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Updated Dec. 6

The tradition of lighting the menorah candles recalls a pivotal moment in Jewish history — when a little flame could light up a dark world. Maybe that’s just what we need these days.

Hanukkah this year begins at sundown on Sunday, Dec. 18, and the eighth night will be on Sunday, Dec. 25, which we think might coincide with some other jolly holiday (we’ll have to check on that and get back to you). Perhaps a hanukkiah gloriously glowing with eight candles (and the shamash, of course) will help ease the December Dilemma this year.

We’ve included an array of Hanukkah events, but community gatherings to light oversize menorahs — events that never fail to generate warmth and good feelings of togetherness — are still the backbone of these listings. If you don’t see one in your area, check with your local Chabad center, as there’s a good chance they will be hosting at least one lighting just around the corner from you.

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NORTH BAY

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Sunday, December 4

“Latke MasterChef” — Cooking competition/social event where teams or solo “chefs” face off to make the best gourmet latkes, judged by panel of Jewish Petaluma foodies. Winner takes home a trophy. All supplies/ingredients provided (gluten-free options available). With refreshments. At Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma, 205 Keller St., #101, Petaluma. 6 p.m. $18, or two for $30.

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Wednesday, December 7

STEM Hanukkah — Hands-on workshop for kids to make their own 3D printed dreidel, with music and refreshments. Parental supervision required. Presented by Chabad of Petaluma and sponsored by Friedman’s Home Improvement. At Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma, 205 Keller St. 3:30 p.m. $20, RSVP required.

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Sunday, December 11

“Hanukkah Inside Out!” — Holiday activities include creating your own family ritual guide, music, crafts, latkes and storytelling. Presented by Osher Marin JCC and PJ Library. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

“Menorah Workshop at Home Depot” — Kids ages 4-12 accompanied by an adult can make their own menorah. Free apron plus latkes. Presented by Chabad of Novato. At Home Depot, 111 Shoreline Parkway, San Rafael. 10-11:30 a.m. Free.

”Hanukkah Concert & Cafe” — Performance by CBS children’s choir, community sing-along and Hanukkah story. Followed by a cafe with breakfast bites and holiday treats. RSVP by Dec. 8. At Congregation Beth Shalom, 1455 Elm St., Napa. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.

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Wednesday, December 14

Congregation Kol Shofar — Pre-Hanukkah celebration with music, crafts, latkes and sufganiyot. Hanukkah sweaters encouraged. At Congregation Kol Shofar, 215 Blackfield Drive, Tiburon. 5:30 p.m. Free.

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Sunday, December 18

LABA BAY “Comment! on Hanukkah!” — LABA exhibit closing event and Hanukkah party featuring text study, a creative candlelighting ritual and klezmer music by LABA fellows the San Francisco Yiddish Combo. Presented by Osher Marin JCC and LABA BAY. At Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 5:30 p.m. Free.

Giant menorah lighting — First-night celebration with music, dancing, hot chocolate, a chocolate gelt drop with SRFD and menorah lighting. Presented by Chabad of Marin and city of San Rafael. At Downtown San Rafael Plaza, 1000 Fourth St., San Rafael. 5-7 p.m. Free.

Petaluma Hanukkah celebration — Eighth annual celebration with Chabad of Petaluma features a drone gelt drop, 9-foot menorah, fire juggling, latkes, jelly doughnuts, DJ, crafts, face painting and more. At Sonoma Marin Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma. 4:30-6 p.m. Free, RSVP required.

Novato menorah lighting — Outdoor event includes a gelt drop with Novato Firefighter Ryan Hamilton, latkes, doughnuts, crafts and entertainment for kids. Presented by Chabad of Novato. At City Hall, 901 Sherman Ave., Novato. 4 p.m. Free.

Corte Madera menorah lighting — Chabad of Larkspur-Corte Madera presents a grand gumball menorah, gelt drop, inflatable gym and slide, latkes, soup, crafts for kids and a dreidel contest. At Menke Park, Redwood Ave., Corte Madera. 4-6 p.m. Free.

