Owings Mills Lights Up: Community Chanukah Festival and Giant Menorah Return to Metro Centre

A joyful night returns to Metro Centre Owings Mills

The Community Chanukah Festival and the lighting of a giant menorah are coming back to the Metro Centre in Owings Mills this Sunday evening. Families, neighbors and visitors will gather for music, food, kids’ activities and the central moment everyone waits for: the public lighting of the big menorah on the outdoor plaza. Organizers expect a lively, family-friendly crowd and a warm, hopeful tone as the community marks the holiday together.

This celebration is timed for the start of Chanukah and aims to be a visible, welcoming event for people of all ages and backgrounds. The plaza setting lets people stand or sit at a distance, watch the performers, grab a bite and see the menorah from several angles. Admission is free and the program is meant to be easy for families to drop into, even for a short visit.

What to expect during the evening

Festivities will run from late afternoon into the evening. The program usually opens with music and a few short remarks, followed by children’s performances and a time for families to take photos. Food vendors and simple activities for kids—face painting, a dreidel station, and holiday crafts—will be available around the main plaza. The crowd often grows as dusk approaches, when the menorah lighting becomes the focal point.

The lighting itself is a brief, ceremonial moment. Organizers typically invite local leaders to say a few words and lead the blessing, then the menorah is lit and the assembled crowd sings and applauds. Expect a mix of live music and recorded holiday songs during the lighting. Afterward, there is usually time for socializing, more music and for children to enjoy the hands-on booths.

Attendance has grown in recent years, so families should expect a bustling, friendly scene rather than a quiet ceremony. The event is geared toward a broad public audience—neighbors from nearby towns, shoppers at the Metro Centre and community groups who come to join the celebration.

Who’s putting it together and who’s helping

The festival is organized by Chabad of Owings Mills in partnership with Metro Centre management and local businesses. Chabad serves as the community and spiritual lead, arranging the menorah, program and volunteers. Metro Centre provides the outdoor plaza, event logistics and publicity, and local merchants often sponsor activities or offer food and treats during the evening.

Other community groups and merchants join as partners to make the event feel local and lively. That mix of a faith-based organizer working with a shopping and business hub is why the festival blends ceremony with family fun and draws people who might not normally attend a religious event.

Why this festival matters locally

For many people in Owings Mills and surrounding neighborhoods, the festival is a visible, public way to mark the holiday and to show community spirit. It is an outreach moment as much as a celebration: residents who may not belong to any synagogue often come to sing, eat and watch the menorah lighting. The public setting helps make the holiday something the whole town can see and share.

Organizers say the event also builds connections across faiths and neighborhoods. In recent years the festival has drawn people who come for the music and food and stay for the lighting. For families with young children, the mix of short performances, bright lights and hands-on activities makes the evening an easy, memorable night out.

Getting there, safety and accessibility

The festival takes place on the outdoor plaza at Metro Centre Owings Mills, which is walkable from nearby parking areas. Attendees should allow extra time for parking and foot traffic when the crowd is heavy. The plaza and most event areas are wheelchair accessible, and organizers usually place seating for older guests and families with small children.

Because much of the program is outdoors, weather can affect some activities. If conditions turn poor, organizers typically move short indoor performances into covered spaces or adjust the schedule. Standard public-safety measures—clearly marked walkways, staff on site and first-aid support—are in place to keep the evening calm and family-friendly.

Voices from the organizers and how to learn more

A representative from Chabad of Owings Mills said the goal is simple: “We want people to feel welcome, to celebrate together, and to let the joy of the holiday spill into the neighborhood.” Metro Centre officials add that the festival brings life to the plaza and gives local shops a chance to join a community moment.

Photo opportunities center on the menorah lighting itself and the children’s activity area. Organizers encourage families to come early for the best shots and to give performers a clear space. For information about start times, parking or to check for any schedule changes, visitors should consult Metro Centre Owings Mills’ event listings or contact the Chabad of Owings Mills office directly.

Sources

• prnewswire.com