Hanukkah is inching closer by the minute. We’ll light the first candle at sundown on Sunday, Dec. 14, and the final ones on Sunday, Dec. 21. We’ve rounded up events offering something for everyone, including candlelightings, parties, family-friendly activities, fried treats, artisan and gift fairs, live music and comedy. The Festival of Lights fun starts even before the holiday officially begins. Did we miss any? Let us know at [email protected].
Wednesday | December 10
Latkes Shmatkes—Lauren Mayer performs musical stand-up comedy about Hanukkah. Presented by JCC of San Francisco. At 3200 California St., S.F. 1-2 p.m. Free.
Friday | December 12
Knitzvah Fri-J—Create blankets and quilts with other community members, to be donated to those in need. All supplies (and sufganiyot) provided. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free.
Light Up Your Senses!—Family-friendly event offering Hanukkah-themed creative and sensory activities for young children, with local art teacher Lauren Kim of Darling Doodle. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 4-4:45 p.m. Free.
Saturday | December 13
Tri-Valley Cultural Jews Hanukkah Celebration—Family-friendly celebration featuring candlelighting, latkes, storytelling, crafts and more. Location provided with registration. 4-6 p.m. Free to members, $15 suggested donation for nonmember adults.
Russian Hanukkah Family Celebration—Russian-speaking families are invited to celebrate Hanukkah. Presented by Jewish Silicon Valley. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 3-5 p.m. $15 early bird, $20 general, $25 at door.
Mercaz Israeli Hanukkah Workshop—Hebrew-speaking families are invited to celebrate Hanukkah with hands-on activities plus storytelling, art and cooking. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. $15.
Community Hanukkah Party—Chochmat HaLev’s celebration of the first night with menorah lighting and potluck. Bring your menorah, candles and a vegetarian dish to share. At 2215 Prince St., Berkeley. 5-7 p.m. Free.
“Shine Your Light”—Congregation Beth El’s Hanukkah festival offering all-ages dinner, dancing and music plus separate programming for young children and teens. At 1301 Oxford St., Berkeley. 4-8 p.m. Adults $15, kids $11.
Hanukkah Israeli Dance Party—Celebrate Hanukkah with music and Israeli dance in this party co-presented by Congregation Etz Chayim and Nirkoda Le’Chayim. At Etz Chayim, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto. 7:30-11:30 p.m. $12.
Israeli Cultural Connection—Hanukkah party for families with a glow-in-the-dark theme and activities for kids of all ages, from babies to teens. Light show, candlelighting, live music and sufganiyot. Presented by ICC at Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 4:30-6 p.m. $25 family ticket (up to three kids).
Sunday | December 14
Bill Graham Menorah Day—Celebrate Hanukkah with Chabad of SF in Union Square, lighting the first candle on the 22-foot menorah first used 50 years ago and named for the late rock impresario and Holocaust refugee Bill Graham. Kids’ activities and live music. 2-6 p.m.; lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Also Dec. 15-17, 5 p.m.; Dec. 18, 8 p.m.; Dec. 19, 2:30 p.m.; Dec. 20, 8 p.m.; Dec. 21, 4 p.m. with “grand finale” lighting at 5 p.m. Free.
“Mostly Kosher”—Hanukkah celebration with live music fusion of klezmer, jazz, Latin, rock and folk led by Leeav Sofer. Presented by Oshman Family JCC. At JCC, Albert and Janet Schultz Cultural Arts Hall, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 5-6:30 p.m. $50 adults, $30 children/students.
“Spark!”—Family Hanukkah festival featuring art and science activities for kids ages 2-8. Presented by JCC East Bay with partners Camp Tawonga, Wilderness Torah and others. At 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 2-4:30 p.m. $28.
Glowing Hanukkah Pop-Up at Ghirardelli Square—Light the first candle of Hanukkah, with music, crafts and doughnuts. Presented by JCC of San Francisco and PJ Library. At 900 North Point St., S.F. 3-6 p.m. Free.
“Love You a Latke” Hanukkah Party—Congregation Sherith Israel and Jewish Baby Network welcome families with babies and toddlers to celebrate Hanukkah with menorah lighting, music and dance, snacks, goodie bags and more. At Sherith Israel, 2266 California St., S.F. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Free.
Menorah on Main—Chabad of Solano County presents its 17th annual menorah lighting and community Hanukkah celebration in Vacaville, with greetings from the mayor, latkes, kids’ activities, juggling and more. At Vacaville Town Square, Main and Merchant streets. 4 p.m. Free.
Hanukkah Music at Saul’s—Live performances most days of Hanukkah at Saul’s New York-style Jewish deli. At 1475 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 12-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Through Dec. 22.
