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Celebrate Chanukah Downtown with Tucson’s Tallest Menorah

(Photo courtesy of Chabad Tucson)

Celebrate Chanukah Downtown with Tucson’s Tallest Menorah

Dec 18, 20241 min read

The Festival of Lights returns to the heart of Tucson with the 41st annual Chanukah Downtown Menorah Lighting!

The celebration, hosted by Chabad Tucson, is happening from 5 – 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 25 at El Presidio Park (160 W. Alameda St.). Everyone’s invited for an evening of light, music, and tradition.

At the center of the celebration is Tucson’s tallest Menorah, which will be lit in a grand ceremony filled with song and spirit.

Plus, they’ll be offering holiday treats, opportunities to get crafty, and take-home Menorahs — perfect for continuing the celebration at home.

The event is free to attend.

Where to Eat Nearby El Presidio Park

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat afterward (or before), check out our guide to downtown restaurants.

Whether you’re a longtime member of the community or new to the tradition, the Menorah lighting at El Presidio Park is a special way to celebrate the holiday season together.

The Menorah Lighting is happening at El Presidio Park, 160 W. Alameda St. For more information, visit chabadtucson.com.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. 

#sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 
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Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Photos by @sea_lyon 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodOpened in 2023, @kabulcorner is Tucson’s only Afghan restaurant, created to provide jobs, community, and a taste of home for Afghan families who made Tucson their new home. Today, Sediq Haidari and his family serve traditional Afghan dishes like bolani, mantou, Kabuli palaw, fresh tandoori naan, and house-made chaka, while preserving recipes and traditions rooted in Afghanistan’s rich history. With its warm hospitality, authentic food, and strong sense of community, Kabul Corner has become a little piece of home in the Sonoran Desert. ❤️ “These dishes are famous not only in Afghanistan, but in neighboring countries like Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Iran, and even parts of China. It sits right between Indian and Arabic food.” Sediq Haidari Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyon #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfood
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#tucsonevents #vegantucson 
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Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
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