Hanukah & Menorahs Celebrate the triumph of light over darkness

San Francisco's Bill Graham Menorah Lighting

December 25, 2024-January 2, 2025

Union Square
San Francisco, CA
billgrahammenorah.org

A tradition that dates back many decades, the giant menorah in Union Square will be lit each evening as part of Hanukkah

• Wednesday, December 25, 2024, 3:30 p.m. Gathering & Live Music 5 p.m. 1st Lighting Ceremony
• Thursday, December 26, 2024, 5 p.m. 2nd Lighting Ceremony
• Friday, December 27, 2024, 2:30 p.m. 3rd Lighting Ceremony
• Saturday, December 28, 2024, 8:30 p.m. 4th Lighting Ceremony
• Sunday, December 29, 2024,  Bill Graham Menorah Day  2-6 p.m. 5th Lighting Ceremony 2-4:45 p.m. Dreidel House Kids Crafts 2 p.m. Children's Entertainment 3 p.m. Live Music 4:45 p.m. Menorah Lighting Ceremony honoring George Zimmer, Friends of Bill, dignitaries and special guests!  FREE EVENT! 4:30 p.m. Gathering & Music 5 p.m. 5th Lighting Ceremony
• Monday, December 30, 2024, 5 p.m. 6th Lighting Ceremony
• Tuesday, December 31, 2024, 5 p.m. 7th Lighting Ceremony
• Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 4 p.m. Gathering & Live Music 5 p.m. 8th Lighting Ceremony honoring the Russian Speaking Jewish Community featuring live music

CULVER CITY: Celebrate Chanukah at The Culver Steps!Thursday, December 26, 2024, 5-6 p.m. 
The Culver Steps
9300 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA
Free, register at www.JewishCulverCity.com/rsvp
Chabad of Culver City hosts a Grand Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration in the Upper Plaza. Lighting of the Giant Menorah includes dignitaries, live Chanukah music, hot latkes, doughnuts, chocolate gelt, amazing magic show for all ages, fun crafts & activities for kids, talented caricature artist, free raffles, and a special gift for every child. This free community event is open to all. Complementary one-hour parking during the event.

LAGUNA NIGUEL: Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting Sunday, December 29, 2024  |
Laguna Niguel City Hall
CityofLagunaNiguel.org

Note: We have opted not to update this page as many of the websites are not listing events that the public can easily find.

SAN DIEGO: Liberty Station's Salute the Season Hanukkah & Menorah Lighting December 26, 2024, 5-8 p.m.
Central Promenade
Free, libertystation.com. In partnership with the Chabad Centers of Pacific Beach and Downtown, Liberty Station invites the community to celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah with an early evening Menorah Lighting.  Enjoy a night of live music, photo opportunities, and optional $15 ice rink skating at the Rady Children's Ice Rink after the Menorah Lighting.  Hanukkah! Live entertainment will take place for guests to enjoy!

SANTA MONICA: Hanukkah in Santa Monica December 25, 2024-January 1, 2025 on the 1200 Block of Third Street Promenade. Menorah lightings at sundown invites community members to enjoy a festive celebration of lights. Each evening hosted by a different local congregation, honoring this long-standing tradition. Free, iceatsantamonica.com/events

 

 

Past events

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY: Menorahs & Martinis December 1, 2022, 7 p.m.
$18, jewishcontracosta.com

Past events include Lightings - STAY TUNED!
Alamo Plaza
120 Alamo Plaza
Alamo, CA
Live Music with Ben Kramarz, Virtual Reality Chanukah, Donuts, Latkes, Gelt, Crafts, Face Painting and more

LOS ANGELES: Beverly Center's Hanukkah Celebration December 19, 2022, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Beverly Center is partnering with Chabad of WeHo West for live music, arts and crafts, & more in Grand Court, Level 6. Location: 8500 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048. Free, beverlycenter.com

BURBANK: Menorah Lighting at the Burbank Town Center Mall in Downtown Burbank December 22-26, 2019, 6:30 p.m. Candle lighting
201 E Magnolia Boulevard
Burbank, CA
templebethemet.com
December 22, 2019, 11:15 a.m. Temple Hanukkah Celebration.   December 22, 2019, 5:30 p.m. Temple Beth Emet celebrates December 23-26, 2019, 6:30 p.m.Hanukkah with a menorah lighting at Burbank Town Center. 

