This year Hanukkah begins the same night as Christmas, December 25, 2024. However, menorah lighting ceremonies and other Hanukkah festivities are happening now through the new year giving Los Angeles families plenty of time to celebrate. From Downtown Santa Monica to the Skirball Cultural Center to Hermosa Beach Pier, here are some ways to celebrate the Festival of Lights across L.A.

Hanukkah Festival

12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Dec. 15 | Skirball Cultural Center

Gather with family and friends to make new memories at the Skirball.  Beloved klezmer rockers Mostly Kosher return to headline this year’s festival with joyful rhythms, and Skirball Storytellers bring the timeless Hanukkah story to life with a theatrical performance featuring music and puppetry.

Between performances, take a spin in our Dreidel Lounge, grab a plate of latkes and jelly doughnuts, strike a pose in a holiday-themed photo booth, get creative and make your own wearable Hanukkah Lamp, view the award-winning short, Blewish, join a storybook reading, or shake a leg at a dance-a-long created just for little ones. At sundown, join your light with ours for a unique candle lighting that celebrates community and hope in advance of the holiday season.

Chanukah Celebration

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Dec. 19 | The Original Farmers Market

Join the Chanukah Celebration on the Market Plaza from 3:30-5:30 p.m. with JLA. Enjoy arts and crafts, musical performances and the building of a giant Lego menorah.

Hanukkah in Santa Monica

5 p.m. – 5 p.m., Dec, 25 – Jan, 1, 2025 | Third Street Promenade

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with nightly menorah lightings, hosted by a different group each evening. This special event brings unique programs that honor Hanukkah traditions, right in the heart of Santa Monica. Program begins at sundown.

Hanukkah Celebration

11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Dec. 26 | Pretend City Children’s Museum

Celebrate Hanukkah at Pretend City with a special celebration! Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.  

Chabad of Ventura Chanukah Festival

3 p.m. – 4 p.m., Dec. 26 | Ventura Harbor Village

Join in a celebration of the festive season at a Chanukah Festival, presented by The Chabad of Ventura community, where visitors can witness a Menorah lighting, engage in arts & crafts an enjoy entertainment at the Ventura Harbor Village Channel Islands Courtyard.

Hanukkah Celebration at The Beverly Center

5 p.m., Dec. 26 | Beverly Center

In partnership with Chabad WeHo West, join Beverly Center on Dec. 26 from 5-7 p.m. to celebrate Hanukkah with a menorah lighting, live entertainment, music performances, crafting activities, face paintings, prizes, traditional treats like latkes and doughnuts and more! Bring your friends and family for a fun and festive evening. Admission is free for all ages. Complimentary stroller valet is available.

Grand Menorah Lighting at The Culver Steps

5 p.m., Dec. 26 | The Culver Steps

Celebrate the festival of Chanukah at The Culver Steps with a Grand Menorah Lighting! Enjoy live music, a magic show for all ages, caricature artist, hot latkes, doughnuts, chocolate gelt, crafts and activities for kids, free raffles, and a free gift for every child!

Giant Chanukah Celebration

3:30 p.m., Dec. 29 | Hermosa Beach Pier

The 5th night of Chanukah celebration at Hermosa BeachPier Plaza will include gifts for the children, hot latkes & donuts, holiday crafts, live music and entertainment and fun for the whole family. Plus a giant gelt drop from a firetruck ladder!

Menorah Lighting with Shul by the Shore

6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Dec. 29 | 2nd & PCH

Join Shul by the Shore for a festive Menorah Lighting in celebration of Hanukkah. Gather with the community and kindle the lights of the menorah together.

A Celebration of Hanukkah

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Dec. 30 | Ivy Station

Celebrate Hanukkah at Ivy Station with a giant menorah lighting, live klezmer music, games, hot latkes, donuts, chocolate gelt, dreidels, arts and crafts, and a free raffle!

Hosted by Chabad of Culver City, this event is free and open to the public. Complimentary 2-hour parking validation will be available by request at the event. All ages are welcome.

Menorah Lighting Celebration

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Dec. 30 | Beverly Gardens Park

Often called the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is celebrated with the gathering of family and friends, lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts. Share the spirit of Hanukkah at Beverly Hills’ menorah lighting celebration in Beverly Gardens Park.

Menorah Lighting

4:30 p.m., Jan. 1, 2025 | The Original Farmers Market

The festivities continue into the New Year with a special Menorah Lighting on January 1 at 4:30 p.m. for the last night of Chanukah, hosted in conjunction with Miracle Mile Chabad. DJ Shalom will be spinning Chanukah tunes as well!