Celebrating Hanukkah with kids

Chag Sameach!

Hanukkah, also called “The Festival of Lights,” is an eight-day Jewish celebration (this year observed Dec. 7–15) that includes special prayers, fried foods, gifts, games and lighting of the menorah. If your family celebrates Hanukkah or wants to learn more about the significance and traditions of the holiday, here are local events, creative crafts and San Diego restaurants to include in your celebration (or research). Chag sameach! (Happy holiday!)

Taste

Trying traditional foods is a fabulous way to get a “taste” of Jewish culture. Below are popular Jewish delis in San Diego where you’ll find favorites such as brisket, latkes (fried potato pancakes), matzo ball soup, kugel (noodle casserole), sufganiyot (jelly donuts), rugelach (filled crescent pastries) and more.

Gold Finch Modern Delicatessen

Torrey Pines www.goldfinchdeli.com

Milton’s Delicatessen & Restaurant

Del Mar www.miltonsdeli.com

D.Z. Akin’s College Area www.dzakinsdeli.com

Ben & Esther’s Vegan Jewish Deli College Area www.benandesthers.com

Create

Learn how to make a dreidel garland, create a menorah out of wooden blocks or paint a Star of David masterpiece. Find these projects (and more) and a recipe for Almond Olive Oil Cake at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/ seasonal-happenings/ways-to-celebratehanukkah.

EXPERIENCE

Hanukkah & Menorah Lighting

Thursday, Dec. 7, 5 pm

Liberty Station Central Promenade

Point Loma

In partnership with the Chabads of Downtown San Diego and Pacific Beach, commemorate the first night of Hanukkah with a public menorah lighting. The free event includes live entertainment, snacks and crafts. www.libertystation.com/events/salutethe-season/menorah-lighting

Hanukkah Under the Stars

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 5–9 pm

Mission Valley

View the menorah display in Nordstrom Rack Court at Mission Valley Mall during a celebration in partnership with Chabad of Downtown San Diego. Enjoy live music, strolling magicians, outdoor games and a dreidel craft station. www.mission-valley.com/ events

Menorah Lighting Ceremony

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 5–7 pm

One Paseo, Del Mar

Bring the family to a Menorah Lighting Ceremony with the Chabad Jewish Center of Rancho Santa Fe. Meet at the fire pit at One Paseo Shopping Mall to enjoy live music, kosher bites and the lighting ceremony led by Rabbi Levi Raskin. www.onepaseo.com/events

Managing editor Lisa Gipson has been a long-time fan of D.Z. Akin’s. Next on her list to try: Milton’s.