Lamp" celebration with menorah lighting on the ice, Hanukkah treats, and a private JCC pregame Happy Half Hour starting at 5:15 PM (puck drop at 6:00 PM). Every attendee receives a special Admirals Hanukkah scarf. Proceeds support JCC Wisconsin's Maccabi athletes traveling to the 2026 games in Toronto.

• Location: UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, 400 W Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee

• Cost: Ticketed—purchase at gofevo.com/event/Hanukkahwith24

• Best for: Families with kids 5+; great for sports fans

Get Ready for Hanukkah at JCC — Monday, December 16

A free family prep event from 4:30-6:00 PM at the JCC helps families plan their eight nights with crafts, activities, mitzvah projects, and the chance to create a Hanukkah travel kit for winter break adventures. Perfect for families wanting hands-on activities without weekend crowds. Food available from Hannah's Kitchen.

Own Your Judaism Hanukkah Celebration — Wednesday, December 17

Head to Sprecher Brewing Company in Glendale (701 W Glendale Ave) from 5:30-7:30 PM for this third annual community celebration featuring games, a mini escape room, candle-lighting, food, and beverages. Cost: $20 adults, $10 children. Details at ownyourjudaism.org.

Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid Hanukkah Dinner — Thursday, December 18

This Conservative synagogue in Glendale hosts a festive Erev Hanukkah dinner at 5:30 PM featuring a complete meal, children's activities, blessings, and community celebration. Open to non-members. Cost: $25 adults, $12 children. RSVP required through cbintmilwaukee.org. Location: 6880 N Green Bay Avenue, Glendale.

Planning your Hanukkah week: a suggested itinerary

Friday, December 5: Mequon Winter Wonderland (photos with Judah the Maccabee) Saturday, December 6: Shorewood Winterfest (menorah & tree lighting) Saturday, December 13: Hanukkah with the Admirals hockey game Sunday, December 14: JCC Community Celebration (1-3 PM) → Watch for Car Menorah Parade → Chanukah Festival at Bayshore (4 PM) → Whitefish Bay menorah lighting (5 PM) December 15-21: Nightly menorah lightings in Whitefish Bay + Hanukkah on the Hoan viewing Wednesday, December 17: Own Your Judaism at Sprecher Brewing Thursday, December 18: CBINT Hanukkah Dinner

Key contacts and resources

Milwaukee Jewish Federation: 414-390-5700 | milwaukeejewish.org/hanukkah — Central hub for community-wide events and calendar

Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC: 414-964-4444 | jccmilwaukee.org — Located at 6255 N Santa Monica Blvd, Whitefish Bay

Lubavitch of Wisconsin/Chabad: 414-961-6100 | chabadwi.org — Organizes Bayshore festival and car menorah parade

Chabad of Mequon (Peltz Center for Jewish Life): 262-242-2235 | chabadmequon.org — Parade starting point; serves Mequon/Ozaukee families

The Shul in Bayside: 414-228-8000 | shulcenter.org — Located at 8825 N Lake Dr, Bayside

Jewish Museum Milwaukee: 414-390-5730 | jewishmuseummilwaukee.org — Currently featuring the Violins of Hope exhibit through January 25, 2026

Conclusion

Milwaukee's North Shore offers an exceptionally rich lineup of Hanukkah 2025 programming, with most major events concentrated on December 13-14—so mark that weekend now. The combination of the JCC's family-focused afternoon celebration, the spectacular Bayshore festival and gelt drop, and nightly community menorah lightings means families can experience the Festival of Lights at whatever level of participation fits their schedule.

Whether you're watching the Hoan Bridge glow from your car, catching chocolate gelt at Bayshore, or gathering with neighbors at the Silver Spring Drive menorah, these community celebrations offer meaningful ways to connect with Jewish tradition and Milwaukee's vibrant Jewish community. Most events are free and welcome all families regardless of background—the spirit of Hanukkah is about bringing light into the darkness, and everyone's invited to shine.