We know all about things to do for Christmas in Dallas. But Hanukkah, the Jewish holiday that begins Dec. 6 and runs through the 14th, shouldn’t get short shrift. For Jews and Gentiles alike, here are a few fun ways to celebrate around North Texas this year.
On Dec. 9, get to Victory Park early before the Dallas Mavericks-Atlanta Hawks game for Jewish Heritage Night. Kosher food trucks will be selling their delicacies, live music will be on hand, and someone (possibly Mark Cuban) will take point on a menorah lighting ceremony. There is also something called a “High Five Line Experience,” which presumably involves an opportunity to slap the hands of Mavericks players — a very cool thing indeed for the youngsters. Tickets for the game are also relatively cheap ($30-$80) if you register ahead of time. Go here to see a video of Mark Cuban lighting a menorah outside the American Airlines Center during a Hanukkah past. Speaking of menorah lightings and sports…
The rich history of Judaism and a beloved American tradition collide with a Hanukkah Tailgate Party at the Jewish Community Center of Dallas (7900 Northaven Rd.) on Dec. 13. The Dallas Cowboys may not be much to watch this year, but there will be plenty else to do and see at the celebration. Eat latkes, jelly donuts, and other kosher treats while enjoying some live music. At halftime, watch the lighting of the 32-foot-tall menorah outside the J. For more info, go here.
Chabad of Dallas will host menorah lighting ceremonies throughout North Texas during Hanukkah. A full schedule of events can be found right over here. Other than the aforementioned tailgate lighting and the event at Victory Park, we’re looking forward to Dec. 12 at the Continental Avenue Pedestrian Bridge, which should prove to be a scenic setting for a nighttime ceremony.
Christmas has traditionally dominated the December theater scene, with various productions of A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker jostling for attention alongside Rudolph musicals and Santa Claus puppet shows — jolly St. Nick has even made his way into the opera this year. Amphibian Stage Productions in Fort Worth is bringing some fresh air to the table with the family-friendly Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, an adaptation of a story the New York Times called “the best Hannukah book of all time.” The story features a haunted synagogue, wild goblins, some astounding puppetry, and more than a few parallels with A Christmas Carol. The Star-Telegram has a good read on the show over this way. It runs from Dec. 11-20.