Hanukkah Wonderland—Chabad of Noe Valley celebration featuring fire truck gelt drop, live music by Rebbe Soul, menorah lighting, latkes, doughnuts and more. Co-presented with Gan Noe Preschool. At Noe Valley Town Square, 2861 24th St., S.F. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Free.
Chanukah Celebration & Hot Air Balloon Gelt Drop—Hanukkah festival presented by Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma with fire performance, latkes, LED robot, “world’s biggest dreidel,” DJ, kids’ crafts and games. At Petaluma Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive. 4-6 p.m. Free.
20th Grand Menorah Lighting—Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with a fire performance, treats, kids’ activities and crafts and more. Presented by Chabad of Oakland. At Lake Merritt Amphitheater, between 12th Street and 1st Avenue, Lake Merritt Boulevard, Oakland. 4:30 p.m. Free.
Chanukah Celebration—Beyt Tikkun celebrates Hanukkah with crafts and party with latkes and treats. Exploring the symbolism of oil both in the Hanukkah story and in Palestine through a lens of resilience, resource and renewal. On Zoom and in person at Fellowship Unitarian Universalist, 1606 Bonita Ave., Berkeley. 4-7:30 p.m. Members free, nonmembers $18.
Hanukkah On Main—Community celebration with menorah lighting and live music. Presented by Jewish Silicon Valley. At Los Gatos Town Plaza, W. Main Street and S. Santa Cruz Avenue. 5:30 p.m. Free. Followed by adults-only afterparty two blocks away at Loma Brewing Co., 130 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos. 7 p.m. Reserved tables and snacks included.
Chanukah on Burlingame Avenue—Gelt drop, live music, photo opps with dreidel mascot, Lego menorah, crafts and more. Presented by Chabad North Peninsula. At Burlingame Avenue and Park Road, Burlingame. 5:30-6:30 p.m., menorah lighting 6 p.m. Free.
Engaj Hanukkah Casino Night—Casino and dreidel games for young adults (20s and 30s) with drinks, Hanukkah treats and community menorah lighting. Presented by Engaj and Oshman Family JCC. At 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $25 advance ticket, $35 at the door. $50 combo ticket with “Mostly Kosher” concert at OFJCC on the same night.
Chanukah Celebration—Chabad of Contra Costa event features menorah lighting, music, latkes, doughnuts. At 1275 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek. 4-5:30 p.m. Free.
First Night Community Candle Lighting—Jewish Healdsburg invites all to a public lighting of the menorah. At Healdsburg Plaza. 5 p.m., candlelighting 5:30 p.m. Free.
Chanukah Menorah Lighting—Chabad of Fremont celebration includes candlelighting, a giant floral menorah, crafts, hot drinks and snacks, face painting and more. At Fremont Downtown Event Plaza, 3500 Capitol Ave. 4 p.m., menorah lighting at 5 p.m. Free.
Santana Row Hanukkah Celebration—Community event with menorah lighting, family-friendly activities and live music. At Park Valencia, Santana Row, San Jose. 4-7 p.m. Free.
City Hall Menorah Lighting—Chabad Palo Alto’s community candlelighting, plus kids’ activities, fire truck gelt drop, sufganiyot and cheesecake. First 50 people get a free LED Am Yisrael Chai token. At Palo Alto City Hall, 250 Hamilton Ave. 4:30-6 p.m. Free.
Grand Menorah Lighting—Los Altos Chabad’s annual candlelighting event with a chocolate coin cannon, latkes, doughnuts. At Main and State streets, Los Altos. 4:30 p.m. Free.
Monday | December 15
Castro Menorah Lighting—Lighting of giant hanukkiah, singing, dancing, dreidel and jelly doughnuts with Congregation Sha’ar Zahav. Co-sponsored by the Castro Merchants Association, the Castro Community Benefit District and the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District. At Jane Warner Plaza, 17th and Market streets, S.F. 6 p.m. Free.
Young Families Hanukkah Celebration—Jewish Silicon Valley invites families to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah with candlelighting, menorah-making and music. At Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 9:30-11:30 a.m. $10.
Hanukkah candlelighting—JCC of San Francisco presents kid-friendly candlelighting with music led by Jonathan Bayer, crafts and fried treats. At 3200 California St., S.F. 4-5 p.m. Free.
“Rejoice in the Light”—JCC of San Francisco invites community members 60+ to a holiday luncheon with candlelighting, singing and a kosher meal. At 3200 California St., S.F. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $15.
A Happy Joyous Hanukkah—Grammy-winning musicians the Klezmatics perform Hanukkah music with Woody Guthrie lyrics and original compositions. Presented by SFJazz. At SFJazz Center, 201 Franklin St., S.F. 7:30 p.m. $35 and up.
Hanukkah on the Farm—Urban Adamah invites families to celebrate Hanukkah with Octopretzel’s musical puppet show. At 1151 Sixth St., Berkeley. 5-6:30 p.m. $9-$36, sliding scale.
