13 Fab Ways to Celebrate 8 Days of Hanukkah

Oh Hannukah, oh Hanukkah, come light the menorah!  The festival of lights lasts for 8 wonderful nights from December 8-16. This year’s celebration is sure to be filled with music and candles, latkes and jelly donuts, gifts and dreidels, history and love. On our list, you’ll find celebrations with music, performances, food, crafts, history lessons and lots and lots of menorahs.  There are menorahs made of LEGO’s or toys, and giant menorahs to be seen from afar. However you choose to celebrate, Hanukkah Sameakh!

Hanukkah at the Grove: image courtesy of the Jewish Journal online.

Americana Hanukkah
It’s the Skirball’s annual Hanukkah family festival, and this year they are celebrating by highlighting freedom, justice, and democracy. Enjoy a performance of original Hanukkah tales by the Story Pirates; hear The Macaroons croon some Hanukkah pop/rock tunes; and The Marcus Shelby Quintet doing songs by American Jewish composers.
Skirball Cultural Center, December 2^nd, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Hanukkah Festival at the Zimmer
Hanukkah is The Festival of Lights, so it makes sense to celebrate with a full day of light-themed activities including story time, holiday crafts, and more!  This Sunday holiday celebration is all day long and the Zimmer is offering free museum admission!
The Zimmer Museum, December 2^nd, 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Macaroons Holiday Concert
The Macaroons big harmonies, irresistible melodies and guitar-based sound recall everything from the Kinks to Queen to the Shins. They’ll bring their catchy pop-rock vibes with tunes like Hurry Up And Light The Candle and Mezuzah to the Winter Stage for Grand Performances! 
California Plaza, December 3^rd, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Hanukkah Happiness
Head to Pottery Barn Kids at the Grove for a special Hanukkah Holiday Kids Club event! With crafts and story time, kids will get right in the Hanukkah spirit.
Pottery Barn Kids, December 6^th, 11:00 am

Malibu Chanukah Concert
Celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah with Chabad Malibu, who is hosting the internationally acclaimed band Moshav, a modern folk-rock band with Jewish soul.  There will be latkes and jelly donuts, too!
Malibu City Hall Theater, December 8^th, 7:30 pm

Santa Monica Menorah lighting ceremony: image courtesy of Santa Monica Closeup via Facebook

Santa Monica Menorah Lighting
Downtown Santa Monica will celebrate the Hanukkah season with a traditional menorah lighting every evening at sundown. Come celebrate with different local synagogues and temples throughout the week.
3^rd Street Promenade, December 8^th – 16^th, Sundown

Pershing Square Menorah
Take part in traditional Menorah Lighting ceremony with Rabbi Moshe. Enjoy Jewish folk singers, bottle dancers and dreidel fun at sundown.
Pershing Square, December 9^th, 5:30 pm

Hanukkah Festival and Toy Menorah
Celebrate the Festival of lights with not one, but two crazy menorahs: the first appeals to kiddos – it’s made out of toys!  Bring a toy to donate to kids in hospitals, and help build the “toy”norah.  You can also bring canned goods to donate to local food banks and help build the largest “can”orah you have ever seen!
Chabad of Pacific Palisades, December 9^th, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Image courtesy of Amy Steinberg

Giant LEGO Menorah
Help build the biggest LEGO menorah (over 10 feet tall) you’ve seen!  There will also be entertainment, latkes, crafts, donuts, hot chocolate and more!
Del Amo Fashion Center, December 9^th, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Original Farmers Market Hanukkah
Kids can help build a giant Lego menorah and make their own greeting cards. The  Zimmer Children’s Museum will offer games and crafts. The party also features “Chanukah Pajamikah” with Doda Mollie, a cantor soloist and educator. A Menorah Lighting Ceremony will take place at sundown.
Original Farmers Market, December 9^th, 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

The Story Pirates at the Skirball Celebration: image courtesy of The Skirball Center.

Citywalk Chanukah Celebration
Southern California’s largest menorah will be lit right here in Universal City!  And there will be plenty of other festival of light activities and celebrations going on all night, too…
Universal Citywalk, December 9^th, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Hanukkah Celebration on Rodeo
The Chabad of N. Beverly Hills is hosting a public Menorah Lighting Ceremony and Hanukkah Celebration at the fashionable address of Two Rodeo Drive with live music, refreshments and face painting.
2 Rodeo, December 9^th, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Burbank Outdoor Menorah Lighting
Head over to Burbank for the last of the big Hanukkah celebrations in town, when the outdoor 10-foot menorah will be lit and everyone can celebrate with fresh hot latkes, music and a kid’s choir.
AMC Walkway, December 15^th, 8:00 pm

Are you celebrating the festival of lights this year? Where? How?  Let us know your family Hanukkah celebrations and traditions!

Written by: Meghan Rose