Yes, it may feel a little early to start plotting holiday plans. But this one deserves a save-the-date before December chaos officially takes over.
Chanukah in Carefree is turning 10, and the milestone celebration is bringing back the glow, the music, the latkes and the kind of desert-night community energy that makes this event feel bigger than a calendar stop.
The eight-night celebration returns to the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion in the Carefree Desert Gardens from Dec. 4-11, marking a full decade of menorah lightings, family traditions and gathering under the Arizona sky.
The event also comes with a meaningful give-back element. The Phoenix Holocaust Association has been named the 2026 Spirit in Giving recipient, with 100% of proceeds from the Silent Auction and raffles on the seventh night supporting the organization’s work.
Each evening starts at 5:30 p.m. with a Chanukiah lighting, live music, family activities and holiday food. Selected nights will also be livestreamed for anyone joining from home, and enhanced security measures will be in place throughout the outdoor event.
“For 10 years, Chanukah in Carefree has given our community a chance to come together, enjoy the holiday and make wonderful memories,” says Karen Acker, chair and lead volunteer for Chanukah in Carefree. “This year feels especially special as we celebrate that milestone while supporting the Phoenix Holocaust Association. Their work honoring survivors and helping young people understand the lessons of the Holocaust matters deeply. We hope people will bring their families, enjoy the music and traditions, and help us make this anniversary celebration one to remember.”
And this is not eight nights of the exact same thing.
Temple Kol Ami kicks things off Dec. 4 with a Rocking Chanukah Shabbat and 10th anniversary celebration led by Rabbi Schneider, Cantor Noa and the Temple Kol Ami Congregational Band.
The next night shifts into Chanukah Havdalah with Temple Chai, Cantor Josh Finkel and the congregation’s adult and children’s choirs.
Dec. 6 belongs to the younger crowd with Kids Light Up the Night, featuring the Phoenix Boys Choir and hands-on activities from seven local nonprofits, including Cave Creek Museum, Desert Foothills Library, Desert Foothills Land Trust, Desert Foothills Theater, Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine, Sonoran Arts League and Kiwanis Club of Carefree. Holiday gift bags will be available for children while supplies last.
Then Community Night takes over Dec. 7, hosted by the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce. Cantor Sharona Feller and Erez Kessler bring the music, local businesses bring the neighborhood flavor, and Carefree Mayor John Crane, Cave Creek Mayor Kathryn Royer and other community leaders will help light the 6½-foot Chanukiah.
Yes, 6½ feet. Subtle is not the assignment.
On Dec. 8, the Center for Jewish Philanthropy hosts Community Family Night with an interactive concert led by Israeli musician Erez Kessler. PJ Library will be there with complimentary books, crafts and activities for kids.
Then Dec. 9 delivers what many people are really waiting for: fresh latkes.
Chabad of Carefree and Chabad of Anthem & the North Valley host a Family Chanukah Celebration with latkes made on-site, a toppings bar, decorate-your-own sufganiyot, live music, games and crafts.
In other words, arrive festive. Arrive hungry.
The mood becomes more reflective on Dec. 10, when the Phoenix Holocaust Association presents Holocaust survivor Dr. Mark Olsky, whose story was recently featured on “60 Minutes.” Olsky was born on a transport train in the final days of World War II after his mother successfully concealed her pregnancy at Auschwitz.
His appearance continues the Phoenix Holocaust Association’s tradition of bringing survivor stories directly to the community, adding a powerful note of remembrance to the anniversary celebration.
That evening also marks the close of the Silent Auction, which opens on the first night of Chanukah. Proceeds from the auction, along with the raffles held that seventh night, will go entirely to the Phoenix Holocaust Association.
The celebration wraps Dec. 11 with a Chanukah Shabbat led by Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman and Rabbinical student Erica Erman of Congregation Kehillah.
Ten years in, Chanukah in Carefree has clearly become more than a holiday event. It is part neighborhood tradition, part family night out and part reminder that a little light goes a long way.
Add live music, desert skies and a plate of fresh latkes, and honestly, December is looking pretty good already.
Insider Takeaways
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Chanukah in Carefree celebrates its 10th anniversary with eight nights of programming from Dec. 4-11. Every evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a Chanukiah lighting, live music, family activities and holiday food.
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The Phoenix Holocaust Association is the 2026 Spirit in Giving recipient, with 100% of Silent Auction and seventh-night raffle proceeds supporting its work.
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Holocaust survivor Dr. Mark Olsky will speak Dec. 10 as part of a powerful evening centered on remembrance and education.
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Family-friendly highlights include the Phoenix Boys Choir, PJ Library activities, crafts, games, fresh latkes and decorate-your-own sufganiyot.
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Enhanced security measures will be in place throughout the outdoor celebration.
To learn more, visit ChanukahinCarefree.com.
