Celebrate Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, at Cali Mill Plaza

As the sun sets on Dec. 20 a candle will be lit in a menorah at Cali Mill Plaza to observe the first night of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights.

Rabbi Reuven Goldstein of Chabad Jewish Center of Cupertino says anyone can join the grand menorah lighting where festive Chanukah music will be played and refreshments served. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. in the plaza at the intersection of De Anza and Stevens Creek Boulevards, next to the .

Toy donations are accepted on behalf of Chai Lifeline, a group out of Los Angeles that provides toys for ill children, something Chabad has been participating in for years, Goldstein says. The synagogue has also donated toys to Stanford Children's Hospital in the past, he added.

For more information about the Chanukah ceremony contact Goldstein at 408-207-3648.

Here are some other nearby Chanukah events happening in the coming weeks.

Dec. 13, 3:30-4:30 p.m.—Hicklebee's Bookstore

The Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley is holding an event at the Willow Glen children's bookstore that includes storytime with Hanukkah themes, stories, songs, finger play and holiday crafts. Street parking is available. For more information, call 408-357-7512.

Cost: Free.

Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m.—Oshman Family JCC

The Oshman Family JCC is hosting a Hanukkah Park with entertainment by Joel Nelson Productions.

Festivities include food, drinks, games, Israeli dancing and prizes.

Cost: Free to members, $10 for students and seniors, $40 at the door.

Dec. 20, 5:30pm-6:30pm—Santana Row

The third annual holiday event at Santana Row, presented by the PJ Library will feature the stars of the Retro Dome.

The festivities include music, singing, crafts, Hanukkah treats and children’s activities. The event is presented in collaboration with community synagogues and agencies, including Congregation Beth David, Congregation Sinai, Temple Emanu-El, Yavneh Day School, Sharone Hadassah, the South Peninsula Hebrew Day School, the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center and The Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley.

There is free parking in the garages at Santana Row throughout the shopping complex. For more information, call 408-357-7512.

Cost: Free

Dec. 20, 4:00 p.m.—San Francisco Hanukkah Festival

If you're in the mood to get out of town, head to San Francisco to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with the lighting of the 25-foot tall mahogany Bill Graham Menorah in Union Square.
Festivities include skating in the square, donuts and latkes. Call 415-668-6178 for more information.

Cost: Event is free to attend. Festivities may include additional fees.

Dec. 22 —JCC East Bay

This event, cosponsored by JCC East Bay, The Jewish Music Festival, Temple Sinai, Aquarian Minyan, Beyt Tikkun, KlezCalifornia, Urban Adamah, Wilderness Torah includes candle lighting, performances, singing, dancing and traditional Hanukkah food. For more information, call 510-528-8872.

Cost: $15 for adults, children 16 and under free.