Families to celebrate first night of Hanukkah

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Families across the Carolinas will celebrate the first night of Hanukkah.

Kids gathered Wednesday afternoon at the Chabad Jewish Center of Ballantyne to learn about and honor the Jewish Festival of Lights.

The Center held its second Chanukah Wonderland.

"It's just a fabulous experience for children to learn the story of the holiday, why we celebrate it and have a really good time," said Leah Levine with the Center.

Jews celebrate Hanukkah for eight days by lighting candles on a menorah.

It commemorates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem centuries ago.

It's the first time in recent memory that Hanukkah has lined up with Thanksgiving.

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