Santa Clara Menorah Lighting—Chabad of Santa Clara community Hanukkah celebration with candlelighting, fire juggling, hot latkes and drinks, kids’ crafts and activities. At Santa Clara City Hall, 1500 Warburton Ave., Santa Clara. 4:30-6 p.m. Free.
Tuesday | December 16
“Sound Journey: Awaken the Light”—Sound bath presented by JCC of San Francisco with the Logos Method. Wear comfortable clothes, bring a blanket/sleeping bag, a mat, pillow and water bottle. At 3200 California St., S.F. 6:30-8 p.m. Members $25, public $30.
Hockey & Hanukkah—Jewish Silicon Valley and the San Jose Sharks hockey team present a Hanukkah night game as Sharks take on the Calgary Flames. At SAP center, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose. 7 p.m. $37 and up. Purchase tickets through this link for a swag scarf.
Jewish High Tech Community Hanukkah Party—Menorah lighting, live music, raffle with prizes, nosh and wine, dreidel games. At Bubbelah, 1300 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $65 if purchased online, $75 at the door.
Wednesday | December 17
Afikomen Hanukkah Party—Celebrate Hanukkah with menorah lighting, Latin Jewish music and storytelling plus sufganiyot and prizes. Presented by Afikomen Judaica and Olamim. At Afikomen Judaica, 3042 Claremont Ave., Berkeley. 4-5:30 p.m. Free.
Community Candlelighting and Hanukkah Celebration—Peninsula JCC, Wornick Jewish Day School, Peninsula Sinai Congregation, JFCS and JCRC celebrate outdoors with latkes, doughnuts, dreidels, music and more. At Boothbay Park mini-amphitheater, Boothbay and Edgewater, Foster City. 6-7 p.m. Free.
Menorah Lighting on Ice—Ice skating, music, and kosher food concessions, presented by Chabad of Contra Costa. At Civic Park Ice Rink, 1365 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. 6 p.m., menorah lighting at 6:30 p.m. $30 and up; non-skaters free.
Hebrew School Hanukkah Celebration—Congregation Shir Shalom invites all to celebrate with their Hebrew school through storytelling, music and performances. At Sonoma Plaza Amphitheater, First Street E., Sonoma. 4-4:30 p.m. Free.
Seniors’ Chanukah Celebration—Music, holiday nosh, crafts, menorah lighting for seniors (55+). Presented by Chabad Jewish Center of Mountain View. At Mountain View Senior Center, 266 Escuela Ave. 10-11 a.m. Free.
Thursday | December 18
Hanukkah at Thrive City—Celebrate the holiday with candlelighting, ice skating, treats and activities at Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors and Valkyries basketball teams. Presented by JCC of San Francisco and Value Culture. At Chase Center, 1725 3rd St., S.F. 4-7 p.m. Free.
“The Hebrew Hammer”—JCC of San Francisco presents a Hanukkah movie night with this cult classic comedy starring Adam Goldberg and Judy Greer. Come early for candlelighting, raffle prizes and a few shorts before the main event. Note: This movie is rated R. At Vogue Theatre, 3290 Sacramento St., S.F. 7-9:30 p.m. $25.
Songs of Light & Joy—JCC of San Francisco presents a Hanukkah concert by the Jewish Folk Chorus of San Francisco. At 3200 California St., S.F. 1-2 p.m. Free.
Older Adult Chanukah Luncheon—JCC East Bay invites older adults to celebrate Hanukkah with a catered lunch, music and schmoozing. At 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $24, RSVP required.
The Power of Light—Panel discussion of Jews from the Middle East and North Africa sharing personal stories in honor of Mizrahi Heritage Month, moderated by JIMENA executive director Sarah Levin. Hanukkah celebration follows, with Sephardic kosher foods and a candlelighting ceremony. Presented by the Israeli Consulate, JIMENA, Congregation Anshey Sfard and partners. Location TBD. 6:30-9 p.m. Free.
Latke & Vodka Hanukkah Party—Raoul Wallenberg Jewish Democratic Club presents a Hanukkah celebration. At Hazie’s, 501 Hayes St., S.F. 6-8 p.m. Nonmembers $15 in advance, $18 at the door.
Friday | December 19
Jr. Jews Hanukkah Shabbat—Congregation Rodef Sholom celebrates Hanukkah and Shabbat with candlelighting, music, stories and pizza dinner. Ideal for families with children ages 0-6. At 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 5 p.m.
Twist of Tradition: Spiced & Glazed for Hanukkah—Challah cooking class with Hanukkah flavors, plus fried treats and candlelighting. Presented by JCC of San Francisco. At 3200 California St., S.F. 2:30-5:30 p.m. $0-$5.
