Updated for 2022
This year, the first night of Hanukkah begins on Sunday, December 18th. This eight-night Festival of Lights is being celebrated all around Los Angeles and Southern California with lots of fun, memorable events. Here are sites hosting family-friendly Hanukkah celebrations, including both in-person and virtual events.
A note on spelling: We’ve chosen to spell this Jewish Holiday “Hanukkah,” but other spellings are used by some of the venues listed here. This article helps explain where some of the different spellings come from. However it is spelled, Hanukkah is a wonderful holiday to celebrate in Los Angeles!
Looking for Hanukkah Meals and Latkes in Los Angeles? Take a peek at our list. Need gift ideas? See our list of Made-in-Los Angeles Gifts and our annual Holiday Gift Guide. Want to see a Holiday Show or see the Holiday Light Displays? We have those lists, too!
Contents
- Hanukkah Celebrations in Los Angeles
- Hanukkah Celebrations in the Valley
- Hanukkah Celebrations in Orange County
- Hanukkah Celebrations in the South Bay
- Virtual Hanukkah Celebrations
Hanukkah in Los Angeles
Hanukkah Festival
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
The Skirball invites families to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, on Sunday, December 18th from 2 pm – 5:30 pm (the doors open at 1:30 pm). This special program features music, storytelling, art-making, and more. “Watch Skirball Storytellers recount the age-old story of Hanukkah, create a one-of-a-kind art project, enjoy classic Hanukkah treats and holiday drinks, and celebrate community with a joyous sunset candle lighting.” Advance reservations are recommended and are available online.
Palisades Unity Menorah Lighting
Palisades Village
1035 N. Swarthmore, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
On Sunday, December 18th from 5 pm to 6:30 pm, families are invited to the 35th annual Palisades Menorah Lighting happening at Palisades Village. The festivities include the menorah lighting at 6 pm, a performance by Beat Buds, and more.
Menorah Lightings
1400 block of Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Downtown Santa Monica celebrates the Winterlit with nightly menorah lightings beginning Sunday, December 18th through December 25th, taking place at sundown. Different synagogues and groups are invited each night to light the menorah and will host their own ceremony or celebration.
Hanukkah on the Canals Parade
The Open Temple
1422 Electric Ave., Venice, CA 90291
The Open Temple in Venice invites families to its Hanukkah on the Canals Parade happening on Sunday, December 11th from 1 pm – 4 pm. Enjoy music performed by Open Temple Band, dreidels, and donuts.
Culver Steps Menorah Lighting
9300 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
See the giant menorah lighting and listen to live music on the first night of Hanukkah, Sunday, December 18th at 4:30 pm at the Culver Steps. They will serve donuts and hot latkes, and there will be crafts and caricature artists!
Platform Menorah Lighting
8806 Washington Blvd. (corner of Washington & National), Culver City, CA 90232
Enjoy the lighting of the menorah at Platform on Monday, December 19th at 5:30 P.M. There will also be a special chocolate gelt drop by the Culver City Fire Department as well as music, hot latkes, and donuts.
The Shay Menorah Lighting
8801 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
You can have soup and sushi at The Shay Hotel and watch the menorah lighting on Tuesday, December 20th at 7:30 pm. There will also be latkes.
Ivy Station Menorah Lighting
8840 National Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232 (parking will be validated)
On Wednesday, December 21st at 5:30 pm, watch a wonderful performance by The Klezmer Band, followed by a giant menorah lighting! Hot latkes and donuts will be served. There will also be crafts.
Grand Menorah Lighting at Chabad of Toluca Lake
Wells Fargo Bank Parking Lot, Corner Riverside Drive and Forman Ave. 91602
Grand menorah lighting in the heart of Toluca Lake happening on Sunday, December 18th, from 4:30-6pm. Fun for the whole family – Free of Charge! Back by popular demand, we will once again be honoring our dedicated firefighters and fire dept with our famous- “GELT DROP” – Chocolate Gelt and other Chanukah goodies will “rain” from the aerial ladder of firetruck with: • Live entertainment • Hot Soup & hot Latkes • Special Guest Appearance by Fritz Coleman – Honorary Mayor of Toluca Lake and other dignitaries • LED Robot Dancers • Fresh Donuts • Coffee Bean • RAFFLE PRIZES Free raffle ticket for all those who register in advance.