BURLINGAME: Annual Burlingame Chanukah Celebration! Lights on Ice December 22, 2019, 5-6 p.m.
Free, RSVP for location, chabadnp.com
RSVP for location. Come Celebrate Chanukah in Burlingame Featuring a Grand Ice Menorah Lighting at 5:30 p.m. Live Performance by the Saul Kaye Band Have fun in the (imported) snow Arts & Crafts Build a Menorah of Kindness Hot Latkes & Jelly Doughnuts Selfie with the Dreidel-Mascot Gelt Drop!

CANOGA PARK: Hanukkah Celebration  December 23, 2019, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
westfield.com/topanga/
Free, public welcome. chabadofwesthills.com
Join The Chabad of West Hills at a community festival of lights at the Rose Goldwater Community Center. All Ages, Free. Location: Rose Goldwater Community Center 21710 Vanowen St, Canoga Park, CA 91303
Join Chabad of West Hills on the first night of Hanukkah with a family-friendly Hanukkah menorah lighting celebration. Festivities include arts & crafts, food and treats, music, a public menorah lighting and more.

CENTURY CITY: Chanukah Festival at Westfield Century City Mall December 23, 2019, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Free, westfield.com/centurycity/
Celebrate Westfield Century City's festival of lights with a Hanukkah celebration hosted by Rabbis Nicole Guzik & Erez Sherman of Sinai Temple. Enjoy a public menorah lighting, crafts, live entertainment by Klezmer Juice, and more. Celebration to take place on Level 1 at the top of the Constellation Boulevard entrance near Nordstrom and The Crack Shack. 

CORONADO: Hanukah on Ice at Hotel Del Coronado Holiday on Ice rink, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Family and friends will enjoy a special skating session, Menorah lighting and Chanukah treats hosted by the Chabad of Coronado. Location: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA. hoteldel.com

CULVER CITY: Celebrate CHANUKAH December 22, 2019, 4:30 p.m.
Culver City Hall Courtyard
9770 Culver Blvd. 
Culver City, CA
Free admission, JewishCulverCity.com 
BH Culver City's favorite magician Robert Baxt! Doughnuts & Latkes! Crafts for kids, Face Painting, Music & Raffles!
1st Night Chanukah December 22, 2019, 4:30 p.m. Grand Menorah Lighting, Culver City City Hal
2nd Night Chanukah December 23, 2019 Chanukah Party, Residential home in Downtown Culver City
3rd Night Chanukah December 24, 2019, 3:30 p.m. Menorah Lighting, Paloma Pointe
4th Night Chanukah December 25, 2019, 3 p.m. Menorah Lighting, Studio Royale
4th Day Chanukah December 26, 2019, 11 a.m. Menorah Lighting, Culver City Hospital Main Lobby
5th Night Chanukah December 26, 2019, 4:30 p.m. Menorah Lighting, Culver Hotel
6th Day Chanukah December 27, 2019, 12:30 p.m. Menorah Lighting, Culver City Senior Center

EL CAJON: Menorah Lighting December 22, 2019, 4-6 p.m.
El Cajon Centennial Plaza
200 Civic Center Way
El Cajon, CA
Free, jewishEC.com
Chabad of East County for the first time ever introduces The World's largest Dreidel! Menorah lighting, Music & Dancing, Kids Fun Zone, Raffle, Chanukah Refreshments, Honoring our Local Heroes in Uniform, Welcoming Community Dignitaries. 