Hanukkah Shabbat Service—Featuring folk musician Julie Silver. At Temple Beth Torah, 42000 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont. 6:30 p.m. Free.
Chanukah Shabbat Dinner—Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma celebrates Hanukkah and Shabbat with a community dinner. At 205 Keller St., Suite #101, Petaluma. 5 p.m. Adults $25, children $15.
Hanukkah Shabbat and Festival—Congregation Shir Hadash celebrates with Shabbat service, candlelighting (bring your own menorah and candles), kids’ activities and community dinner catered by Wise Sons Deli, ending with a chocolate fountain and sufganiyot. Online, or in person at 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos. 6-9:15 p.m. $0-$36.
Saturday | December 20
Jewish Families of Color Hanukkah Celebration—Olamim, Camp Tawonga and Urban Adamah invite families of color to celebrate Hanukkah, with crafts, candlelighting and songs with Isaac Zones. At Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth St., Berkeley. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Free.
Family Hanukkah Fun—Jewish Gateways invites families to its Hanukkah party with candlelighting, doughnuts, crafts, face painting and more. Geared for ages 3-9 but all are welcome. At Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St., Berkeley. 3:30-5 p.m. $18 per family.
Light Up Downtown Walnut Creek—Car parade through Walnut Creek with lights, music and menorahs atop cars, followed by celebration downtown. Line up at Chabad of Contra Costa, 1671 Newell Ave., Walnut Creek. 6:25-7:45 p.m. Free.
Hanukkah Celebration with Hot Kugel—Menorah lighting and music from the Bay Area klezmer duo Hot Kugel. At Feldman’s Books, 1075 Curtis Ave., Menlo Park. 5 p.m. Free.
Sunday | December 21
Chanukah on Ice—Light the menorah and ice skate with Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma. At Petaluma Fairground Ice Skating Rink, 175 Fairgrounds Drive. 4-6 p.m. $15-$20; free for under 3 and nonskaters.
Community Chanukkah Celebration—Congregation Shir Shalom celebrates the eighth night of Hanukkah with candlelighting, outdoor dancing, latkes and hot cocoa. At 252 W. Spain St., Sonoma. 4-5 p.m. Free.
Alamo Plaza Menorah Lighting—Celebrate with Chabad of Contra Costa and enjoy music, latkes, doughnuts. At 160 Alamo Plaza, Alamo. 5 p.m. Free.
Chanukah Wonderland—Festival offering dreidel competition, oil jug scavenger hunt, latke and doughnut bars and more. Presented by Chabad of Contra Costa, 1671 Newell Ave., Walnut Creek. 10-11:30 a.m. $15, free for Hebrew school students.
Last Night Community Candlelighting—Jewish Healdsburg celebrates the last night with music, food and wine. Candlelighting at 5 p.m. at Healdsburg Plaza, followed by 6 p.m. celebration at Acorn Cafe, 124 Matheson St. $18 and up. Space limited to 75 people, ticket sales end Dec. 14.
Live Music, Lights and Latkes—Congregation Beth David presents a jazz concert featuring local klezmer duo Hot Kugel and L.A. jazz-funk band Fineprint, plus sufganiyot, latkes and wine. At 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga. 5-9 p.m. $10 advance tickets, $15 at the door, $5 members. RSVP by Dec. 19.
A Very Jewish Christmas Concert—Manny’s and the Jewish Music Collective present a jazzy holiday concert featuring Christmas songs written by Jewish musicians. At Manny’s Cafe, 3092 16th St., S.F. 6:30 p.m. $15.
Solstice Hanukkah—The Lunar Collective invites Asian Jews and friends to light candles and share a vegetarian Asian Jewish fusion dinner in community on the winter solstice. Oakland location provided with registration. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Donation based.
Milpitas Menorah Lighting—Community event with candlelighting, arts and crafts, dreidel games. At Milpitas Civic Center Plaza, 457 E. Calaveras Blvd. 5-7 p.m. Free.
Wednesday | December 24
33rd Annual Kung Pao Kosher Comedy—Jewish comedy show on Christmas at a Chinese restaurant. Elayne Boosler headlines, joined by Bay Area native Orion Levine, Amanda Marks and host/producer Lisa Geduldig. Partial proceeds benefit the ACLU and Jewish Family & Community Services East Bay’s free immigration legal services. At Imperial Palace Restaurant, 818 Washington St., S.F. 5 p.m. dinner show and 8:30 p.m. cocktail show, plus livestream option for both, Dec. 24-26. $101 dinner show; $76 cocktail show; $35-$81 livestream.
Infused Oils Workshop—Dig into the meaning of oil and light on Hanukkah by creating your own cold infusion of essential oils. Presented by JCC of San Francisco. At 3200 California St., S.F. 2:30-5:30 p.m. $25-$43.