Guide to Chanukah in Champaign-Urbana

How to Celebrate Chanukah in Champaign-Urbana

Call it Chanukah or Hanukkah or Hanukah; whatever the spelling, the festival of lights is perhaps one of the most well known Jewish holidays in the United States — if not the world.

We’ve put together this article to include everything you need to know about how to celebrate Chanukah in Champaign-Urbana, from resources to observe in the home to more communal opportunities.

(If you want to learn more about Chanukah in general, check out our popular “What You Need to Know About Chanukah” article.)

WHEN IS CHANUKAH?

In 2026 the eight-day festival of Chanukah starts the night of Friday, Dec. 4, and continues until sundown Dec. 12; the last candle is lit in the evening of Dec. 11. Chanukah lasts for eight days and nights, however, it’s the candle lighting that is perhaps the most important part of the holiday, and that occurs at night. Just to repeat — the first night is on a Friday this year, even if your calendar says that the holiday starts on Saturday. All Jewish holidays start the night before what might be labeled on a secular calendar as the first day of the holiday. (Did that make sense?)

WHAT IS CHANUKAH?

Chanukah is a minor Jewish holiday that celebrates a historical military victory over intolerance. It has plenty of customs and rituals, including the lighting of a nine-branch candelabra (Hanukkiah, commonly known as a menorah). There are traditional fried foods, games, and decorations.

WHERE CAN I BUY CHANUKAH STUFF?

Note that in 2026, Chanukah is “early” — and it’s catching some businesses off guard. So many haven’t even started displays as of this writing.

If you are looking to buy Chanukah-related merchandise for your family or for a friend, here are some suggestions for how to do so in Champaign-Urbana. If you’ve found Chanukah stuff elsewhere, let us know (editor@chambanamoms.com).

1. Shop at the Sinai Temple Gift Shop Chanukah Showcase. This is without a doubt the BEST place in the Champaign-Urbana community to find merchandise related to Chanukah – candles, menorahs, dreidels (spinning tops), gelt (chocolate coins) and so much more — books, crafts, gifts, decorations, etc. There will only be ONE day of the big sale, Sunday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. If more hours are posted, they will be added to the chambanamoms.com events calendar. Sinai Temple is located near the corner of Windsor and Duncan Roads in southwest Champaign.

2. Champaign-Urbana area local businesses that typically have Chanukah merchandise include International Galleries at Urbana’s Lincoln Square Mall (menorahs, candles, gift wrap), Art Mart (books for kids and gelt), the Literary bookstore (books and cards), and Curtis Orchard. We have seen some funny cards at Yellow & Co. in Mahomet. None of this has yet been confirmed for 2026 as of publication. As we said, Chanukah is early!

3. Big box stores. Chanukah stuff will pop up everywhere, you never know. In 2026 we have confirmed that there is Hanukkah chazerai (ha-zer-ay, a Yiddish word for JUNK) at the Champaign Target, HomeGoods, and Champaign Meijer. In the past, we’ve also seen modest Chanukah displays at Aldi, Bath & Body Works, Walgreens, Schnucks and Harvest Market.

WHAT ABOUT LOCAL CHANUKAH EVENTS?

Illini Hillel, Sinai Temple, and Illini Chabad sponsor Chanukah events for families, students and community members. Check out the events calendar to find out about community Chanukah activities.

Looking for more? Subscribe to our email newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Events Calendar.

Chanukah in Champaign-Urbana: What, When and Where to Shop

How to Celebrate Chanukah in Champaign-Urbana

Everything Holiday Season In and Around Champaign-Urbana