SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Thousands of San Diegans are gearing up for eight days of celebration as Hanukkah kicks off this month.
The first night of Hanukkah begins Dec. 2, running until the night of Dec. 10. The holiday, starting on the 25th day of the Jewish month Kislev, celebrates two miracles.
The first marks the 2nd-century BCE victory by a small army of Jews over the Greek army that occupied the Holy Land. The "Maccabees," as they were known, rebelled against the Greek army in response to their attempt to force a Godless lifestyle over the Jewish people of Israel.
The second miracle was when the Maccabees liberated the Holy Temple from Greek, they only had enough olive oil to fuel their Menorah for one day. The oil however burned for eight days and nights.
So whether you spell it "Chanukah" or "Hanukkah" (both spellings are acceptable) there are plenty of events to mark the celebration around San Diego:
Menorah lightings
Hanukkah Celebration
When: Dec. 2 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Where: Temple Beth Sholom, Chula Vista
Chanukah Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop
When: Dec. 2 at 5 p.m.; Where: The Headquarters at Seaport Village
Menorah Candle Lighting
When: Dec. 2 at 4:45 p.m.; Where: Hotel Del Coronado
Grossmont Menorah Lighting
When: Dec. 2 at 4 p.m.; Where: Chabad of East County
Menorah Lighting at UTC
When: Dec. 2 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Where: Westfield UTC
Hanukkah Celebration and Menorah Lighting
When: Dec. 3 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Where: Liberty Station
Glow in the Dark Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony
When: Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.; Where: Regal Cinema Plaza (401 Mission Ave., Oceanside)
Hanukkah Lighting
When: Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m.; Where: Del Mar Highlands Town Centre
Events
Menorah Workshop
When: Dec. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; Where: Carmel Mountain Ranch Home Depot location
35th annual Hanukkah Happening
When: Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Where: Lawrence Fammily, JCC
Chanukah Celebration
When: Dec. 2 at 4 p.m.; Where: Crown Hills Community Association, Alpine
Chanukah on Ice
When: Dec. 3 at 5 p.m.; Where: Rady Children's Ice Rink at Liberty Station
Chanukah Celebration
When: Dec. 4 at 5 p.m.; Where: Outlets at the Border, Chula Vista
Chanukah at the Chocolate Factory
When: Dec. 9 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Where: Chabad Center of University City
Encinitas Block Party
When: Dec. 9 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Where: Jewish Encinitas
Grand Chanukah Party
When: Dec. 13 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Where: The Forum Carlsbad
