About Chanukah wonderland

Chanukah Wonderland

 

This winter, area youth (and the young at heart) will have a chance to step back in time and learn the ancient art of hand-pressing olive oil, then step into the futuristic world of a special Chanukah multimedia center, or simply enjoy some delicious complimentary Israeli sufganiot (jelly doughnuts) and traditional latkes at Ann Arbor's Chanukah Wonderland. The Chanukah Wonderland will take place in the heart of Ann Arbor's downtown area- making it a convenient stop after a day of work or shopping, or as part of  a family night out.

 

The setting- a relaxed fair grounds-style arrangement of tables and booths, creates an inviting place to simply hang out and enjoy the company of family and friends, and a variety of shops and food vendors will be on hand- but the Chanukah Wonderland is much more than just a place to enjoy a shopping excursion in a Jewish atmosphere.

 

Through activities, games, and shows that educate while they entertain, the Wonderland brings Chanukah to life. Some of the more popular activities which will be returning from last year's Wonderland include a Maccabee movie theater showing Chanukah and Jewish themed films, a Chanukah Lego Menorah contest, and Chanukah sand art. Children and adults alike can test their culinary skills by making sufganiot, or decorating Chanukah cookies.

 

And, not to forget the main part of the holiday, there will be a public menorah lighting at the Chanukah Wonderland each evening at 5:45 pm. There will be a special family program on December 24 with a Chinese dinner following the Menorah lighting, special activities for kids, and great discussions for adults. On other evenings, hot dogs and other foods will be on sale in the evening for those who would like to stick around and enjoy the lights of the Menorah, as well as the chance to spend time with other members of the community.

 

Chabad has also added a few new attractions this year. Each day, there will be a different Chanukah themed show. A Chanukah balloon show, Dreidel Magic, Chanukah in Lego Land, Chanukah in Chocolate Land, and Latke making are some of the shows already planned.

 

The program is run by local Chabad of Ann Arbor, who pulled together last year's program with the warmth and sense of fun that characterize Chabad events. More than 200 people stopped by last year's Wonderland, and this year they are hoping for an even larger turnout.

 

The Chanukah Wonderland will take place at the Town Center office building located at 500 E. Washington St., on the lower level. Programs will run Sunday through Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm and on Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. There will be a special evening program on Saturday from 7 pm to 10 pm, beginning Sunday December 21. Admission is only $2.50.