Hanukkah at Silverado Country Club — Menorah lighting and sing-along, plus baked goods, latkes, coffee, tea and juice. Presented by Congregation Beth Shalom of Napa Valley. At Silverado, 1600 Atlas Peak Road, Napa. 4-6 p.m. Free.

“Light Up the Night” — Chabad Jewish Center of Sonoma County presents live music, latkes, gelt, menorah lighting and more. At Village Court in Montgomery Village shopping center, Santa Rosa. 4 p.m. Free.

Congregation Shir Shalom — First-night celebration with Shir Shalom and First Congregational Church features a giant menorah lighting, holiday songs, latkes and hot chocolate. At Shir Shalom, 252 West Spain St., Sonoma. 4-5 p.m. Free. 

Fairfax Hanukkah celebration — With fresh latkes, soup, hot drinks, children’s crafts, a Hanukkah-themed photo booth and grand menorah lighting. Presented by Chabad of West Marin and the Fairfax Board of Volunteers. At Bolinas Park, Bolinas and Elsie roads, Fairfax. 3:30 p.m. Free, RSVP requested. 

B’nai Israel celebration — First-night event with latkes, jelly doughnuts, cider, family crafts, stories, songs and menorah lighting. Bring your hanukkiah, two candles and a pair of new socks to get a raffle ticket. At B’nai Israel Jewish Center, 740 Western Ave., Petaluma. 3:30-6:30 p.m. Free. 

Tiburon menorah lighting — Congregation Kol Shofar presents a first-night celebration with songs, sufganiyot, dreidels, gelt and a menorah lighting. At Fountain Square, downtown Tiburon. 5 p.m. Free. 

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Monday, December 19

Healdsburg Plaza — Chabad Jewish Center of Sonoma County presents latkes, dreidels, gelt, menorah lighting and more. At Oakville Grocery, 124 W. Matheson St., Healdsburg. 5 p.m. Free.

Shomrei Torah Hanukkah party — PJ Library and Congregation Shomrei Torah of Santa Rosa present an event with latkes, mushroom empanadas, artichoke ceviche, passed appetizers, live music and a no-host bar.. At Kancha, 643 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 5-7 p.m. Free. 

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Wednesday, December 21

Sonoma Festival of Lights — Congregation Shir Shalom and the city of Sonoma present an event with storytelling, singing and a menorah lighting. At Grinstead Amphitheater, the Plaza, Sonoma. 3:30-5 p.m. Free. 

Emanu-El Pop-Up in Marin — Congregation Emanu-El of San Francisco presents a fourth-night event with songs, teachings, blessings, sufganiyot, gelt, dreidels and a menorah lighting with Cantor Marsha Attie and Rabbi Jonathan Singer. At Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. 5:30-6:15 p.m. Free.

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Thursday, December 22

Corte Madera celebration — Chabad of Larkspur-Corte Madera presents a menorah lighting, latkes, gelt, a giant light up dreidel and Hanukkah music. At 100 Corte Madera Town Center, elephant fountain, Corte Madera. 5-6 p.m. Free.

Napa menorah lighting — Chabad of Napa Valley presents a menorah lighting with local dignitaries, live music, gelt,  latkes, doughnuts, dreidels and crafts. Sponsored by Touro University CA. At Veteran’s Memorial Park, Main St., Napa. 5 p.m. Free.

Shomrei Torah candlelighting — A community event with singing, dreidel spinning and more. At Sebastopol Gazebo, 152 Weeks Way, Sebastopol. 5 p.m. Free. 

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Friday, December 23

Rodef Sholom Hanukkah — Bring your own menorah and candles for a community lighting with treats from Johnny Doughnuts, songs, stories and dancing. Bring an unwrapped toy or gift card to donate to Canal Alliance for the holidays. At Congregation Rodef Sholom, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 5-7:15 p.m. Free.

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Saturday, December 24

Hanukkah sushi party — Adults-only Havdalah/Hanukkah with open bar, menorah lighting and music. At Chabad Jewish Center of Sonoma County, 2461 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa. 8 p.m. $50, registration required.

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EAST BAY

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Saturday, December 10

“Shine Your Light” — Hanukkah event with dinner, latkes, performance by Beth El’s chorus, concert and puppet show by the Banana Slug Band, Havdalah, teens-only programming and more. At Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford St., Berkeley. 4-7 p.m. $8 adults, $5 kids, registration required.