Free admission
Village Synagogue Menorah Lighting Ceremony at The Grove
189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles 90036
Village Synagogue together with Caruso will be hosting a Menorah Lighting Ceremony at The Grove on Tuesday December 20th at 5:30pm. There will be a performance by Nissim Black and snowfall, and the kindling of the Menorah by Montana Tucker and Holocaust survivor, Joseph Alexander, in honor of his 100th birthday.
Chanukah at Culver City Hall
9770 Culver Blvd. (parking on Watseka), Culver City, CA 90232
Join us on Sunday, December 25th at 4:30 pm for the final night of Chanukah for a grand menorah lighting at the Culver City Hall! There will be music, hot latkes, donuts, chocolate gelt, and dreidels!
Menorah Lighting Celebration
Beverly Gardens Park
9439 Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The City of Beverly Hills is hosting a menorah lighting celebration, to “share the historical meaning of Hanukkah and the festival of lights,” on Monday, December 19th from 6 – 7 pm.
The Hanukkah Happening
The Santa Monica Synagogue
1448 18th St., Santa Monica, CA 90404
Beginning Sunday, December 18th to December 25th, downtown Santa Monica celebrates Hanukkah with a traditional menorah lighting ceremony at sundown each night.
Chanukah Winter Wonderland
Point Dume Village
29169 Heathercliff Rd., Malibu, CA 90265
Chabad of Malibu invites you to Chanukah Winter Wonderland where you can enjoy hot latkes, doughnuts, music, live entertainment, menorah lighting, and more! This festival of lights includes nightly menorah lighting, special prayers, and food beginning December 18th at 3:30 pm.
Menorah Lighting
17401 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA
Join Chabad of the Valley on December 19th from 5 – 7 pm at Encino Courtyard for the traditional menorah lighting. Enjoy kosher refreshments and traditional Chanukah bites, music, and crafting.
Hanukkah Celebration
Westfield Century City
10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, CA 90067
Westfield Century City will celebrate Hanukkah from Sunday, December 18th through Monday, December 26th. Enjoy the “festive and interactive mural in collaboration with a local Los Angeles artist.”
Chanukkah Marketplace
TIOH Chanukah Marketplace
Temple of Israel Hollywood, 7300 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046
Enjoy a day of fun, fellowship, and dance while taking care of your holiday shopping needs on December 4th from 9 am – 3 pm. You will also be supporting the schools, local producers, small businesses, and artisans. There are activities for the entire family as well as luscious lunches and treats.
Chanukah Fun On the Plaza
The Original Farmers Market
6333 W. Third St., Los Angeles, CA 90036
The Original Farmers Market hosts a Chanukah celebration on Sunday, December 18th from 3 – 5 pm. Musician Jason Mesches will perform, and there will be crafts and a special menorah lighting ceremony.
Chanukah Comedy Cabaret
The Complex Theatres and Studios
6476 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038
Celebrate the holidays with a variety show that has everything including a live band performing original comedy songs, stand-up comedy from some of LA’s funniest, improv, custom cocktails, Chanukah snacks, and lots of other fun surprises.
Hanukkah Celebrations in the Valley
Hanukkah in the Foothills
New Hope Community Church
10438 Oro Vista Ave., Sunland, CA 91040
The Annual Hanukkah in the Foothills event is happening on Monday, December 19th at 5 pm. Enjoy a fun, free community event and come hungry — potato latkes will be served.
MUSYCA Children’s Choir Winter Choral Concert
Shomrei Torah Synagogue, 7353 Valley Cir Blvd, West Hills, CA 91304
Celebrate the Holidays with the joyful sounds of MUSYCA Children’s Choir. Join MUSYCA for the annual Winter Choral Concert on Sunday, December 18th at 4:00PM, at Shomrei Torah Synagogue in West Hills. The program will feature a festive garland of songs, performed by talented young musicians. Tickets $20-25. Get more info on their website.
Hanukkah Celebrations in Orange County
Seal Beach Menorah Lighting
Eisenhower Park at the Seal Beach Pier
Ocean Ave. and Main St., Seal Beach, CA 90740
The Annual Pre-Chanukah Menorah Lighting is happening on Sunday, December 11th at 5 pm. This free event features “live music, traditional Chanukah foods, and the grand lighting of a giant 9-foot Menorah.” RSVP online.
