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.
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.
