Hanukkah begins on December 8th this year with the lighting of the menorah at various locations in Las Vegas. Also known as the Festival of Lights, locals celebrate with fried foods, including latkes and sufganiyot, while children delight in the gift of a dreidel or gelt. It’s all in celebration of the successful liberation of the Jews from the Greeks in Israel by the Maccabees 21 centuries ago. Here in town, all members of the community join together to celebrate Chanukah, sometimes even in conjunction with Christmas, in a joyous, moving display of tolerance and mutual respect.

Light of Life Menorah and Wine Event
Magical Forest at Opportunity Village
6300 W. Oakey Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89146
(702) 732-0304
www.jfsalv.orgCost: $10-$36
Date: December 9, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Jewish Family Service Agency is holding its third annual, extremely popular Light of Life Menorah at Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest. The Light of Life Menorah will stand in the midst of the Magical Forest’s decorated holiday trees, combining Christmas with Hanukkah and Jewish tradition in a wonderful example of tolerance and celebration. This year, those over the age of 21 will also be able to take part in a wine tasting event. Live entertainment will be included. It’s sure to be the place to be for Hanukkah.

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Grand Menorah Lighting at the Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street Experience
245 Fremont St.
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(877) 834-2748
www.vegasexperience.comCost: Free
Date: December 8, 2012 at 4 p.m.

This annual, thriving, highly attended event at Fremont Street features a blessing from a rabbi and a visit from the mayor. There will be entertainment, treats and the lighting of the Grand Menorah occurs at dusk. Celebrate the tradition of Chanukah in the environment of old Las Vegas at Fremont Street.

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The Menorah Lighting at The District at GVR
The District at Green Valley Ranch
2225 Village Walk Drive
Henderson, NV 89052
(702) 564-8595
www.shopthedistrictgvr.comCost: Free
Date: December 12, 2012 at sunset

The annual lighting of the menorah at The District at Green Valley Ranch is a highly anticipated local event in Henderson. It features music, dancing, presiding dignitaries, donuts, gelt and, of course, the lighting of the menorah at sunset. Afterward, you have the opportunity to wander and explore the cobblestone streets of the District. Here you can visit shops, frequent one of the many restaurants or sit at an outdoor table to enjoy a drink or treat and absorb the ambience of the holiday season with your family and friends.

YDLV-Kollel-ATC Chanuka Gala
Congregation Ner Tamid
55 N Valle Verde Dr.
Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 838-8003
www.jewishlasvegas.comCost: Free
Date: December 09, 2012, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Celebrate the first day of Chanuka with a family friendly event. There will be exciting entertainment, many fun Chanuka crafts for kids and a tasty buffet lunch featuring traditional dishes. All members of the Jewish community are welcome to attend.

“On the 8th Day of Chanukah My True Love Gave to Me” Dance
Congregation Ner Tamid
55 N. Valle Verde Drive
Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 706-7522
www.jewishlasvegas.com

Cost: $10 JCC and CNT members, $15 guests
Date: December 16, 2012 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.The JCC, Congregation Ner Tamid and Jewish Senior Singles is hosting a 50-plus Jewish singles dance. Entertainment will include live music by the Kool Tones, featuring Elizabeth Bricker (the Fabulous Miss Betty), coffee, tea, water, mocktails and a light refreshment. You are urged to dress to impress. Please contact Marni Unger for more information or tickets.