BY MY DAILY FIND STAFF
Hanukkah starts very early this year at sundown on Wednesday, December 1. Here’s a list of the major free Christmas tree and menorah lighting celebrations happening in the San Fernando Valley this week. Know of other celebrations not mentioned here? Please comment and add to the bottom of this article.
Christmas Tree and Menorah at the Sherman Oaks Galleria. Photo: Courtesy Sherman Oaks Galleria
Holidays at The Commons in Calabasas
Gather round for a children’s holiday show on November 30 at 6 pm at the community stage with a special appearance by Santa Claus to light the annual Christmas tree! Visit Santa after the show and bring donations for Toys for Tots. Come back on December 8 when the Calabasas Shul will light the menorah on the last night of Hannukah. www.shopcommons.com
Menorah Lighting at Universal CityWalk
Join the “Festival of Lights” presented by Chabad of the The Valley at CityWalk on Wednesday, December 1 from 5pm-9pm. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Congressman Brad Sherman and other dignitaries will be there to kindle the giant 18ft. Menorah. The celebration features live bands and dancing in CityWalk’s Cinema Plaza. Activities, kosher food and crafts add to the festivities with the evening culminating with a lighting of Southern California’s largest menorah. Special entertainment with Lipa Shmeltzer, along with Pardes Jewish Rock and Lenny Solomon in concert. www.citywalkhollywood.com
The Sherman Oaks Galleria Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Extravaganza
There’s free entertainment and activities for the whole family on Wednesday, December 1 at 6pm when Santa lights the tree followed the the Millikan Middle School choir and American Honey singing classic holiday songs. The Sugar Plum Fairy, Snowman and Snow Princess will welcome you, while the the Grinch will be lurking! Visit the Popcorn and Cotton Candy stands for some yummy treats. Kids will want to play in the Snow Cottage Bouncer located by Fountain Plaza. FREE photos with Santa, arts and crafts, face painting for kids and much more throughout the night! www.shermanoaksgalleria.com
Mayor’s Tree Lighting in Burbank
Gather in front of Burbank City Hall at 6 pm on Wednesday, December 1 with City Council, Santa and Mrs. Claus, choirs and special guests. After Santa arrives and lights the tree, the crowd will parade to Santa’s Downtown Wonderland on San Fernando Boulevard between Orange Grove and Magnolia. Free photos with Santa on the AMC Walkway, children’s characters, face painting, free gifts and the premier of Downtown Burbank’s exciting new holiday décor, which includes hundreds of “snowfall” lights and a 35-foot walk-through Christmas tree. www.downtown-burbank.org
Community Hanukkah Celebration West Valley JCC
This free party at the West Valley JCC on Thursday, December 2 at 5pm features music by The Shirettes along with the menorah lighting. Food will be available for purchase. 5 p.m. Free. JCC at Milken, 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills. (818) 464-3300. www.jccatmilken.org.
Grand Hanukkah Celebration in the North Valley
Celebrate on Thursday, December 2 at 6:30pm with Chabad of Northridge and Granada Hills at the corner of Chatsworth and Zelzah in Granada Hills. Menorah lighting, dreidels, music and dancing, latkes, donuts, arts and crafts, grand raffle, free present for every child. www.chabadnorthridge.com
The Sherman Oaks Galleria Annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Fun, festive, and free activities for the entire family on Thursday, December 2 at 5pm — arts & crafts and face painting for the kids. There will be a performance by the chorus of Chabad Hebrew School, and Rabbi Lipskier from Chabad Sherman Oaks will light the Menorah. www.shermanoaksgalleria.com
Westfield Fashion Square celebrates a Hanukkah Wonderland
Celebrate Hanukkah with Chabad of Sherman Oaks and Chabad of North Hollywood at a Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 5 at 5pm in front of Pottery Barn. Take part in free holiday games, activities, refreshments and more, featuring: Chanukah Sand Art, Live Music & Dancing,Color a Chanukah Cookie, Kosher Latkes and Doughnuts, Squeeze your own Olive Oil,Balloon Making / Face Painting, Paint your own Ceramic Dreidel, Photo opp with Judah the Maccabee, plus Chabad Hebrew School Performance. 14006 Riverside Drive Sherman Oaks
Hanukkah Fire and Ice with Chabad at Woodland Hills Ice
Join Chabad of Woodland Hills, West Hills and Calabasas for a giant ice menorah lighting on Sunday, December 5 at 5pm. See a menorah being carved our of ice. Watch a fire acrobat entertainer, free donuts, pizza dinner, skate rental ($10). Woodland Hills Ice is located at the corner of Topanga and Erwin. www.chabadwh.com
Hanukkah Party 2010 Toluca Lake
This party honors Councilmember Tom LaBonge and Fritz Coleman on Sunday, December 5 from 4-6pm at Chabad of Toluca Lake. Build your own menorah, take a photo with Judah the Macabee, arts and crafts, toy drive, donuts, a live mime from Universal Studios, music and more. 4444 Lankershim (corner of Riverside) www.chabadoftolucalake.com
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