Looking for fun ways to celebrate Hanukkah in San Diego with your family? Attend one of the local menorah lighting events below, then add creative crafts, tasty recipes, and local restaurants to your celebration! Hanukkah, also called "The Festival of Lights," is an eight-day Jewish celebration (this year observed Dec. 25, 2024–Jan. 2, 2025) that includes special prayers, fried food, gifts, games and the lighting of the menorah. Scroll down for information about Jewish delis in San Diego offering all the delicious foods for the holiday.
LOCAL EVENTS
Hanukkah Celebration: Festival of Lights. Celebrate the joy and tradition of Hanukkah at Seaworld San Diego. From Dec. 14-22, guests can enjoy the nightly illumination of the menorah, lit each evening to honor the spirit of the season. Join us in commemorating this beautiful holiday with light, reflection and community. 500 Sea World Dr. www.seaworld.com/san-diego/events/hanukkah-celebration
FREE Hanukkah Train & Community Celebration. All aboard the Hanukkah Train! The iconic Steam Locomotive Train at Old Poway Park is transforming into a 'Chanukah Train', and we invite you and your loved ones to join in the celebration. Dec. 14, 4 pm. First train departs at 4:10 pm. Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd. www.chabadpoway.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/5308789/jewish/Chanukah-Train-Community-Celebration.htm
FREE Hanukkah Menorah Lighting. Congregation Beth Am gathers the community for the symbolic lighting of the holiday season. Dec. 18, 6–7 pm. Del Mar Highlands Town Center, 12925 El Camino Real. www.delmarhighlandstowncenter.com
Festival of Lights Run. Join the JCC for a 1-mile fun run/walk, 5K and/or 10K race. After crossing the finish line, warm up with soup and sufganiyot (Hanukkah jelly donuts), enjoy live music and Hanukkah activities for the whole family. 1-Mile Fun Run & Walk: 8:30 am, 5K and 10K USATF-sanctioned races: 9 am. 4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla www.lfjcc.org/preschool/hanukkahhappening.aspx
2025 Hanukkah Happening. Celebrate 80 years of the JCC with a joyful Hanukkah bash that honors the past, present and future. Start the day with the Festival of Lights Run or join after for the Shalom Baby 25th Anniversary Bash. Family-friendly activities include a Dreidel Palooza, Shine & Design Craft Station and the Hanukkiah Makers Lab. Enjoy games, gelt, dreidels, snacks, crafts and music, all part of a special fundraiser for Shalom Baby and the families it welcomes into our community. Dec. 15. www.lfjcc.org/preschool/hanukkahhappening.aspx
Jewish Encinitas Block Party. Music, arts and crafts, dreidels, doughnuts, got latkes and games. Dec. 14, 4 pm. RSVP to
FREE Carlsbad Premium Outlets & Yossi Rodal Concert. Live music, menorah lighting, donuts, latkes, crafts. Dec. 16, 4:30-6:30 pm. 5620 Paseo Del Norte. www.chabadatlacosta.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/3147397/jewish/Chanukah-2025.htm
FREE Chanukah Celebration. Lighting of the Menorah, family activities and more. Dec. 17, 4:30–6:30 pm. The Forum Carlsbad, 1905 Calle Barcelona. /www.chabadatlacosta.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/3147397/jewish/Chanukah-2025.htm
FREE Hanukkah & Menorah Lighting. Entertainment, treats and the traditional lighting of the menorah. Dec. 14, 5–8 pm. Central Promenade, Liberty Station, 2820 Historic Decatur Rd. www.libertystation.com
FREE Hanukkah Under the Stars. Come together with family, friends and neighbors to celebrate the Festival of Lights under the San Diego sky. Dec. 17, 5–7 pm. AMC Court, Mission Valley. www.mission-valley.com
CRAFTS
Dreidel Garland
Make your own creative designs for this festive dreidel garland by local art teacher, Alyssa Navapanich.
Star of David Art
Create a beautiful Star of David masterpiece using paint and twigs found on the ground. Instructions from local art teacher, Alyssa Navapanich.
Hanukkah Place Card Holders
Make personalized place cards for each guest at your table. They can also serve as utensil holders and party favors.
Hanukkah Countdown Calendar
Make a menorah countdown calendar with this fun and easy craft, where a surprise is hidden inside each “candle.”
Edible Mini Menorah Centerpiece
Who doesn’t love a fun project you can eat? This edible centerpiece will be the talk of the celebration for the kids! Image and recipe provided by Norene Cox, author of “Sweet Treats for the Holidays.”
DIY Menorah Craft
Get creative and design your own menorah with wooden blocks and scrapbook paper or Washi Tape.
Star of David Decoration
This hanging decoration serves as an excellent way to practice basic geometry skills.
RECIPES
Almond & Olive Oil Cake Recipe
Using olive oil in cake is a practice that is older than the Hanukkah story itself. Serve with whipped cream for an extra indulgence. Image and recipe provided by Paula Shoyer, author of “The Holiday Kosher Baker.”
Free Books for Jewish Families
Did you know? Every month, PJ Library sends more than 650,000 free Jewish books to families around the world raising Jewish kids from birth through age 9. PJ Library shares stories that celebrate Jewish values, culture and tradition, at no cost to families. Free Jewish middle-grade books for ages 9–12 are available at PJ Our WayPJ Our Way.
More Ways to Celebrate
Find more ideas to celebrate Hanukkah with kids at www.pjlibrary.org/hanukkah.
Gift Ideas
Looking for gift ideas for the kids? Be sure to check out this year's list of kid-tested, parent-approved toys!
JEWISH DELIS IN SAN DIEGO
Gold Finch
Torrey Pines
www.goldfinchdeli.com
A modern Jewish delicatessen that offers traditional foods for dine-in, takeout and group catering. Choose from tzimmes beef brisket, honey-glazed salmon, smoked trout rillette, latkes, matzo ball soup, apple kugel and much more.
Milton's Deli
Del Mar
www.miltonsdeli.com
D.Z. Akin's
College Area
www.dzakinsdeli.com
Ben & Esther's Vegan Jewish Deli
College Area
www.benandesthers.com
Elijah's Restaurant & Catering
Clairemont Mesa
www.elijahsrestaurant.com
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Updated: November 2024