Hanukkah Celebration at the Nixon Library
The Richard Nixon Library and Museum
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Families are invited to the Hanukkah Celebration happening at the Nixon Library on Sunday, December 11th at 10:15 am. This free program features musical performances, a community menorah candle lighting, and more. Advance registration is required for this free event.
Dana Point Harbor Menorah Lighting
Dana Point Harbor
34555 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, CA 92629
DPHP, in partnership with the Chabad Jewish Center of Dana Point, will place a 12-foot Menorah in the Harbor for the duration of Hanukkah from Sunday, December 18th to Monday, December 26th.
Chanukah Community Celebration
Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County
1 Federation Way, Irvine, CA 92603
On Sunday, December 18th from 5 pm to 7 pm, families can enjoy a Chanukah Community Candle-Lighting. There will be games, entertainment, and treats for families with children of all ages. Food will be available for purchase. This a free event open to the public.
Pretend City Hanukkah
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618
Hanukkah (or Chanukah), also called the Festival of Lights, is an eight-night Jewish holiday that celebrates religious freedom and miracles in Jewish history. Hanukkah traditions include lighting the menorah, exchanging gifts, spinning dreidels, and eating special foods such as latkes (potato pancakes). At Pretend City’s celebration on Sunday, December 18th, you’ll find fun ways to teach your child about this unique holiday!
Chanukah and Menorah Lighting Celebration
Laguna Niguel City Hall
30111 Crown Valley Pkwy., Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
The City of Laguna Niguel hosts a Chanukah and Menorah Lighting Celebration on Sunday, December 18th at 4 pm. The festivities include live entertainment, the lighting of the Menorah, arts and crafts, and Chanukah treats.
Menorah at the Outlets
Outlets at San Clemente
101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, CA 92672
Outlets at San Clemente is hosting a community Chanukah Menorah Lighting and Celebration on Sunday, December 20th from 5 – 6 pm. This special event features the lighting of the giant menorah, crafts for kids, music, dreidels, a balloon artist, and more. Register online for this free event.
Chabad Center for Jewish Life Menorah Workshop
The Home Depot
2300 S. Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Happening December 11th from 11:30 am – 1 pm. Build and decorate your own Menorah and enjoy Chanukah treats. RSVP to reserve your kit.
Fashion Island Menorah Lighting
Fashion Island Atrium Garden Court near Barnes and Noble
401 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
Join us on December 18th at 3 pm for Chanukah entertainment, Chanukah crafts, dreidels and doughnuts, balloon animals, gifts and treats for the kids, and a musical performance by Los Judios Locos.
Chanukah Comedy Night starring the legendary Robert Cait
Chabad Center for Jewish Life
2240 University Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
Chanukah Comedy Night is happening on 12/24 @ 8:00 pm. Ticket price includes Buffet Dinner, Open Bar, Lots of Laughs. $36 in advance, $45 at the door
Chanukah Concert featuring the Moshav Band and Fire Truck Gelt Drop
Chabad Center for Jewish Life
2240 University Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
The concert featuring the Moshav Band and Fire Truck Gelt Drop will be happening on December 25th at 1:00 pm. Join us for Menorah lighting, Chanukah crafts, gifts for children, dreidels, and doughnuts. It will be held outdoors overlooking the Back Bay.
Hanukkah Celebrations in the South Bay
Hanukkah Holiday Celebration
The Point
850 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., El Segundo, CA 90245
Families can celebrate Hanukkah at The Point in El Segundo on Sunday, December 11th from 1 – 3 pm. The fun includes children’s activities, storytelling, crafts, and music as well as Hanukkah traditions such as dreidel and festive eats.
Shul By the Shore Menorah Lighting
2nd & PCH
6400 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, CA 90803
2nd & PCH invites families to its community Menorah Lighting. Check the website for details as they become available.
Virtual Hanukkah Celebrations
Chanukah Grandfriend — Virtual Event
Chanukah Grandfriend is a virtual event for grandparents and grandchildren happening on Tuesday, December 13th at 4:30 pm (grandchildren and grandparents do not need to be in the same home to participate). This special multi-generational event celebrates the Festival of Lights with “stories, a de-light-ful craft project, and games” as well as lighting the menorah. Register online so that all materials can be mailed out to you in time.
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Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
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