Several events are scheduled around metro Atlanta to help kickoff the holiday.
ATLANTA — Hanukkah, the 8-day-long Jewish festival of lights, begins Sunday evening with several events across metro Atlanta.
MJCCA Glow Strong Daytime Hanukkah Festival
This family-friendly event incorporates interactive family activities and creative crafts to celebrate this joyous holiday. Later on, a menorah lighting will commence, signaling the official start to the Jewish holiday.
- When: 12-4 p.m. (Glow Strong family event), 5:15-5:30 p.m. (Community Menorah Lighting)
- Where: Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, Zaban Park
Avalon Alpharetta Unity Menorah Lighting w/ Chabad of North Fulton

This joyous event is one to look forward to every year. It encompasses good food and great company coupled with an even better sense of community. The centerpiece of this one-of-a-kind family-friendly event is a giant unity menorah, assembled live from menorah sections crafted by local synagogues, youth groups, community partners, and organizations across the North Fulton region of metro Atlanta.
- When: 5-6 p.m.
- Where: Avalon Alpharetta, 400 Avalon Blvd
Decatur Gelt Drop
The City of Decatur will host its annual Gelt Drop, as part of its “Holidays in Decatur Series”. The event begins at 4:30pm with free latkes (potato pancakes, a common Jewish culinary tradition), doughnuts, and hot drinks. It will culminate with a giant gelt drop where chocolate coins will rain down from atop a firetruck’s crane ladder!
- When: 4:30 p.m., Sunday December 14th
- Where: Decatur Square
Smyrna Giant Gelt Drop
Chabad Smyrna-Vinings promises a fun celebration event for family and friends, featuring face painting, balloons, Hanukkah treats, crafts such as a Hanukkah snow globe and more, culminating in the Giant Gelt Drop and Menorah Lighting.
- When: 5:30 p.m., Monday December 15th
- Where: Brawner Hall, 3180 Atlanta Road