ESCONDIDO: Hanukkah Celebration December 22, 2019, 5-6 p.m.
Westfield North County
272 East Via Rancho Parkway
Escondido CA 92025
westfield.com/northcounty/
Warm festivities around the lighting of the first menorah candle in honor of Hanukkah in partnership with Chabad of Poway features live music, delicious donuts & latkes, driedels, crafts, and more.

HEALDSBURG: Chanukah Menorah Lighting Celebration December 29, 2019, 5 p.m.
Oakville Grocery
124 Matheson St.
Healdsburg, CA
Free, jewishsonoma.com
There will be a Chanukah menorah lighting celebration sponsored by the Chabad Jewish Center.

HERMOSA BEACH: Giant Chanukah Celebration December 22, 2019, 3 p.m.
2108 Vail Avenue
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Gifts for Kids, Fun Activities for Children, Holiday Crafts, Hot Latkes and Donuts, Massive Gelt Drop and a Giant Menorah Lighting. Location: Hermosa Beach Pier, Hermosa Beach, CA RSVP: jccmb.com

HUNTINGTON BEACH: Menorah Lighting December 26, 2019, 6 p.m.
Bella Terra Amphitheater
7777 Edinger Ave.
Huntington Beach, CA
Free, chabadhb.com
Music, Donuts & Latkes, Treats for the Children. All are welcome, no charge.

IRVINE: Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration December 26, 2019, 4 p.m. 
Irvine Spectrum
Edwards Court
71 Fortune Drive
Irvine, CA
chabadirvine.org
Irvine Spectrum plays host to a Menorah Lighting Ceremony with traditional music and crafts. Celebrate Hanukkah with  festive traditions at the Menorah Lighting Ceremony, hosted by the Chabad of Irvine.

IRVINE: Chabad Israeli Chanukah December 29, 2019, 4:30 p.m.
Chabad of Irvine
5010 Barranca Pkwy
Irvine 92604
$25, chabadirvine.org

IRVINE: Pretend City (kids museum) Menorah Lighting December 23, 2019, 3 p.m.
Pretend City
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA
$1 per person, RSVP a must pretendcity.org
Latkes and cookies, music and dancing and story time.

LAGUNA BEACH: Great Hannukah Gelt Drop & Lighting of Surfboard Menorah December 22, 2019
Laguna Main Beach
Cobblestones
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Free, facebook.com/chabadlaguna/
Laguna Beach firefighters on engine ladders drop chocolate gelt at the Great Hanukkah Gelt Drop. DJ Eldad, music, dancing, crafts, face painting, Latkes and lighting of the Menorah. 

LAGUNA NIGUEL: Chanukah Celebration December 22, 2019, 4 p.m.
Laguna Niguel City Hall
30111 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA
chabadlagunaniguel.com
Community Leaders, Hot Latkes & Donuts, Live Entertainment, Activities & Crafts, Menorah Lighting. Annual event is co-sponsored by Chabad of Laguna Niguel and City of Laguna Niguel.

LONG BEACH: Hanukkah Extravaganza December 22, 2019, 4-6 p.m.
2 & PCH
Long Beach, CA
Free, shulbytheshore.org
Annual Menorah Lighting presented by Shul by the Shore includes unveiling and lighting of the new Labelson Menorah. Live music, latkes, donuts, gelt, balloon twisting, crafts & more.

LOS ANGELES: LA Farmer's Market Hanukkah Celebration and Menorah Lighting Ceremony December 22, 2019, 2:30 -5 p.m.
Farmer's Market Plaza
6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA
farmersmarketla.com
Kids' crafts workshops, holiday foods, music and a Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Celebrate Hanukkah with the building of giant Lego menorah, live music, crafts and a special menorah lighting ceremony. Join PJ Library in Los Angeles for an afternoon of family Chanukah fun creating holiday-themed art, hearing a PJ Library story, enjoying the music of Jason Mesches, and creating a Menorah out of Lego.

