You're invited!

During the holiday season, there is no shortage of Christmas tree lightings, carolers, and visits with Santa Claus throughout the Chicago area. However, for families celebrating Chanukah, opportunities can feel a little sparse in comparison.

So JUF Young Families got busy brainstorming ways to bring Chanukah celebrations to the community. This year, alongside Malarkey Comedy (home of ComedySportz), JUF Young Families will host Chanukah with Bubbe and Zayde on Dec.15, an interactive and festive celebration for children 8 and under as well as their families.

“We thought it would be really special for kids to go into a secular space and see it decorated for Chanukah, which is something Jewish children usually don’t get to experience,” explained Dara Cameron, Director of JUF Young Families.

The event venue, Malarkey Comedy at iO, will be decorated like a home, where families can do art projects, take family photos, enjoy mocktails, and partake in other activities. “It will feel like you’re being welcomed into Bubbe and Zayde’s living room,” Cameron added.

Then, Malarkey will present a Chanukah improv and singalong show, “Home for Chanukah with Bubbe and Zayde.” “Improv as a medium works really well for young kids because it’s all about authenticity,” Cameron said. “Comedy is all about truth and who is more truthful than a 6-year-old?”

JUF Young Families will also host Chanukah at the Lake Zurich JCC and the Chicago Kids Chanukah Party at Bubbles Academy in Bucktown, both on Dec. 14.

“We’re always trying to find ways to meet families where they are,” Cameron said.

Chanukah with Bubbe and Zayde will be held at Malarkey Comedy (at iO), 1501 N. Kingsbury St., on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25/family and can be purchased at tinyurl.com/ChanukahWithBubbeAndZayde.

To learn more about JUF Young Families’ other Chanukah events, www.juf.org/youngfamilies/Our-Events.aspx.