Looking for fun ways to celebrate Hanukkah with your family? Include these creative crafts, tasty recipes, and local restaurants in your celebration! Hanukkah, also called "The Festival of Lights" is an eight-day Jewish celebration (this year observed Dec. 7–15, 2023) that includes special prayers, fried food, gifts, games and the lighting of the menorah. Scroll down for information about local Jewish delis offering all the delicious foods for the holiday.
LOCAL EVENTS
FREE Chanukah Celebration. Lighting of the Menorah, family activities and more. Dec. 12, 4–6 pm. The Forum Carlsbad, 1905 Calle Barcelona. www.theforumcarlsbad.com
Hanukkah & Menorah Lighting. Dec. 7, 5 pm. In partnership with the Chabads of Downtown San Diego and Pacific Beach, commemorate the first night of Hanukkah with a public menorah lighting. The free event includes live entertainment, snacks and crafts. Liberty Station Central Promenade, Point Loma. www.libertystation.com/events/salute-the-season/menorah-lighting
Hanukkah Under the Stars. Dec. 12, 5–9 pm. View the menorah display in Nordstrom Rack Court at Mission Valley Mall during a celebration in partnership with Chabad of Downtown San Diego. Enjoy live music, strolling magicians, outdoor games and a dreidel craft station. www.mission-valley.com/events
Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Dec. 12, 5–7 pm. Bring the family to a Menorah Lighting Ceremony with the Chabad Jewish Center of Rancho Santa Fe. Meet at the fire pit at One Paseo Shopping Mall to enjoy live music, kosher bites and the lighting ceremony led by Rabbi Levi Raskin. One Paseo, Del Mar. www.onepaseo.com/events
FREE Menorah Lighting at The Hotel Del. Celebrate Chanukah with a nightly menorah lighting in the garden central courtyard, hosted by the Chabad of Coronado. Nightly Dec. 7 through Dec. 14, 4:30 pm (5:30 pm on Dec. 9). Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. www.hoteldel.com
Hanukkah Happening. Experience the Festival of Lights with art activities for kids with special Hanukkah-themed projects, costume contest, Lighting of the Menorah and more. Dec. 10, 3:30–6 pm. $5; under 2 free. Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, Jacobs Family Campus, 4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla. Tickets: https://my.lfjcc.org/13724/13759
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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