Celebrate Hanukkah 2025 in Los Angeles: Events & Traditions

However you spell it, there are Hanukkah celebrations in Los Angeles and Orange County that range from simple community gatherings to elaborate public exhibitions. The dates for Hanukkah for 2018 are from sunset December 2-10.

Hanukkah at the Skirball Cultural Center

The Hanukkah Family Festival at the Skirball features music and dance, hands-on arts and crafts, and tasty Hanukkah treats. This year’s event explores the themes of Hanukkah through the traditions of the Los Angeles Latin American community. Musical entertainment includes Melinda West, Janice Markham, and klezmer band Yale Strom & Hot Pstromi, along with dances from Bruce Bierman and Gilberto Melendaz.

When: December 2, 2018, 11:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Cost: $12 General; $9 Children 12+, Seniors 65+, and Full-Time Students; $7 Children 2-12, Free to members and children under 2
Parking: Free in the North Lot structure
Metro: Metro Rapid Bus #761
Info: www.skirball.org

Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center Festival of Lights

A community event featuring stage performances, children’s games and crafts, gift boutiques, and family portraits.

When: December 1, 2018, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Silverlake JCCC, 1110 Bates Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029 (entrance on Effie)
Cost: Kids 2+ $15, Adults free
Info: www.sijcc.net

Hanukkah Festival at the Zimmer Children’s Museum

A fun-filled day of light-themed activities, including shadow-themed arts and crafts and story time.

When: December 9, 2018, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: 6505 Wilshire Blvd #100
Info: www.zimmermuseum.org

Hanukkah Family Fun Day in Malibu

Family fun activities including arts and crafts, games, farm activities, a zip line, climbing wall, cookie decorating, a Hanukkah sing-along, and more. A Kosher lunch will be provided.

When: December 9, 2017, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Shalom Institute, 34342 Mulholland Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Cost: $10
Info: www.shalominstitute.com

Hanukkah Dinner at Catalina Kitchen at Terranea

Terranea will host Menorah-lighting ceremonies at sundown in the Lobby Living Room nightly from December 2-10. They are also preparing a special a la carte Hanukkah menu at Catalina Kitchen and a special Hanukkah lunch and sweet treats at Sea Beans restaurant.

When: December 2-10, 2018
Where: Terranea resort, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Cost: A la carte pricing
Info: www.terranea.com

Chanukah at CityWalk

Southern California’s largest menorah will be lit at CityWalk’s Cinema Plaza with accompanying festivities and a tribute to Jewish music.

When: December 9, 2018, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Universal CityWalk, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Cost: Free
Parking: $10 general after 3 pm, $20 preferred, $30 valet available
Metro: Red Line to Universal City
Info: www.citywalkhollywood.com, www.chabadofthevalley.com

Chanukah in the Fisherman Village Party in Los Feliz

A buffet dinner featuring latkes, donuts, dreidels, glow-in-the-dark sand art, arcade games, and more.

When: December 2, 2018, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Chabad of Los Feliz, 1930 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles
Cost: $18 adult, no charge for children
Info: www.chabadlosfeliz.org

Menorah Lighting in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills will have a public Menorah Lighting Ceremony and Hanukkah Celebration, including live music, refreshments, and face painting.

When: Dec 2, 2018, 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: Two Rodeo Drive (9480 Dayton Way), Beverly Hills, CA
Cost: Free
Info: lovebeverlyhills.com

Chanukah Menorah Lighting in Beverly Hills

JEM Hebrew School presents the Chanukah Menorah Lighting at Beverly Canon Gardens. There will be music, doughnuts, hot latkes, a gift for every child, face painting, and more!

When: December 2, 2018​, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Beverly Canon Gardens, 241 Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA
Cost: Free
Info: www.jemcommunitycenter.com

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.

When: Dec 2, 2018, 2:30-5 p.m.
Where: Farmer’s Market Plaza, 6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Cost: Free
Parking: 2 hours free with validation/purchase, $4 for the 3rd hour and $1 per 15 minutes thereafter to a $20 maximum
Info: www.farmersmarketla.com

Chanukah on the USS Iowa

The first public Menorah Lighting on a battleship, this Chanukah celebration includes a tribute to the US Armed Forces aboard the USS Iowa in San Pedro. You will also find music, dreidels, latkes, hot chocolate, and more. Mention this event to receive discounted admission to the USS Iowa Battleship Museum before the event and Ice Skating on the USS Iowa after the event.

When: December 2, 2018, 4-7 p.m.
Where: USS Iowa Pacific Battleship Center, 250 S Harbor Blvd, San Pedro, CA 90731
Cost: Free
Info: www.chabadsb.org

Hooray for Hanukah at Pretend City Children’s Museum

Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine is celebrating Hanukkah with activities, stories, rhymes, songs, and crafts designed especially for 3-5 and 5-8 year-olds. There are different activities each day from December 2 to 10, 2018, with some scheduled in the morning and others in the afternoon.

When: December 2-10, 2018, hours vary for activities
Where: Pretend City, 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618
Cost: Included in museum admission of $13.75. Military and family $10.50. Free for infants up to 12 mos.
Info: pretendcity.org

Menorah Lighting Ceremonies with Chabad of Irvine

Chabad of Irvine will host various menorah lighting ceremonies during Chanukah. The festivities begin on December 2 at the District Shopping Center with a giant Rice Krispies Treats menorah. On December 4, there will be a giant cotton candy menorah at Pretend City Children’s Museum. Near the end of Chanukah on December 9, there will be a giant doughnut menorah lighting ceremony at the Irvine Spectrum. Each ceremony will feature music, latkes, donuts, dreidels, and other festive activities.

When: December 2, 4, and 9, 2018, 3 p.m.
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free ($1 per person for the Pretend City lighting)
Info: www.chabadirvine.org

Chanukah Menorah Lighting at Fashion Island

Entertainment, crafts, dreidels, food, and a menorah lighting will take place at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.

When: December 2, 2018, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Fashion Island Atrium Garden Court near the lower level of Barnes & Noble, 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
Info: www.jewishnewport.com