8 places to celebrate Hanukkah in Southern California

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Rabbi Shmuel Fuss (left) is assisted in the lighting of the menorah by Holocaust survivor Albert Rosa, 95 from Encino, during the 15th annual Chanukah celebration in downtown Riverside. The celebration returns to Riverside Dec. 11. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is happening from sundown on Thursday, Dec. 7 to sundown on Friday, Dec.15 in 2023. The eight-day holiday is celebrated by lighting a candle on a menorah, gathering with friends and family and eating traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts).

From nightly lightings and singalongs to ice skating and theatrical performances, here are eight ways to celebrate Hanukkah in Southern California this season.

  • Families pose with the Grand Menorah as it is lit on the second night of Hanukkah at the Riverside Historic Courthouse in Riverside on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022. The celebration returns to Riverside Dec. 11. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

  • Robert Cohen, left, installs the giant menorah in Ladera Ranch in preparation for Hanukkah celebrations. The celebration returns to Ladera Ranch Dec. 12. (Photo by Rose Palmisano — The Orange County Register)

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Los Angeles County

Hanukkah in Santa Monica

When: Nightly Dec. 7-15

Where: The 1400 block of Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica

Cost: Free

Information: downtownsm.com/events

Nightly menorah lightings will take place at Sundown on the Promenade between Santa Monica Boulevard and Broadway. And get the ice skates ready because the final ceremony will take place at the ice rink at Ice at Santa Monica at 1324 5th Street.

Chanukah Celebration at Original Farmers Market

When: 3-5 p.m. Dec. 10

Where: 6333 W. Third Street, Los Angeles

Cost: Free

Information: farmersmarketla.com/events/chanukah-celebration

The celebration will include performances by JLA, Chanukah singalongs, a menorah ice sculpture, crafts and a lighting ceremony with Miracle Mile Chabad. Activities take place on the Market Plaza.

Skirball Cultural Center

When: 12-5 p.m. Dec.10

Where: 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles

Cost: $13-$18

Information: skirball.org/programs/hanukkah-festival

Klezmer rockers Mostly Kosher will headline this year’s festival that will also include the Skirball Storytellers, who will tell the Hanukkah story with a theatrical performance featuring music and puppetry. Visitors can check out the center’s Dreidel Lounge, eat latkes and jelly doughnuts and take pictures in holiday-themed photo booth. A candle lighting ceremony will take place at sunset.

Orange County

Ladera Ranch Menorah Lighting

When: 4:45-7 p.m. Dec. 12

Where: Town Green, 28801 Sienna Parkway, Ladera Ranch

Cost: Free

Information: laderalife.com/events/menorah-lighting

The Ladera Ranch Festival of Lights is partnering with local organizations for a night of music, dancing, arts and  crafts and a candle lighting ceremony. Come hungry because there will be traditional Hanukkah snacks available.

Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting

When: 4-6 p.m. Dec. 10

Where: Laguna Niguel City Hall, 30111 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel

Cost: Free

Information: cityoflagunaniguel.org

Chabad of Laguna Niguel and the City of Laguna Niguel are teaming up to celebrate Hanukkah with live entertainment, arts and crafts and Chanukah treats.

Menorah Lighting at Fashion Island

When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 7

Where: Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach

Cost: Free

Information: fashionisland.com/events/menorah-lighting-ceremony

The Atrium Garden Courtyard will be the center of Hanukkah celebrations as the Chabad Jewish Center partners with Fashion Island for an afternoon of signing and lighting of the menorah.

Inland Empire

Chanukah Festival in Riverside

When: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 11

Where: Riverside Historic Courthouse, 4050 Main Street, Riverside

Cost: Free

Information: ChanukahFestival.org

The annual festival will include a lighting ceremony, traditional food like potato latkes and chicken soup, live music and family activities.

Hanukkah Celebration in Temecula

When: 5-8 p.m. Dec.7

Where: Lorimar Vineyards & Winery, 39990 Anza Road, Temecula

Cost: Free, but reservations suggested

Information: https://www.lorimarwinery.com/entertainment

Lorimar Winery is teaming up with Jewish Together Temecula Valley and getting into the holiday spirit with a Menorah Lighting ceremony and traditional food like latkes.

View more on Orange County Register