For the ninth consecutive year, Chanukah in Carefree invites the community to gather for its weeklong holiday celebration at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion in the Carefree Desert Gardens. The festivities will take place each evening from Sunday, Dec. 14, through Sunday, Dec. 21, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The event features the nightly lighting of a 6 ½-foot Chanukiah (menorah), traditional Chanukah songs, and themed programs hosted by local organizations. Guests can enjoy latkes, sufganiyot, coffee, hot chocolate and apple cider each evening.
A silent auction will also be held to benefit this year’s Spirit in Giving recipient, the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center. Winners will be announced on the last night of Chanukah.
Mayor John Crane invites the entire community to experience this wonderful cultural holiday event explaining “Chanukah in Carefree will offer a great line up of events this year. We strive to bring the community together and bring the lights of the holiday to each and every family. Please join us."
2025 Schedule of Events:
Sunday, Dec. 14 – Community Night: Hosted by the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce, featuring the mayors of Carefree and Cave Creek, local businesses, and a performance by the Cactus Shadows Honors Choir under the direction of Karen Dolezal.
Monday, Dec. 15 – Family Night: Presented by the Center for Jewish Philanthropy, with games, crafts, and music by Israeli musician Erez Kessler. PJ Library will provide free books and activities for children.
Tuesday, Dec. 16 – Chanukah Around the World: Temple Chai presents global Chanukah food and music with Cantors Sharona Feller and Tanya Greenblatt and the Temple Chai adult and children’s choirs.
Wednesday, Dec. 17 – Kids Light Up the Night: Hosted by five local nonprofits including the Cave Creek Museum, Desert Foothills Library, Desert Foothills Land Trust, Sonoran Arts League and the Kiwanis Club of Carefree. Live music by Cantorial Soloist Sharon Friendly.
Thursday, Dec. 18 – Family Fun Night: Hosted by Chabad of Anthem and the North Valley, featuring a magician, holiday treats and kids’ activities.
Friday, Dec. 19 – Rocking Shabbat Chanukah: Temple Kol Ami’s celebration with Rabbi Schneider, Cantor Noa, the Temple Kol Ami Congregational Band and the Bauman family.
Saturday, Dec. 20 – Chanukah Havdalah: Congregation Kehillah with Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman and Israeli guitarist Erez Kessler.
Sunday, Dec. 21 – Closing Night: Hosted by the Phoenix Holocaust Association, featuring Holocaust survivor and speaker Dr. Michael Markson.
This year’s celebration is made possible through the support of the Kiwanis Club of Carefree, the Center for Jewish Philanthropy, APS, Spirit in the Desert, and Temple Chai.
The event is free, open to all faiths, and held outdoors with enhanced security measures.
For more information, visit ChanukahinCarefree.com.
Location: Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy St., Carefree, AZ 85377