LOS ANGELES: Skirball Cultural Center Hanukkah Family Festival December 15, 2019, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
$12 admission, skirball.org
Celebrate the Jewish festival of lights with music, dance, storytelling, art making, and tasty treats! Musical performances by Klezmer Juice, classic Hanukkah tunes and folk music by fiddler and accordionist duo Zingarella, Israeli dancing with Orly Star and capoeira performed by Dana Maman & Friends. Create a one-of-a-kind art project or make a delicious treat. Be inspired as Noah's Ark storytellers recount the age-old tale of Hanukkah in both English and Spanish, then join a special Hanukkah sing-along. Author Alan Silberberg reads from his book, Meet the Latkes.

MALIBU:  Chabad of Malibu (jewishmalibu.com) Chanukah Festivities December 22-29, 2019
December 22, 2019, 3 p.m. at Malibu Lumber Yard Promenade in Malibu, CA includes music, story telling, face painting, crafts, latkes and decorating donuts.
December 23, 2019, 3:30 p.m. Menorah Lighting at Point Dume Village Plaza 29211 Heathercliff Rd. Malibu, CA. Menorah lighting, music, henna body painting, balloons, donuts and latkes.
December 29, 2019, 3 p.m. Enchanting Chanukah Festival at The Park at Cross Creek - Whole Foods Market. Lighting the Menorah, glow body painting, games, music, crafts and more.

MOORPARK: Chanukah Festival and Menorah Lighting Ceremony December 22, 2019, 4:30-6 p.m.
Vons Shopping Center
4225A Tierra Rejada R.
Moorpark, CA 93021
Free, jewishmoorpark.com
The entire community is invited. This year's event is gonna be the best ever! -chocolate gelt drop from 25 feet in the air - from a firetruck ladder! -AMAZING comedy illusion show! -free hot latkas! -free delicious donuts! -Free hot coffee! -Kids Chanukah Crafts -greetings from Mayor Parvin and Moorpark dignitaries -Fire truck activities and lots more!

MILL VALLEY: Chanukah Celebration of Unity & Light December 22, 2019, 4-6 p.m.
Join Chabad of Mill Valley Chanukah
Brooklyn
29 Miller Ave.
Mill Valey, CA
jewishmillvalley.com
Menorah Lighting, Latkes Bar, Sufganiot, Music, Dreidels, Geltm Chanukah crafts & activities

NAPA: Menorah Lighting December 22, 2019, 5 p.m.
Napa Veterans Memorial Park
Napa, CA
Free, jewishnapavalley.com
Hot Latkes, Live Klezmer music, donuts, gelt, dreidels, crafts and a special appreciation to first responders.

NEWBURY PARK: Chabad-Lubavitch of Newbury Park Chanukah Spectacular December 22, 2019, 4 p.m.
The Village Town Center- Dos Vientos
Newbury Park, CA
Free, chabadnewburypark.org
 Grand Menorah Lighting, Fantastick Patrick Show, Latkes, Doughnuts, Crafts and the great gelt drop

NEWPORT BEACH: Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Fashion Island December 22, 2019, 3:30 p.m.
Fashion Island Atrium Court, near Barnes & Noble
401 Newport Center Dr.
Newport Beach, CA
Free, JewishNewport.com or shopfashionisland.com
Fashion Island Menorah Lighting is Orange County's largest Menorah Lighting Celebration. Performance by Los Judios Locos. Dreidles, Holiday donuts, balloon animals, Face Painting, Chanukah Entertainment, Gifts, Chanukah Crafts & Treats for children. Bring an unwrapped gift for the community toy drive.

