The countdown is on toward the Jewish festival of lights and all that Hanukkah entails. This year, the holiday runs Dec. 14-22.
Here are a few Hanukkah happenings lined up around the Bay Area. This year, you can find gourmet duck-fat latkes in San Francisco, make your own menorah in San Rafael or hear a concert of Christmas songs written by Jewish songwriters among other festivities.
DIY Menorah Session: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, ARTT, 1033 C St., San Rafael. $50. Another Reclaimed Treasure from Trash (ARTT) hosts a workshop teaching visitors how to make a menorah from upcycled and craft supplies. arttca.org
Festival of Lights: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael. Shop wares from local makers, hear a choir and student rock bands, enjoy arts and crafts, nosh on sweet and savory treats, and celebrate the traditions of Hanukkah. Free. eventbrite.com
Glow in the Dark: 4:30-6 p.m. Dec. 13, Albert and Janet Schultz Cultural Arts Hall, Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. A flashlight-guided treasure hunt, teen zone, kid-friendly activity stations, light show and more are on tap at this festive event. $25. paloaltojcc.org/events/hanukkah-party-for-families
Adults Hanukkah Dance Party: 8:30 p.m. Dec. 13, Chicken Pie Shop, 1251 Arroyo Way, Walnut Creek. Contra Costa JCC is organizing a techno dance party for the festival of lights, featuring appetizers and one free drink. $25 and up. contracostajcc.org/event-details/adults-hanukkah-party-21
Family Festival: 2-4:30 p.m. Dec. 14, JCC East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. Bring the kiddos (ideally in the 2-8-year-old range) to celebrate STEM- and art-based Hanukkah activities, including sparkly crafts, glow-in-the-dark games, DIY sufganiyot and more. $27. jcceastbay.org
Grand Lake Menorah Lighting: 4:30 p.m., Dec. 14, Lake Merritt Amphitheater between 12th Street and First Avenue, Lake Merritt Boulevard, Oakland. A 15-foot menorah, fire performance, hot drinks, matzo ball soup, donuts, latkes, raffle prizes and more await at this free celebration hosted by the Chabad Jewish Center of Oakland. jewishoakland.org/holidays/chanukah/lake/
Jew-ish dishes at Delfina: Dec. 14-22, 3621 18th St., San Francisco. Delfina is offering a series of “Jew-ish” dishes including latkes fried in duck fat with apple-quince conserva and creme fraiche; wood-grilled brisket with celery root mantecato and sufganiyot/bombolini filled with Meyer lemon curd, pistachio cream and chocolate, among other items. Latkes will stick around on the menu through New Year’s Eve. delfinasf.com
Oaxanukkah Dinners at Comal: 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 15-16, Comal, 2020 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. Savor the mash-up of flavors by Comal’s executive chef Matt Gandin at this Mexican-cuisine-meets-Hanukkah-dinner meal, with dishes like tequila-cured salmon, potato-jalapeño latkes and braised beef brisket. $117. eventbrite.com
Outdoor Community Candle Lighting: 6-7 p.m. Dec. 17, Boothbay Park, Edgewater Boulevard, Foster City. Enjoy a community candle lighting event featuring doughnuts, dreidels, music, latkes, gelt, balloons and more. Free. pjcc.org/event/hannukah-happenings-community-celebration/
Older adults luncheon: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 18, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. Enjoy a catered lunch from Saul’s Delicatessen, accompanied by a short comedy show and a holiday dessert. $24-25, advance registration required. jewishfed.org/event/older-adult-chanukah-luncheon/
A Very Jewish Christmas Concert: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 21, Manny’s, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. Listen to many beloved Christmas songs — written by Jewish songwriters, at this concert by the Jewish Music Collective. $25. unation.com