The eight-day Jewish celebration of Hanukkah begins on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 2 this year.
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem when Jews rose up against their Greek-Syrian rulers in the Maccabean Revolt.
Holiday Guide 2018 | Everything you need to know about celebrating the holidays in Colorado
There are several events throughout Colorado to help commemorate the holiday:
Sunday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center Social Hall, Denver
This event will include a concert, Hanukkah-themed arts and crafts, a Menorah lighting, dreidel games, a tumbling area for kids and kosher food. It is $12 for adults and $10 for children.
Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
JOI house, Denver
Participants will meet at the JOI house to make Hanukkah cards and decorations for senior citizens living at Shalom Park. Then, at 3 p.m., the group will head over to the senior care facility to host a Hanukkah party and hand out the cards and decorations.
Sunday, Dec. 2, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Family Sports Center & Lollipop Indoor Amusement Park, Centennial
The centerpiece of this family-friendly celebration will be a massive 600-pound ice Menorah that will be lit at sundown. There will also be an indoor amusement park, ice skating and Jewish treats. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
Sunday, Dec. 2, 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Big Bear Ice Arena, Denver
Kids and adults can go ice skating with Minnie and Mickey Mouse at this unique event. There will also be opportunities for pictures with other Disney characters, snack, music and a Menorah lighting.
Sunday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Temple Micah, Denver
This annual competition pits some of the best chefs against one another to create the best traditional and creative latkes. After the competition, there will be a concert and Menorah lighting.
Monday, Dec. 3, 5 p.m.
Lory Student Center Plaza, Fort Collins
This celebration will include a giant Menorah lighting along with music, latkes, donuts, dreidels and more. There will also be a special appearance by CSU President Tony Frank.
Monday, Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m.
Kavod Senior Life, Denver
The Colorado Hebrew Chorale will be performing a program of holiday music at Kavod Senior Life. The event is free and open to the public.
Tuesday, Dec. 4, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Shops at Northfield Stapleton/29th Ave Town Center, Denver
The Grand Car Menorah Parade will begin at the Shops at Northfield at 4:30 p.m. and end at the 29th Ave Town Center. Then, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Town Center there will be snacks, hot cocoa, a fire performance and the community Menorah lighting.
Tuesday, Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m.
Bond Park, Estes Park
This celebration will include a giant Menorah lighting along with music, latkes, donuts, dreidels and more. There will also be a special appearance by Mayor Todd Jirsa.
Wednesday, Dec. 5, 5:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Colorado State Capitol, Denver
For the fifth year, Jewish in the City is hosting this community event and Menorah lighting. Those who attend can expect a fire show, BBQ, a live DJ, donuts, chocolate coins, cotton candy and more. Mayor Michael B. Hancock and other government officials will also be in attendance.
Wednesday, Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m.
9th St. Plaza, Greeley
This celebration will include a giant Menorah lighting along with music, latkes, donuts, dreidels and more. There will also be a special appearance by Mayor John Gates.
Wednesday, Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Rodef Shalom, Denver
For the fourth day of Hanukkah, this Denver synagogue is celebrating with a candle lighting, vegetarian chili bar, latke bar, cookie decorating, crafts for children and live music. Tickets are $10 per person or $25 per family.
Thursday, Dec. 6, 5 p.m.
Loveland Museum, Loveland
This celebration will include a giant Menorah lighting along with music, latkes, donuts, dreidels and more. There will also be a special appearance by Mayor Jacki Marsh.
Thursday, Dec. 6, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Spider Monkey Extreme Airsports, Aurora
The Jewish Outreach Initiative is hosting a high-flying Hanukkah celebration at a massive Aurora Trampoline Park. There will be trampolines, dodgeball, dunk hoops, slack lines, zip-lines, parkour, foam pits and an aerial Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course. Tickets are $10 per person.
Thursday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Ramada by Wyndham Denver Downtown, Denver
Young adults in Denver are invited to attend this Hanukkah celebration with a twist. There will be unlimited latkes and donuts along with other appetizers, upscale cocktails and a live DJ. Plus, attendees can participate in a Texas Dreidel tournament with a $100 grand prices. Tickets are currently $25 but may go up.
Saturday, Dec. 8, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Hebrew Educational Alliance, Denver
This "magic and mystical" night begins with a happy hour and music. Then, attendees can enjoy a full dinner that includes a latke bar while enjoying circus-style entertainment. Tickets are $8-15 per person or $36-40 per family.
Saturday, Dec. 8, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Denver Jewish Day School, Denver
Kids who attend this festival can learn how to make chocolate coins with a professional chocolatier. There will also be music, Israeli games, candle lighting a pot-luck style dinner. Tickets are $20 per family.
Sunday, Dec. 9, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
BMH-BJ Preschool, Denver
The BHM-BJ preschool in Denver will be hosting their Dreidels and Donuts Hanukkah party featuring a recital, classroom art auction and brunch. Tickets are $5 - $20. All funds raised at the event go toward helping the preschool build a new playground.
Sunday, Dec. 9, 5 p.m.
Old Town Square, Fort Collins
This celebration will include a giant Menorah lighting along with music, latkes, donuts, dreidels and more. There will also be a special appearance by Mayor Wade Troxell.
Sunday, Dec. 9, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Stanley Marketplace, Denver
The Jewish Life Center in Stapleton is hosting a very hip Hanukkah celebration to mark the end of the holiday at the Stanley Marketplace. There will hot latkes, a gelt toss, crafts, make-your-own donuts, a canned food drive, an olive oil press and a giant "Can-orah".
Sunday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
BMH-BJ, Denver
This community concert features Cantor Martin Goldstein and his daughter Shilo Gold, who appeared on The Voice, as well as other local musicians. The concert will also be preceded by a candle lighting.
