However you spell it, there are Hanukkah celebrations in Los Angeles that range from simple community gatherings to elaborate public exhibitions. The dates for Hanukkah for 2012 are December 8-16.
1. Hanukkah at the Skirball Cultural Center
The Hanukkah festival at the Skirball, this year themed Americana Hanukkah—A Celebration of Freedom will include Americana music and dance, hands-on arts and crafts and tasty Hanukkah treats. Included with museum admission. Families of all backgrounds are welcome.
When: Sunday, December 2, 2012, 11:00 am - 4 pm
Where: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Cost: $10 General; $7 Seniors 65+ and Full-Time Students; $5 children 2-12, Free for Children under 2 (No coupons or discount admissions)
Parking: Free in the North Lot structure
Metro: Metro Rapid Bus #761
Info: www.skirball.org
2. Menorah Lighting in Beverly Hills
Chabad of N. Beverly Hills will have a public Menorah Lighting Ceremony and Hanukkah Celebration Sunday, December 9, 2012 from 7 to 8:30 pm at Two Rodeo Drive (N Rodeo Dr and Via Rodeo). The event will include live music, refreshments and face painting.The Montage Beverly Hills will light their Menorah every evening of Hanukkah from December 8-16 at 5:00 pm, but there's no celebration involved, just the candle lighting.
3. Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center Festival of Lights
A community event featuring stage performances, children's games and crafts, gift boutiques, family portraits.
When: Sunday, Dec 9, 2012, 10 am - 3 pm
Where: Silverlake JCCC, 1110 Bates Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029 (entrance on Effie)
Cost: Check website
Info: www.sijcc.net
4. Menorah Lighting Ceremonies on Third Street Promenade
Nightly Menorah lighting ceremonies with community representatives on the 1300 block of the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.
When: Dec 8-16, 2012 at Sundown
Where: Center Court, 1300 block of the 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA
Cost: Free
Parking: 2 hours free at nearby lots before 6 pm, Promenade Parking Info
Info: www.downtownsm.com
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5. Chanukah at CityWalk
Southern California's largest menorah will be lit at CityWalk's Cinema Plaza with accompanying festivities.
When: December 9, 2012, 6 pm
Where: Universal CityWalk, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Cost: Free
Parking: $10 general after 3 pm, $20 preferred, Valet available
Metro: Red Line to Universal City
Info: www.citywalkhollywood.com, www.chabadofthevalley.com
Guide to Universal CityWalk
6. LA Farmer's Market Hanukkah Celebration and Menorah Lighting Ceremony
The annual Hanukkah Celebration at the Farmer's Market includes children's craft workshops, holiday foods, music and a Menorah Lighting Ceremony at 4:30 pm.
When: Dec 9, 2012, 2:30 - 5 pm
Where: Farmer's Market Plaza, 6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Cost: Free
Parking: 2 hours free with validation/purchase, $3/hour thereafter, $2/20 minutes up to $20 w/o validation
Info: www.farmersmarketla.com
7. Menorah Lighting at the Mall in Downtown Burbank
Temple Beth Emet will celebrate Hanukkah nightly from December 8-15, 2012 with a menorah lighting on level 3 Burlington Wing at Burbank Town Center, 201 E Magnolia Boulevard.Chanukah Game Night will be celebrated on December 13, 2012 at the Level 3 Center Court with fresh latkes and a falafel bar at 6:30 pm.
Saturday, December 15, 2012 the Outdoor 10-foot Menorah will be lit on the AMC Walkway at San Fernando Boulevard. There will be fresh hot latkes, music and a children's choir beginning at 8:00 pm.
8. Hanukkah Music Festival in West Hollywood
The City of West Hollywood presents a Hanukkah Music Festival featuring the Kol Sephardic Choir and Flamenco Dancers on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at Fiesta Hall in Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. Their repertoire consists of Sephardic Romanceros sung in Ladino and liturgical/religious songs in Hebrew with Sephardic melodies. Doors open at 3:45 pm and the concert will begin at 4 pm.Admission is free, but donations are accepted. With a $20 donation, guests will receive a CD. For info call (310) 557-1096 or visit www.kolsephardicchoir.com.
9. Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Irvine Spectrum
Irvine Spectrum will host a Menorah Lighting Ceremony on including traditional music and crafts.When: December 9, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Where: 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, CA 92618
