The Festival of Lights brings with it family gatherings, friends getting together with friends, history, remembrances, songs, and eight nights of lighting the menorah.
And while a menorah is as personal and distinctive in the home in which its stand -- the meaning and feel behind the nightly lighting makes each menorah unique -- it is also a lovely thing to join with the larger community at a public lighting during Hanukkah.
That there are eight nights to do so means that a number of local menorahs could be visited, and revisited. Several Southern California spots will begin to light their large and art-pretty menorahs at sundown on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The evening time candle burn-brightlies? Those happen through Wednesday, Dec. 24.
Menorahs are gracing...
Pasadena City Hall: The grand menorah lighting is on Sunday, Dec. 21. Gelt, latkes, and dreidels fill out the family-sweet celebration.
Westfield Santa Anita: Like Pasadena City Hall, the Santa Anita menorah is presented by Chabad of Pasadena. An olive press demonstration is a highlight on the first night of Hanukkah.
Beverly Hills: Head for Two Rodeo Drive for the lighting of the Beverly Hills menorah plus music and eats on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
The Scene
Want to find new things to do in Los Angeles? The Scene's lifestyle stories have you covered. Here's your go-to source on where the fun is across SoCal and for the weekend.
Santa Monica: The grand Winterlit menorah goes aglow on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Head for Arizona Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard, and if you want to hear live tunes from Klezmer Juice, be at the lighting on Thursday, Dec. 18.
The Original Farmers Market: The historic market's big menorah-centered celebration takes place on Sunday, Dec. 21. Will there be music, the making of cards and dreidels, and the building of a balloon menorah? You bet. Details here.