Hanukkah candle making — For families with kids 7 and under. Includes stories, doughnuts and candle-making. Presented by Jewish Gateways and PJ Library East Bay. At Tassajara Park, 2575 Tassajara Ave., El Cerrito. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Free, with registration. 

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Sunday, December 11

”A Tie-Dye Chanukah” — Workshop for kids 5-12 to make tie-dye winter beanies, put glaze on doughnuts and compete in a rainbow menorah-making challenge using Froot Loops. At Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 3014 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $10, registration required.

“Hanukkah Family Farm Festival” — For families with kids 7 and younger, featuring Hanukkah-themed performances with music and puppets, menorah making, cookie decorating and story time with PJ Library Bay Area. Bring blanket and picnic lunch. Presented by Wilderness Torah, PJ Library Bay Area, Octopretzel and Urban Adamah. At Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth St., Berkeley. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $18, sliding scale.

Hanukkahfest — Holiday celebration with candle rolling, menorah creating, dreidel spinning, latke tossing, doughnut filling, potato science exploration, LEGO menorah construction and more. Presented by JCC East Bay, Edah and PJ Library Bay Area. At JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 3-5 p.m. Free.

PJ Chanukah Jam — Celebrate Hanukkah with songs and PJ Library stories. Music by Carla from Tkiya Music and crafts with Art By Susan. Plus yummy Hanukkah treats. At Arbolado Park in Walnut Creek.

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Tuesday, December 13

“Babyccino Hanukkah Edition” — A sensory-centric meet-up for moms and kids 3 and younger to explore the holiday with music, movement, sensory stimuli and expressive arts. Presented by Chabad of Danville and San Ramon. At 4125 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. 10-11:30 a.m. Free.

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Thursday, December 15

“Candles and Cocktails” — Cut, roll and decorate handmade candles to light your menorah for a “ladies night out” event with Hanukkah foods and cocktails. Presented by Chabad of Danville and San Ramon. At 4125 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. 7 p.m. $36. 

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Sunday, December 18

Alameda “CANorah” Lighting — Sixth annual celebration with latkes, doughnuts, gelt, an LED and fire juggling show, inflatable gym/slides, balloon twisting, music, crafting and a giant menorah made entirely of collected canned goods that will be donated to the Alameda Food Bank after the event. Presented by Chabad of Alameda. At Rittler Park, 1400 Otis Drive, Alameda. 4:30-6 p.m. Free.

Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek — Chabad of Contra Costa kicks celebrates the first night with a menorah lighting, live music, doughnuts, latkes, hot chocolate, juggling, balloon-twisting and face-painting. At 1275 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek. 4-5:30 p.m. Free.

“Hanukkah Under the Stars” — Chabad of the Tri-Valley hosts a menorah lighting with local dignitaries, live music, latkes, doughnuts and glow-in-the-dark fun. At Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free.

“TBT Hanukkahpalooza” — Temple Beth Torah celebrates its 60th anniversary with dancing, latkes, jelly doughnuts and music by the San Francisco Yiddish Combo. Bring menorah and two candles. At Temple Beth Torah, 42000 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont. 3-5:30 p.m. $10, $36 for families of four or more.

Lake Merritt in Oakland — 17th annual event includes menorah lighting, fire show, matzah ball soup, latkes, sufganiyot, gelt, dreidels, art and live music. Presented by Chabad of Oakland. At Lake Merritt Amphitheater, between 12th Street and First Avenue, Lake Merritt Boulevard, Oakland. 4:30 p.m. Free.

“Kehilla Hanukkah celebration” — Jewish Baby Network and Kehilla Community Synagogue present an event for kids to decorate a card, sing songs and learn Hanukkah blessings. At Lake Temescal, 6502 Broadway Terrace entrance, Oakland. 10:30 a.m. Free, registration requested.

Martinez community Hanukkah celebration — Congregation B’nai Shalom, Downtown Martinez & Co., PJ Library and Starbucks Coffee present first-night celebration with music, sufganiyot and family fun. Plus menorah lighting every night at dusk through Dec. 25. At 700 Main St., Martinez. 4:45-6 p.m. Free.

