The Festival of Lights is December 7 through 15, 2023! If you’re looking for ways to celebrate, places to eat, and where to grab your Hanukkah essentials in Austin, you’ve come to the right place.
Photo by Sarah Trummer
Family Events
— Hanukkah Story Time
Tuesday, Dec. 5 | 10:30 – 11am | Book People
Get the little ones ready for Hanukkah Storytime with Rabbi Gail Swedroe
— Light Up South Austin!
Sunday, Dec. 10 | 4:30 pm | South Austin Recreation Center
This FREE event for families will include The Grand Chocolate Gelt Drop by the Austin Fire Department, a fire-breathing performing duo, latkes, donuts, hot drinks, and more. RSVP here.
— Hanukkah Party at Tiferet Isreal
Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 6 pm | JCC Community Hall
A Hanukkah party for the whole family featuring entertainment for the kids and sufganiyot! RSVP is required here.
— Hanukkah 512 @ The Cathedral
Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 6:30 pm – 10 pm | 2403 E. 16th Street
Shawn Ullman presents Hanukkah 512 – a night of music, comedy, latkes, and light. This event has it all – Hanukkah-themed cocktails, light bites from some of Austin’s favorites, Adam Sandler movies on the big screen, a market, musicians, comedy, and more. Kids under 8 are free, and general admission is $55. All proceeds will be donated to the Jewish Federation of North America Israel Emergency Fund. Please note: tickets will not be sold at the door. Get all the info and purchase tix here.
Photo by Geraud Pfeiffer
Menorah Lightings
— Lakeway
Dec 7-15 | 5:30pm | 1102 Lohmans Crossing Rd., Lakeway
Meet outside the main entrance of City Hall each evening of Hanukkah for the Menorah Lighting
— Pfirst Pflugerville Public Menorah Lighting
Dec 11 | 6 pm | 103 E Main Street
Chabad Roundrock will be hosting a menorah lighting with latkes, donuts, and more. Get more info here.
Ezov via Yelp
Dining, Takeout, and Markets
Don’t forget Kitty Cohen’s Hanukkah Pop-Up “Get Lit” for date night!
— Ezov
2708 E Cesar Chavez St
Ezov will feature latkes and other traditional treats from December 7 through 15. This restaurant is by the Emmer and Rye Hospitality group and has nods on Austin’s best new restaurant lists in 2023. Get more info and make your reservation here.
— Aba
1011 S Congress Ave
We know, we know – it’s tough to get a reservation at Aba. Book it while you can because this gorgeous Mediterranean restaurant is serving up Hanukkah delights like parmesan, potato, and brussels sprout latkes, with scallion crema. This special is available for dine-in only from December 7 through 15.
— Midnight in the Garden
7700 Manassas Dr.
Make your reservation for the second annual Hanukkah Heritage Feast with Chef Amanda Rockman and Chef Jo Chan. This eight-course meal with complimentary pairings is $225 per person.
— Casper Fermentables
4715 S Lamar Blvd #101A, Sunset Valley
This deli and bakery on South Lamar has kombucha on tap, bagels galore, sourdough challah, and so much more. Inspired by Korean and Jewish traditions, Casper Fermentables focuses on high-quality ingredients to make the healthiest — and most delicious — fermented foods. If you’re craving a pizza bagel, a tuna melt, or some delicious baked goods, this is your new spot.
— Biderman’s Deli
3742 Far W Blvd #101
Located in North Austin, Biderman’s menu boasts a wide selection of salads, soups, sandwiches, and bagels. Whether you’re feening for a plain bagel or classic Lox, you’ll feel transported to New York in the first bite.
— The Kosher Store @ HEB
For a wide selection of made-to-order wraps, sandwiches, burgers, and sides – as well as kosher wine, snacks, and more – head to The Kosher Store, located inside the Village Center HEB.
— Rosen’s Bagels
From traditional schmears to the more adventurous, Rosen’s Bagels is known for its incredible breakfast foods. Find them inside various coffee shops around town or order delivery 48 hours in advance.
Trader Joe’s carries a large amount of kosher items including meats, bread, baked goods, and more. Stock up on your Hanukkah celebration essentials and maybe even some chocolate gelt with their Coins Of The World.
— JewBoy Burgers
Jewboy Burgers has a name that’s certain to raise a few eyebrows, but that’s nothing compared to their actual food. If you haven’t guessed already, it’s not your typical traditional burger place. Jewboy Burgers is a Mexican Diner-style burger served on an oversized potato roll a taste of the East Coast and El Paso, Texas in one delicious burger. Happy Hanukkah, indeed!
— Central Market
Central Market has all the essentials you’ll need for Hanukkah dinner as well as pre-made dishes like braised brisket, latkes, and matzo balls if you’re not up for doing the cooking this year.
RDNE Stock project
Hanukkah Supplies and More
— The Shuk
This ATX kosher market has everything you need and more for your Hanukkah celebration and beyond. With a huge selection of Israeli snacks, and fresh and frozen foods including sweet potato latkes and schnitzel, we can’t recommend this market more.
— Target
Target is hitting the mark on Hanukkah this year. From festive clothes and PJ’s to Menorahs, and Hanukkah party supplies, hit up Tar-je online or at one of their ATX locations.
— Michaels
From cute Hanukkah crafts to entertain the kids, to wrapping paper and candles, we were impressed by our local Michaels selection to celebrate The Festival of Lights!
Happy Hanukkah, Austin!