NOVATO: Grand Menorah Lighting & Chanukah Celebration December 22, 2019, 5 p.m.
Novato City Hall
901 Sherman Ave.
Novato. CA
Free Event!  jewishnovato.com
Menorah Being Lit By Novato Chief Battalion Lighting A 10' Menorah. Hot Latkes And Donuts, City Dignitaries and Fun For The Whole Family! Join the Jewish community as we light the 10-foot Menorah with a Gelt Drop and maximize the power of Jewish light and pride on the streets of Novato. Donuts, latkes, hot drinks, kids crafts, Donuts! Latkes, Raffle, Craft, Music and Gelt Drop. Local firefighters will pull up their hook and ladder trucks over the crowd. They will raise the ladder, and then after counting down, they will sprinkle hundreds of chocolate Gelt coins. What a blast!

OAKLAND: Grand Menorah Lighting Celebration on the Lake December 22, 2019, 4:30 p.m. 
Lake Merritt Amphitheater
Lake Merritt Blvd. between 1st Ave. & 12th St.
Oakland, CA
Free, public invited, jewishoakland.org
Latkes, doughnuts and hot drinks, dreidels, gelt and menorahs.

PALM DESERT: Latkas & Babkas: Hanukkah Party December 28, 2019, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Congregation Beth Shalom-East Valley Jewish Center
79733 Country Club Drive Ste C
$25 per person Pre-paid reservations
Join Congregation Beth Shalom for a Hanukkah Party: Menorah lighting, latke "bar," dessert buffet, and gift auction.

PALO ALTO:  Menorah Lighting at Palo Alto City Hall December 29, 2019, 4:30 p.m.
Palo Alto City Hall
250 Hamilton Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Free, chabadpaloalto.com
City Hall Menorah lighting includes attractions such as Chocolate Gelt Drop, Latkes and Sufganyiot, Music, Show

PALO ALTO: Interactive Chanukah Robot Show December 22, 2019, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Mitchell Community Center
3700 Middlefield Rd.
$10, chabadpaloalto.com/menorah
Dairy buffet dinner and doughnuts, Interactive Chanukah Robot show, Immersive VR Chanukah Experience, Activities for the whole family And More. Admission includes a chance to win a Chanukah Robot!

PIEDMONT: Piedmont Menorah Lighting December 23, 2019, 6-7 p.m.
Exedra Arch entrance to Piedmont Park
Piedmont, CA
Free, jewishoakland.com
Celebrate Chanukah in the center of Piedmont! Kindle Piedmont’s largest menorah and enjoy hot latkes, delicious donuts, hot drinks, dreidels, music, menorahs and community spirit! Free of charge.

RANCHO MIRAGE: Menorah Lighting Ceremony December 22-30, 2019, 4 p.m.
Recurring daily
The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
68900 Frank Sinatra Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Free, ritzcarlton.com 

RANCHO MIRAGE: Light Up Rancho Mirage December 22, 2019, 5 pm.
The River Amphitheatre
Bob Hope Drive & Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, CA
chabadrm.com
Chabad of Rancho Mirage event includes Parachuting Dreidels and The Great Gelt Drop at The River. Hot chocolate, fresh donuts, latkes, cotton candy, community leaders and more.

REDWOOD CITY: Chanukah Festival December 22, 2019, 4 p.m.
Courthouse Square
2200 Broadway
Redwood City, CA
Free, redwoodcity.org 
Watch the Menorah be lit! Awesome! Chanukah games, Menorah Lighting, Gelt Drop, Latkas and Sufganiyot, plus local dignitaries.

ROSEVILLE: Menorah Lighting Celebration December 22, 2019, 5-7 p.m.
Outdoor Promenade, near Louis Vuitton
1151 Galleria Blvd.
Roseville CA 95678
westfield.com/galleriaatroseville/
Join the Chabad of Placer County and Rabbi Yossi Korik for a grand Menorah Lighting and Chanukah festivities, including a crafts and games, latkes and donuts, live music and more. Admission is free. 