Tri-Valley Cultural Jews — Hanukkah event includes an upcycled menorah-building competition, dreidel, latkes, singing and shmoozing. Location provided with RSVP by Dec. 11. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $15, members free. [email protected]

Urban Adamah Hanukkah — First-night candlelighting with live klezmer music, dancing, kid’s crafts, snacks and drinks. Bring potluck treats to share. Presented by PJ Library Bay Area and Urban Adamah. At Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth St., Berkeley. 2-5 p.m. $18, sliding scale.

NCSY Hanukkah party — NorCal chapter of NCSY, a youth group under the auspices of the Orthodox Union, presents a light dinner, dancing, photo booth, doughnuts, latke bar, glow paint and more. Bring a toy/gift for the Chai Lifeline toy drive. At Beth Jacob Congregation, 3778 Park Blvd., Oakland. 5-7 p.m. $30, registration required. 

Community Hanukkah celebration — Glass blowing demo, latkes, doughnuts, face painting, cookie decorating, chocolate gelt drop, DJ and menorah lighting. Presented by Chabad of Danville and San Ramon. At City Center Bishop Ranch, 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road, Suite 2650, San Ramon. 4-6 p.m. 

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Tuesday, December 20

Alamo Plaza menorah lighting — Chabad of Contra Costa presents an event with music, doughnuts, latkes, hot chocolate, crafts and more. At 160 Alamo Plaza, Alamo. 5-6 p.m. Free.

“Stoneridge Hanukkah Wonderland” — Chabad of the Tri-Valley hosts games, crafts, activities, music and the lighting of a 9-foot menorah. At Stoneridge Shopping Center, 1 Stoneridge Mall Road, Pleasanton. 5:30-7 p.m. Free.

Piedmont celebration — Chabad of Oakland and Piedmont event includes a drone gelt drop, giant menorah lighting, latkes, jelly doughnuts, crafts and music. At Piedmont Community Hall, 711 Highland Ave., Piedmont. 5-6 p.m. Free.

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Wednesday, December 21

“Oakland Menorah Parade” — A drive through the streets of Oakland; includes a big menorah to affix to your car’s roof and free party box. Followed by a lighting and refreshments. Start and end at Chabad of Oakland, 3014 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. 5:30 p.m. Free, $250 to keep the car menorah. Register by Dec. 15. Email [email protected]

Afikomen Hanukkah party — Annual gathering with music, giveaway prizes, sufganiyot and a public menorah lighting. At Afikomen Judaica, 3042 Claremont Ave., Berkeley. 3-5 p.m. Free.

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Thursday, December 22

“Light up the Night” with Berkeley Chabad — Giant menorah lighting with a fire juggler, kids crafts, dreidel, latkes, sufganiyot, gelt, dancing and live music by the Ferris Wheels. At the corner of Fourth and Delaware streets, Berkeley. 5:30 p.m. Free.

South Shore menorah lighting — Fifth annual, co-hosted by South Shore Center and Temple Israel of Alameda featuring meet-and-greet with temple leadership and elected officials plus crafts, music and treats. At Alameda South Shore Center, 523 South Shore Center West, Alameda. 5-7 p.m. Free.

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Friday, December 23

Beth Chaim celebration — Includes a menorah lighting, music, dancing, dreidels and treats. At Blackhawk Plaza rotunda, 3380 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. 5 p.m. Free.

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Saturday, December 24

Hanukkah Melave Malka — Chinese food, live music by the Ferris Wheels and board games. Vegan option. RSVP by Dec. 21. At Chabad House Berkeley, 1710 University Ave., Berkeley. 7 p.m. $18.

“Hanukkah on Ice” — Grand menorah lighting on an ice rink with music and a kosher food concession. Presented by Chabad of Contra Costa. At Walnut Creek on Ice, 1365 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. 7:45 p.m. Free, $20 to skate. Advance purchase recommended.

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Sunday, December 25

”Men’s Club Hanukkah Latke Party” — Includes music by hazzan Sandy Bernstein, latkes and dinner. At Congregation B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $6-$11, kids under 4 free, reservation required by Dec. 21. 

