HANUKKAH HAPPENINGS

The eight-day holiday often synonymous with menorahs and latkes also commemorates the Jews’ victory over the Syrian-Greeks in the second century. Here in Preston Hollow, Jewish organizations are offering classic and creative ways to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Hanukkah Hoopla

Just two weeks before candles are lit and gold coins are doled out, the Jewish Community Center is hosting Hanukkah Hoopla to ensure local families are ready for the holiday.

“We were trying to figure out a way to give back to the community … and what better way than shop and play,” says Ashley Bundis, the marketing services and program director of the JCC.

At the inaugural event, parents can peruse jewelry, clothing, home décor and other wares, while children can create DIY arts and crafts. Two kids launching their own businesses debut their products at Hanukkah Hoopla, too.

The menu includes latkes, of course, but also expect food typically found at festivals, like Dippin’ Dots. Indoor and outdoor activities ranging from game trucks to train rides are part of the afternoon festivities. In case the kiddos become overwhelmed with all the excitement, Jewish Family Services is staffing a quiet room to help them calm down.

BRIGHTENING THE HOLIDAY SEASON AT TEMPLE EMANU-EL

Bring your menorah and candles to a

Shabbat Evening Service for the seventh night of Hanukkah. Games, activities and a social justice project accompany the community candle lighting. Attendees also can learn to make edible dreidels, sample olive oil and partake in a cocktail and mocktail station.

There is no fee to attend the service, but the congregational dinner costs $18 per adult and $10 per child between the ages of 3-10. The service is scheduled at 6:15 p.m. on Dec. 30 at the synagogue, 8500 Hillcrest Road. To register, visit participate.tedallas.org/hanukkahcelebration

TAKING A CRACK AT A CLASSIC

The Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts takes on Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” and spins the tale with an age-old art form: puppets. This year is the

Temple Emanu-El’s Bazaar Gift Fair is another chance to Hanukkah shop before the chaos of the holidays takes hold. Gifts from ceramics and housewares to accessories and jewelry from local artisans will be available for purchase on Dec. 4 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free, and all the details are available at tesisterhood.org.

Celebrate Tradition At Congregation Shearith Israel

Take part in a traditional Hanukkah Shabbat service and dinner at the synogogue, 9401 Douglas Ave., on Dec. 30 at 6 p.m. For more details, contact event organizer Katie Venetsky at kvenetsky@ shearith.org.

20th anniversary of the event being performed at the Dallas Children’s Theater Nov. 18–Dec. 21. Visit dct. org for more information.

2 SHOWING THEIR WILD SIDE

The Episcopal School of Dallas students combine humor and heart to perform “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” a comical productionblesome siblings. The one-hour play will be performed at 6 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 8 at the Episcopal School of Dallas, 4100 Merrell Road. Get all the details at esdallas.org

3 SINGING THE DAYS AWAY

From Booker T. Washington

Augustine’s Episcopal Church Choir, are tuning up for the Museum of Biblical Art’s Christmas Musical Program. Performances are scheduled Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from Dec. 2-16 at the museum, 7500 Park Lane. Call 214.368.4622 for all the details.

4 HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR PERFORMANCES GALORE

If you’re not in the mood for a play but want to relive your high school glory days, stop by Hillcrest’s band performance Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium or its choir performances Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. Over at W.T. White, a Madrigal Dinner Feast is planned on Dec. 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. at Bush Elementary. Ursuline students also display their talents during The Sounds of the Season Concert at 6:30 p.m.