SAN CLEMENTE: Pre-Hanukah Lighting on San Clemente Pier December 15, 2019, 4 p.m.
San Clemente Pier
San Clemente, CA
Free, jewishsc.com
Local dignitaries, fire and police chiefs, Hot Latkes, Sufganiot Donuts, Glow in the Dark Cotton Candy, Build your own Lego Dreidel, The Dreidel Man Dancing the Hora, Starbucks Coffee, Music and More. Presented by Chabad Jewish Center of San Clemente

SAN CLEMENTE: Menorah at the Outlets December 22, 2019, 4-5 p.m.
Oak Tree Court at the Outlets at San Clemente
101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa
San Clemente, CA 92672
Free, jewishsc.com
Show by Famous Abbit the Average, Donuts & Latkes, Music, Dreidels & Gelt, Balloon Artist and Lighting of the Giant Menorah.

SAN FRANCISCO  Bill Graham Menorah Day Festival December 22, 2019, 3-6 p.m. Daily Menorah Lighting December 22-29, 2019
Union Square
billgrahammenorah.com
A tradition since 1975! Chanukah Festival of Lights
A local miracle happened in San Francisco in 1975 when community leaders joined together to create the first big menorah public celebration of Chanukah outside of Israel. Today that spark of innovation has spread to annual Chanukah celebrations in over 500 cities worldwide including; Berlin, Paris, Buenos Aires, Brisbane and Ho Chi Minh City. In San Francisco the legacy of innovation to spread the light continues.
Union Square Menorah Lighting Schedule
1st Candle Lighting Ceremony Sunday, December 22, 2019 | 4:30 pm Special Guests and Local Dignitaries TBA
Long-Time Bill Graham Colleagues and Musical performances by: Jerry’s Kosher Deli Plus Very Special Guests
Kids Craft Activities | Starting at 2 p.m.
 2nd Candle Lighting Ceremony  5 p.m. 
 3rd Candle Lighting Ceremony 5 p.m. 
4th Candle Lighting Ceremony 5 p.m. 
5th Candle Lighting Ceremony 5 p.m.
6th Candle Lighting Ceremony 3 p.m.
7th Candle Lighting Ceremony 8 p.m.
8th GRAND FINALE Candle Lighting Ceremony 5 p.m.
THE GRAND FINALE!

SAN FRANCISCO: Menorah Lighting  no info 2019
Grattan Playground
1180 Shrader St.
San Francisco, CA
chabadcv.org
Cole Valley Chabad hosts this annual event. Watch the 6 foot Gelt Menorah being lit. Create a fidget Lego dreidel, latkas bar with 5 types, rocking drum circle!

SAN JOSE: Nightly Menorah Lighting at Westfield Oakridge no info 2019 Westfield Oakridge
925 Blossom Hill Road
San Jose CA 95123
westfield.com/oakridge/
Each night of Chanukah from December 12 to December 20, the Chabad of San Jose will light a candle on the menorah near Papaya.

SANTA CLARA: Hanukkah Community Celebration: A Festival of Lights December 22, 2019, 4-6 p.m.
Westfield Valley Fair 
Level 2 adjacent to Yankee Candle
2855 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95050
westfield.com/valleyfair
Join Westfield Valley Fair and the Chabad of San Jose for a Community Celebration inclusive of a Menorah Lighting Celebration, crafts, festivities, snacks & more.    

SANTA CRUZ: Chanukah Train December 26, 2019
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach St.
Santa Cruz, CA
$ tickets, roaringcamp.com
 chabadbythesea.com
Enjoy a beach Menorah Lighting, then set off on an incredible 1-hour train ride on Roaring Camp's vintage excursion cars adorned with thousands of shining lights and Chanukah decorations. Learn Chanukah traditions and ride the train through the streets of Santa Cruz listening to Chanukah stories, playing dreidel and enjoying kosher refreshments provided by Chabad by the Sea.  Create a new holiday tradition with family and friends as we experience the lights, stories and traditions of Chanukah in a whole new way!