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PENINSULA/SOUTH BAY

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Friday, December 9

“Hanukkah Night Walk for Tweens” — For fluent Hebrew speakers. A nature walk for 4th-6th-graders led by Israeli botanist Talila Golan in celebration of Hanukkah. Presented by Oshman Family JCC. At Ulistac Natural Area, 4901 Lick Mill Blvd., Santa Clara. 5-6:45 p.m. $20, registration required.

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Saturday, December 10

“Latkepalooza” — Peninsula JCC, PJ Library Bay Area, Tkiya Music and Wornick Jewish Day School present music, dancing, games, Havdalah, early menorah lighting, a glow party, pajama fashion show, blacklight face painting, dreidel, holiday crafts, story time, pizza and latkes. At Peninsula JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free, registration required.

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Sunday, December 11

“Festival of Lights Hanukkah party” — Jewish Baby Network and Congregation Beth Am present a multigenerational party and an early menorah lighting. At Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills. Free, RSVP requested. 3:30-5 p.m.

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Saturday, December 17

“Latkes and Vodka” — San Francisco Yiddish Combo performs a klezmer concert for Hanukkah, with latkes and vodka. RSVP by Dec. 10. At Congregation Beth David, 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga. 5:45-9 p.m. $18, 5 and under free.

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Sunday, December 18

“Chanukah on Burlingame Avenue” —Chabad of North Peninsula kicks of the holiday by lighting a huge Lego menorah, plus arts and crafts, selfies with a dreidel mascot, latkes, jelly doughnuts, live music by the Saul Kaye Band, build your own Lego-like dreidel and gelt drop. Burlingame Avenue at Park Road, Burlingame.  5:30-6:30p.m. Free, RSVP requested.

OFJCC Hanukkah celebration — First-night event with craft-making, candlelighting, games, sufganiyot and concert with the Capriccio Chamber Orchestra. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 3:30-6:15 p.m. $15-$35, advance tickets required.

Hanukkah concert with Isaac Zones — Wornick Jewish Day School presents an in-person holiday concert for ages 3-5 and their families. Register by Dec. 14. Co-sponsored by PJ Library. At Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. 10-11:30 a.m. Free.

“Light Up the Night: A Hanukkah Affair and Variety Show” — Candlelighting followed by magic show, interactive improv show and casino games. With food and drinks. At Moldaw Residences, 899 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto. 5-10 p.m. Free for residents, $36 early bird, $54 door. 

Hanukkah event at Palo Alto City Hall — Chabad of Palo Alto presents a fire-truck gelt drop, balloon twister, doughnuts and grand peace menorah lighting. At Palo Alto City Hall, 250 Hamilton Ave. 4:30-6 p.m. Free. 

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Monday, December 19

“Palo Alto Menorah Parade” — Join a drive through the streets of Palo Alto with a big menorah (included) affixed to your car’s roof. Followed by a pizza party. Start and end at Chabad of Palo Alto, 3070 Louis Road, Palo Alto. 5:30-6:30 p.m. $54 to sponsor a car menorah.

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Tuesday, December 20

Hanukkah Legoland — Event featuring latkes, doughnuts and the building of a big Lego menorah. At Chabad of Palo Alto, 3070 Louis Road, Palo Alto. 5:30-7 p.m. Free. 

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Wednesday, December 21

Foster City Outdoor Community Candle Lighting — Community menorah lighting to celebrate the fourth night of Hanukkah. Donuts, dreidels, music, latkes, gelt and more. Sponsored by Peninsula Temple Sinai, Peninsula JCC, Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School and PJ Library Bay Area. At Leo J. Ryan Park in Foster City. 7-8 p.m.

Hanukkah Hakhel concert — Multilingual singer and musician Yoel Sharabi performs modern Israeli, classic Yemenite and popular Hasidic melodies. With award presentation. Presented by Chabad of Palo Alto. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 7-8:30 p.m. $25, in advance.

