Hanukkah Family Events in Montreal

Hanukkah runs from Dec. 2 to 9 this year, with preparations and celebrations happening around the city. I got a kick out of reading Alissa Sklar’s article in Montreal Families about what it was like to grow up Jewish and be surrounded by Christmas hype. These days, she writes, Hanukkah celebrations are definitely becoming glitzier and more about gifts. For a reminder of the story behind Hanukkah, the festival of lights, the Montreal Gazette recently reviewed some children’s Hanukkah books.

Here are some Montreal Hanukkah events:

Sunday, Nov. 28, 9:30 a.m. to noon: Make a Teddy Bear for families in need, plus participate in crafts, face-painting, latke-eating and more, at Gelber Conference centre, 2 Cummings Square, Montreal. The same event will be held at the same time in the West Island, at Federation CJA West Island, 96 Roger Pilon St., Dollard. In lieu of paying cover charge, bring items to donate including hats, scarves and gloves, baby items, or gift cards to retail stores for teens. More information.

Dec. 1, 10: 15 to 11:30 a.m.: Celebrate Hanukkah with children age 1 and up at the West Island JCC Parent and Tot Jewish holiday program. Activities include: gym time in the baby gym, holiday crafts, treats, stories and more at the West Island JCC, 13101 Gouin Blvd.. Cost $16 or $18 (non-member). Register by calling 514-624-6750, or email hingberg@ymywha.com.

Dec. 1 at 4 p.m.: Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony in the Town of Mount Royal, at Town Hall, 90 Roosevelt Ave. More information.

Dec. 1, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Hanukkah party and candle-lighting in Westmount. Candle lighting takes place at city hall at 4:30 p.m., followed by a party at Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom, 4100 Sherbrooke St. W. from 5 to 6:30 p.m. More information.

Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.: Giant Menorah Lighting in Hudson, with hot chocolate and donuts, at Town Hall, 481 Main Rd., Hudson. More information: 450-451-2203.

Dec. 4, 6 to 8:30 p.m.: Community -wide Hanukkah celebration: Arts and crafts, pizza, latkes, donuts, live music and games at Beth Israel Beth Aron Congregation, 6800 Mackle Rd., Côte St. Luc. Register in advance for $15 family rate, or pay $20 at the door. More information.

Dec. 4, 7 to 9 p.m.: Hanukkah on Ice: Skating, crafts and kosher food at Samuel Moskovitz Arena, 6985 Mackle Rd., Côte St. Luc. Cost: $8. More information.

Dec. 5 at 5 p.m.: Hanukkah Party with music, dancing, latkes, arts and crafts, menorah lighting, candle-making, video presentation and more, at St. Lazare Community Centre, 1301 du Bois St. Cost: $5 per person, under age 2, free. RSVP at 450-451-2203 or email rabbi@chabadstlazare.com.

Dec. 5, 10:30 to 1 p.m.: Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom will hold a family party on Dec. 5. $10 per family, at 395 Elm Ave., Westmount. Register at 514-937-3575, ext. 212. One party for kids age 0 to 6, one for tweens. More information.

Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Hanukkah Winter Wonderland, featuring a rapper, candle-lighting, latkes, games and more at Dollard Civic Centre, 12001 de Salaberry Blvd., Dollard. $5 per child, $18 per family of four. More information.

Dec. 5, 11:30 to 2 p.m.: Hanukkah Celebration with menorah lighting, magic show, face-painting, crafts and food, at Gutnick Mazal Jewish Centre, 218 Mirabel St., Dollard. Cost: $4. Call 514-551-9985.

Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m.: Menorah Lighting ceremony at Hampstead Park, corner of Queen Mary and Fleet Sts. Hot latkes, music, gifts for every child. More information.

Main image courtesy of SCazon.