SANTA MONICA: Menorah Lighting Ceremonies on Third Street Promenade December 25, 2019, 5 p.m.
Center Court on Third between Arizona & Santa Monica St.
Santa Monica, CA
Free, jewishsmonica.com
Live music and lighting of the Menorah with Santa Monica mayor. Celebrate Chanukah with the lighting of the giant Menorah. Live music, crafts, hot cocoa, latkas and more.

SANTA MONICA: Menorah Lightings December December 22-29, 2019, sundown
2-9, 2018, 6 p.m. 1300 block of The Promenade
between Santa Monica Blvd. and Arizona Ave. downtownsm.com/winterlit
Menorah Lightings:
Join local synagogues and community groups as their members celebrate the Festival of Lights this Hanukkah season.
Lightings begin at Sundown
December 22, 2019 Mishkon Tephilo
December 23, 2019 Gan Israel Preschool
December 24, 2019 Nashuva
December 25, 2019 Chabad
December 26, 2019 Kehillat Israel
December 27, 2019 Beth Shir Shalom
December 28, 2019 Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust
December 29, 2019 Adat Shalom

SANTA ROSA: Chanukah Celebration December 22, 2019, 4 p.m.
Montgomery Village
911 Village Court
Santa Rosa, CA
Free, jewishsonoma.com | mvshops.com
Dreidls, Kosher Concessions, Latkes, Prizes and Live Music. Free and open to the public.

SANTA ROSA: Chanukah Party December 24, 2019, 5 p.m.
Joseph Weingarten Chabad Jewish Center
2461 Summerfield Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95405 
$15, jewishsonoma.com
Pan to Palate Latkes!

SEBASTOPOL Hanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony no info 2019  
Downtown Plaza
6901 McKinley Street
Sebastopol, CA 95472
Free, jewishsonoma.com

SHERMAN OAKS: Hannukah Celebration December 22, 2019, 4-6 p.m. 
Westfield Fashion Square
14006 Riverside Drive Suite 17
Sherman Oaks CA 91423
westfield.com/fashionsquare/
A special evening of music, activities, and light bites in partnership with the Chabad of Sherman Oaks. Special candle lighting with Rabbi Mendel Lipskier. Family friendly entertainment and treats will be available for all! Space is limited so arrive early!

SILVER LAKE: Festival of Lights December 15, 2019, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Silverlake JCCC
1110 Bates Ave.
Los Angeles, CA
$20 age 2 years and up, free for adults, sijcc.net
Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center Festival of Lights is a community event featuring stage performances, children's games and crafts, gift boutiques, family portraits.

STANFORD: Fire and Ice Chanukah Event with Menorah Lighting  no info 2019
White Memorial Plaza  Statue & Fountain
Stanford, California 94305
Free, chabadstanford.org
What better way to celebrate the holiday of lights and the end of the quarter than with a night of festivity. Live Music Latkes, Sufganiot (donuts) and beverages Lighting the 8 foot Ice Menorah!  Bring all of your friends, community members all welcome! 

SUNLAND: Hanukkah in the Foothills December 29, 2019, 3-5 p.m.
Hope Church
10438 Oro Vista
Sunland, CA
templebethemet.com
Traditional Hanukkah Food and Music, Games, Learn about Hanukkah in this free celebration - bring the familly.

SUNNYVALE: Glow in the Dark Community Menorah Celebration December 22, 2019, 4:30-6 p.m.
Zanotto's Family Markets
1356 S. Mary Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA
Free, some activities and foods a nominal fee
RSVP: chabadsunnyvale.com
5:45 p.m. Menorah Lighting and Sing along. Lighting of the Glow in the Dark Menorah, Latkes and Jelly Donuts, Holiday arts & crafts, Dreidels, Music, Candle Making and more.