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Thursday, December 22

Temple Beth Sholom Hanukkah party — Includes a sing-along, latkes, a dreidel tournament for adults, crafts for kids and more. Cocktails, beverages and Hanukkah food available for purchase; pay in advance. At Temple Beth Sholom, 642 Dolores Ave., San Leandro. 5:30-8 p.m. Free.

Los Gatos community Hanukkah — Jewish Silicon Valley, Addison-Penzak JCC and other South Bay organizations present a menorah lighting and more on the front lawn. At Los Gatos Civic Center, 110 E. Main St., Los Gatos. 5-6 p.m. Free.

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San Francisco

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Sunday, December 11

Kids’ Hanukkah party — For families with kids under 5 with music, crafts, stories, dreidels, menorah lighting, jelly doughnuts and latkes. Presented by Sherith Israel and Jewish Baby Network. At Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., S.F. 10:30 a.m-12 p.m. Free.

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Saturday, December 17

Sha’ar Zahav community workshop — Festive Shabbat-Hanukkah service followed by singing, stories, latke-making, candle-making, dreidel design challenge and text study. At Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, 290 Dolores St., S.F. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free, registration required. 

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Sunday, December 18

Beth Sholom community Hanukkah party — First-night celebration with dinner, libations, children’s activities, a Hanukkah game show and a musical performance by Hip Hop Hanukkah with Assist and the Scrappy Maccabee. At CBS Koret Hall and Eva Gunther Plaza, Congregation Beth Sholom, 301 14th Ave., S.F. 5-7 p.m. $18, under 2 free. 

“Bill Graham Menorah Day” —  47th annual menorah lighting in Union Square San Francisco, with kids crafts and entertainment by Isaac Zones. Lighting each night of Hanukkah through Dec. 25. Presented by Chabad of S.F. 5 p.m., earlier on Shabbat Dec. 23.

Cole Valley street festival — Chabad of Cole Valley presents its 11th annual Hanukkah street party featuring a giant ice menorah, live music, fresh doughnuts, latkes, hot drinks, children’s activities, bouncy houses and SFFD gelt parachute drop. At corner of Shrader and Alma streets, S.F. 3-5 p.m. Free.

“Glowing Hanukkah Pop-Up at Ghirardelli Square” — JCCSF family-friendly outdoor event includes menorah lighting, live music, crafts, games and treats, some from Harvey’s Donuts of Sonoma. Wear light-up, glittery, glow-in-the-dark items and clothing. At Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point St., S.F. 3-6 p.m. Free, registration requested.

“Noe Valley Hanukkah Wonderland” — Chabad of Noe Valley presents arts and crafts, jump-house, live music, latkes, doughnuts, hot chocolate and a gelt drop. Co-sponsored by Noe Merchants and Noe Farmers Market. At Noe Valley Town Square park, 3861 24th St., S.F. 3:30-5:30p.m. Free.

West Portal Hanukkah festival — Chabad of the Neighborhood presents an event with a Hanukkah slime factory, book fair, music, latkes, hot drinks, gelt, menorahs and dreidels. At Bookshop West Portal, 80 West Portal Ave., S.F. 3:30 p.m. Free. 

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Monday, December 19

JCCSF menorah lighting — Community members are invited to gather in the atrium for daily menorah lightings and sing-along with music by Jonathan Bayer. Through Dec. 23. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 4-4:30 p.m. Free.

Castro District menorah lighting — Congregation Sha’ar Zahav presents music, singing, dancing, jelly doughnuts, giant dreidel and jumbo menorah lighting. Bring your own hanukkiah. Co-sponsored by Castro Merchants Association and the Castro Community Benefit District. At Jane Warner Plaza, Castro and Market streets., S.F. 6 p.m. Free.

“Hanukkah on the Promukkah” — Second-night celebration with festive songs, dreidel games and electric menorah “lighting.” Presented by S.F. Parks Alliance and S.F. Recreation and Park Department. At JFK Promenade, Peacock Meadow, Golden Gate Park. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free. 

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Saturday, December 24

Sephardi Hanukkah party — Seventh-night menorah lighting followed by sufganiyot and latkes. Presented by Magain David Sephardim Congregation. At 351 Fourth Ave., S.F. 7 p.m. Free. magaindavid.com