As One, We keep the flame alive
Hanukkah 2026
December 4-12
Overview
Hanukkah begins with a single flame. Small on its own, yet powerful enough to ignite something greater. With each passing night, that flame grows brighter, and together they fill the darkness with light.
By supporting the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, you help empower critical programs to not only sustain that light but ensure it grows stronger and brings people together through celebrating Jewish culture. As One, we ensure the community is safe, vibrant, and filled with hope, bringing light to every corner of Milwaukee.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Use this listing to keep track of all the Hanukkah festivities taking place around Milwaukee.
Giving Tuesday and Mitzvah Day
Our community shines brightest when we come together. Join us for Mitzvah Day as we make meaningful calls to support the Annual Campaign and inspire generosity across Milwaukee.
Event Details
Tuesday, December 1, 2026
Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC
Daniel M. Soref Community Hall
6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd.
Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
5-8:30 PM
Co-Chairs: Rebecca Guralnick, Paul Secunda, Josh Richman
Contact Melissa Taylor to learn more.
Community Wide HANUKKAH event
Celebrate Hanukkah with a bright and joyful afternoon for the whole community!
Event details
Sunday December 6, 2026
Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC
Daniel M. Soref Community Hall
6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd.
Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
1-2:30 PM
Additional information on tickets coming soon.
Hanukkah Festival & Gelt Drop
Join Lubavitch of Wisconsin for their epic annual Hanukkah Party. Join us as we light up Milwaukee with our annual Hanukkah Festival and Gelt Drop: a celebration of light, joy and community for all ages!
Event Details
Sunday December 6, 2026
4-7 PM
Additional information on tickets and location coming soon.
Hanukkah with the Admirals
Join the Harry and Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, Milwaukee Jewish Federation and Milwaukee Jewish Day School for Hanukkah with the Admirals!
Fill the arena on Saturday, December 5th as we celebrate Hanukkah and our heritage while enjoying our Milwaukee Admirals. Puck drops at 6 PM with the JCC hosting a private pregame, Happy Half Hour mixer beginning at 5:15 PM.
All in attendance with this group will get an Admirals Hanukkah scarf.
Event Details
Saturday December 5, 2026
UWM Panther Arena
400 W Kilbourn Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53203
6 PM
Hosted by: Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC, Milwaukee Jewish Federation and Milwaukee Jewish Day School
December 4-12
HANUKKAH ON THE HOAN
This Hanukkah, look to the lakefront: once again, the Daniel M. Hoan Memorial Bridge will glow each night over Milwaukee.
In partnership with Light the Hoan and in celebration with our friends at the Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC, the bridge’s support beams will “light” one by one throughout the holiday.
For Milwaukee Jewish Federation, this tradition is about more than a beautiful skyline. Lighting the Hoan for Hanukkah is a powerful symbol of our commitment to be a guiding light for those in need, from providing statewide security for Jewish institutions, to offering aid to people in crisis around the world, to creating spaces where Jewish life is safe, vibrant, and full of hope.