TUSTIN: Frozen Chanukah December 22, 2019, 3-4:30 p.m.
The District
2437 Park Avenue
Tustin, California 92782
chabadirvine.org
Giant Ice Menorah, Foam Snow, Latkes, Donuts, Live Music, Gelt, Dreidls and Children's Choir.

UNIVERSAL CITY: Chanukah at CityWalk with SoCal's Largest Menorah Lighting December 22, 2019, 6-9 p.m.
Universal CityWalk
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA.
Free admission, Live Concert, chabadofthevalley.com
Parking: $fee.
Join Chabad of the Valley for Chanukah at CityWalk Cinema Plaza. This event includes a special tribute to Jewish music with featured renown musician Yaakov Shwekey. 

VACAVILLE: Menorah Lighting December 22, 2019, 4-7 p.m.
Town Square
Main & Merchant St.
Fairfield, CA
Free, jewishsolano.com
Menorah Lighting and Community Chanukah Celebration includes  Latkes & Lattes, Bavarian Custard or Jelly Sufganiyot, Dreidles, Chocolate Gelt and Children's Performance. Program is followed by the procession to Shul for a Hanukkah holiday party.

VACAVILLE: Jelly Belly Hanukkah Celebration December 29, 2019, 4-7 p.m.
 Jelly Belly hosts its 10th annual Hanukkah celebration at the   visitor center, One Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield. The event includes lighting of a candy-filled giant menorah. www.jellybelly.com/California-Factory-Events.

VALENCIA: No info 2019
Valencia Town Center Square
24201 West Valencia Blvd. Suite 150
Valencia CA 91355
westfield.com/valencia/
Hanukkah on Town Center Square in between Sisley and Saddle Ranch. Join us for a special evening of food, fun, and festivities with SCV Jewish community.

WALNUT CREEK: Chanukah on Ice December 24, 2019, 7:15 p.m.
Walnut Creek Civic Park Ice Rink
1365 Civic Dr.
Walnut Creek, CA
iceskatewalnutcreek.com
$18-20, RSVP: jewishcontracosta.com
With a menorah lighting
Jewish music and crafts for kids.

WALNUT CREEK: Grand Menorah Lighting at Broadway Plaza December 22, 2019, 4-6 p.m.
Broadway Plaza  Promenade, across the street from Nordstrom 
1275 Broadway Plaza
Walnut Creek, CA
Free, broadwayplaza.com
Join the Chabad of Contra Costa for the Annual Menorah Lighting at Broadway Plaza! Festivities include: Live Concert with Jonathan Bayar, Bubble Show, Hot Latkes Dougnuts Crafts Face Paint & More!

WESTMINSTER: Menorah Lighting at the Mall December 23 & 26, 2019, 6 p.m.
Westminster Mall
JC Penney Lower Level
chabadhb.com

What is Chanukah, also spelled as Hanukkah? 8 day festival of light celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of purity over adulteration, of spirituality over materiality. More than 21 centuries ago, the Holy Land was ruled by people who sought to forcefully Hellenize the Israelis. Against all odds, a small band of faithful Jews defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. When they sought to light the Temple's menorah (the seven branched candelabrum), they found only a single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the Greeks; miraculously, the one-day supply burned for eight days. . At the heart of Chanukah is the nightly menorah (candelabrum) lighting: a single flame on the first night, two on the second evening, and so on till the eighth night of Chanukah, when all eight lights are kindled. The festival is also celebrated by indulging in latkes, or fried potato pancakes. Children may receive actual monetary "gelt" as part of their Hanukkah celebrations but commonly are given coin shaped pieces of chocolate wrapped in gold or silver foil as Hanukkah gelt that can be consumed or used to play dreidel, a game involving a wooden or plastic top called a dreidel.

What is the difference between a menorah and a hanukkah?
The menorah is a freestanding seven-branched candelabrum modeled after that of the ancient temple in Jerusalem. Over the centuries the menorah has been the most important symbol of the Jewish people. Hanukkah lights are kindled for eight nights.