South Charlotte families looking for a free, welcoming way to celebrate the season have a bright option coming up. Ballantyne Jewish Center is hosting its 13th annual StoneCrest Menorah Lighting, and this year’s event features an ice menorah. Here is everything you need to know about the StoneCrest Menorah Lighting in Ballantyne.
Key Details: When and Where
The celebration takes place on December 7, 2026, at 5 p.m. at StoneCrest at Piper Glen, located at 7800 Rea Road, Charlotte, North Carolina. The event will be held in the parking lot next to Dish It Out. The event is free to attend.
- Event: 13th annual StoneCrest Menorah Lighting
- Host: Ballantyne Jewish Center
- Date: December 7, 2026
- Start time: 5 p.m.
- Venue: StoneCrest at Piper Glen, 7800 Rea Road, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Location: Parking lot next to Dish It Out
- Cost: Free
The original event announcement did not include an end time or a full list of activities, so anyone planning to attend should check with Ballantyne Jewish Center for the latest information before heading out.
What to Expect at the Ice Menorah Lighting
The headline feature this year is an ice menorah, a striking twist on the traditional Chanukah symbol. A menorah lighting is the centerpiece of the festival of lights, and holding the ceremony outdoors in a public gathering space gives neighbors a chance to take part together. The announcement notes that this year’s event features additional elements, though the full details were not provided in the source material.
A Free Event for the Whole Community
Because the event is free, it is easy for families, friends, and neighbors to attend without planning a budget around it. Whether you celebrate Chanukah yourself or simply want to learn more about the holiday and meet fellow residents, a public menorah lighting is an approachable way to experience the tradition.
Community Impact: Why This Tradition Matters in Ballantyne
Reaching a 13th annual gathering is a meaningful milestone. For more than a decade, Ballantyne Jewish Center has brought this celebration to a well-known South Charlotte shopping and dining destination, making it visible and accessible to everyone who lives, works, and shops in the area.
South Charlotte has grown into a diverse community, and public holiday events help neighbors learn about one another’s traditions. A menorah lighting at StoneCrest at Piper Glen is a reminder that the season includes many celebrations, and that shared outdoor gatherings can bring people together in a relaxed, festive setting.
Supporting Local Businesses
Events held in shopping centers can also bring foot traffic to nearby restaurants and shops. The menorah lighting is held in the parking lot next to Dish It Out, and StoneCrest at Piper Glen is home to a range of local businesses. Attendees may choose to make a night of it, though plans for before or after the event are entirely up to each family.
Background: About Chanukah and the Menorah
Chanukah, also spelled Hanukkah, is the Jewish festival of lights. The menorah is its most recognizable symbol, and candles are lit over the course of the holiday as a reminder of light, resilience, and hope. Public menorah lightings have become a familiar tradition in communities across the country, offering a way to share the holiday beyond the home and the synagogue.
Ballantyne Jewish Center serves Jewish families in the Ballantyne area and surrounding South Charlotte communities. Its annual StoneCrest lighting has grown into a recurring seasonal event on the neighborhood calendar.
Actionable Information: Planning Your Visit
If you plan to attend, here are a few practical tips:
- Mark your calendar: The event is on December 7, 2026, starting at 5 p.m.
- Know where to go: Head to StoneCrest at Piper Glen, 7800 Rea Road, and look for the parking lot next to Dish It Out.
- Dress for the weather: The event is outdoors in a parking lot, so bring layers in case the evening turns cool.
- Bring the family: The event is free and open to the community.
- Confirm details: Contact Ballantyne Jewish Center for the end time and any additional activities planned for this year’s celebration.
- Consider parking and arrival time: Because the event is held in a parking lot at a shopping center, arriving a little early may help you get settled before the 5 p.m. start.
Conclusion
The 13th annual StoneCrest Menorah Lighting is a free, community-focused way to welcome the holiday season in Ballantyne. With an ice menorah as this year’s feature, the event offers something memorable for returning guests and first-time visitors alike. Gather your family and neighbors on December 7, 2026, at 5 p.m. at StoneCrest at Piper Glen, 7800 Rea Road, and take part in a tradition that has been part of the South Charlotte community for 13 years.
Will you be attending the lighting? Let us know in the comments on our social channels, and follow South Charlotte Report for more neighborhood and lifestyle updates from Ballantyne, Pineville, Fort Mill, Indian Land, Waxhaw, and Tega Cay.
