The first night of Hanukkah begins on December 18th and we’ve got a great list of how families can celebrate in Los Angeles this year
It’s time for another spin of the dreidel! The first night of Hanukkah 2022 is Dec. 18 but there are a couple of events and menorah lightings that happen before the 8-night Festival of Lights officially kicks off this year. Check out our list for where to find all the Hanukkah celebrations in Los Angeles that, of course, include yummy donuts, latkes, music and crafts. And if you miss the first night of Hanukkah—no worries since Hanukkah lasts for 8 nights—giving you ample time to celebrate another holiday light displays in LA. Good to know: This year, the last night of Hanukkah coincides with Dec. 25—so if you’re looking for things to do, we’ve compiled a whole list of family-friendly activities that are open. And don’t forget, for a noteworthy nosh, don’t miss our favorite Jewish delis around LA.
Hanukkah Celebrations on the West Side
1. Third Street Promenade Menorah Lighting
Dec. 18-Dec. 25: The Third Street Promenade’s expansive Winterlit holiday celebration most certainly includes Hanukkah! Every night of Hanukkah, see a different synagogue or group lighting the lights at sundown. While you’re there, make sure to stop by the pop-up ice rink on the corner of Fifth St. and Arizona Ave.
1400 Block of Third St. Promenade
Santa Monica
Online: downtownsm.com
2. Palisades Unity Menorah Lighting
Dec. 18: The 35th annual lighting, held by the Chabad of Pacific Palisades, will take place in Palisades Village from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and will include a performance by local kids’ fave, the Beat Buds. There will also be crafts, treats and more before and after the 6 p.m. menorah lighting.
Palisades Village
1035 Swarthmore
Pacific Palisades
Online: chabadpalisades.com
3. Culver City Menorah Lightings
Dec. 18-21 & Dec. 25: If one big, public menorah lighting isn’t enough for you—Culver City is hosting five! The celebrations will be held at different locations throughout the city, including:
- December 18 at the Culver Steps (9300 Culver Blvd.): See the giant menorah light up and enjoy live music, latkes, donuts and crafts at the Culver Steps. There will also be a magic show and a caricature artist!
- December 19 at the Platform (8806 Washington Blvd.): The celebration features a chocolate gelt drop by the Culver City Fire Department as well as live music, latkes and donuts.
- December 20 at the Shay Hotel (8801 Washington Blvd.): In partnership with Jewish Community of Culver City, the Shay Hotel will celebrate Hanukkah with a night of soup, sushi and latkes—and a menorah lighting for the third night of Hanukkah.
- December 21 at Ivy Station (8840 National Blvd.): You’ll be in Hanukkah heaven at this festive celebration, featuring live music by the Klezmer Band as well as dreidels, latkes donuts, chocolate gelt, crafts—and a giant menorah lighting.
- December 25 at Culver City Hall Courtyard 9770 Culver Blvd.): Looking for something to do on Christmas Day? Come close out the holiday and celebrate the last night of Hanukkah with this giant menorah lighting at City Hall.
Online: jewishculvercity.com
4. Chanukah Winter Wonderland in Malibu
Dec. 18: Enjoy latkes, donuts, dreidels, music, live entertainment, a golf cart parade, snow globe making, and more at this menorah lighting that begins at 3:30 p.m., hosted by the Chabad of Malibu.
Point Dume Village
29169 Heathercliff Rd.
Malibu
Online: jewishmalibu.com
Hanukkah Celebrations in the South Bay
5. Hanukkah Holiday Celebration at the Point
Dec. 11: Celebrate Hanukkah on the grass at The Point's outdoor shopping plaza—from 1-3 p.m.—featuring live music, children's activities, dreidels, donuts, balloon animals, magic and more. Hosted by Manhattan Beach's Congregation Tikvat Jacob Synagogue.
850 S. Pacific Coast Hwy.
El Segundo
Online: thepointsb.com
6. Hermosa Beach Menorah Lighting
Dec. 18: Hear the waves crash as you watch the lights of the giant menorah blaze on at this festive holiday event, sponsored by the Jewish Community Center. The main event starts at sundown but there are activities, donuts, music and festivities, and more prior to the lighting of the menorah.
Pier Plaza
Hermosa Beach
Online: hermosabeach.gov
Hanukkah Celebrations in the Valley
7. Hanukkah Festival at the Skirball Center
Dec. 18: From 2-5:30 p.m., the whole family can participate in this annual festival at the Skirball Center, which will feature live music, crafts, yummy Hanukkah treats and a retelling of the story of Hanukkah by the Skirball Storytellers. Advance reservations are recommended.
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: skirball.org
8. Chanukah on the Blvd.
Dec. 19: Enjoy traditional Hanukkah treats, music and crafts at this menorah lighting event (5-7 p.m.) sponsored by the Chabad of the Valley.
Encino Courtyard
17401 Ventura Blvd.
Encino
Online: encinocourtyard.com
Hanukkah Celebrations in Beverly Hills & Hollywood
9. Beverly Hills Menorah Lighting
Dec. 19: The Beverly Hills City Council aims to teach families the “historic meaning of Hanukkah and the festival of lights" with this public menorah lighting event at Beverly Gardens Park from 6-7 p.m. Two hours of complimentary parking is available at the City Rexford Parking Structure (450 N. Rexford Dr.)
Beverly Gardens Park Lily Pond
9439 Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills
Online: beverlyhills.org
10. Chanukah at the Original Farmers Market
Dec. 18: If you need another reason to head to The Grove for holiday shopping—how about enjoying the adjacent Farmers Market’s Hanukkah celebration? From 3-5 p.m., the annual event will feature a menorah ice sculpture, crafts from PJ library, live music from Jason Mesches, and a lighting ceremony hosted by the Miracle Mile Chabad.
6333 W. Third St.
Los Angeles
Online: farmersmarketla.com
Hanukkah Celebrations near Los Angeles
11. Hanukkah Celebration at the Nixon Library
Dec. 11: Bring the family to the Nixon library at 10:15 a.m. for a Hanukkah celebration featuring live musical performances, a menorah lighting and more. Advance reservations are required.
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.
Yorba Linda
Online: eventbrite.com
12. Pretend City Hanukkah
Dec 18: Let the littles learn about Hanukkah at Pretend City (all day, with story times at various times at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.) where the history and traditions of the eight-day celebration are explained in a way kids will understand—through stories, art and movement. Plus, after they learn a bit about Hanukkah (and even if they don't), kids are welcome to stay and play in Pretend City's interactive ode to make-believe.
29 Hubble
Irvine
Online: pretendcity.org
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