A variety of public menorah lightings and Chanukah events — from cruises to ice skating — will be hosted by Chabad-Lubavitch in 27 countries and more than 500 cities around the world.

In Birmingham, Ala., a menorah made from ice will be lit at an event at the local Chabad house with crafts, treats and other children’s activities. Chabad of Alabama will host a dinner with kosher Chinese food and a menorah lighting.

Cruises will be held to celebrate Chanukah in several cities, including one in Australia that will offer a barbecue dinner plus latkes, live music and a magic show on a boat that will sail under the Sydney Harbor Bridge as the menorah is lit.

In Anchorage, Alaska, “Cirque de Chanukah” will feature an acrobatic display by a troupe that recently appeared on “America’s Got Talent.”

A number of communities are hosting events at skating rinks: at Central Park in New York; in Louisville, Colo. (near Boulder); at Sharks Ice in Oakland; and at the Walnut Creek Civic Park Ice Rink.

In Tallahassee, Fla., a pre-Chanukah bowling party will help students get ready for the holiday at Florida State University. At the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield, an 8-foot menorah filled with 100 pounds of Jelly Belly candies will be lit on Dec. 22. And in Metairie, La., a parade of cars bearing menorahs will take place.

In New York City, what is said to be the world’s largest menorah will be lit at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue near Central Park each night.

For information on worldwide Chanukah events, including dates and times, visit www.chabad.org/chanukah events. — ap