Happy Hanukkah, y’all.
The festive season begins Sunday night, Dec. 6 and celebrates for eight days the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after a bloody war for freedom in the second century B.C.
No matter where you are in metro Atlanta or what your tastes are, if you want to celebrate with more than friends and family, there are public events to join. You can go traditional at a local temple, or try something new such as an Atlanta Beltline Hanukkah walk or a Hanukkah hip-hop party.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
WRJ Annual Potluck and Hanukkah Gift Exchange
Dec. 10, 6:30p.m. TKE Social Hall. Bring a wrapped gift valued at $15 and a dairy item to share. Free. Temple Kol Emeth, 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta. 770-973-3533. www.kolemeth.net.
Hanukkah on the Line
Dec. 6, 5 p.m. Free. The Atlanta Beltline has inspired many new annual events including a moving Hanukkah celebration walking on the Eastside Trail. Bring a flashlight, or better yet, lanterns and glow sticks. Also your best singing voice. Meet at the Irwin Street entrance to the Beltline near Krog Street, near the Krog Street Market. 404-315-6446. congregationbethaverim.org.
Hanukkah Concert & Grand 10-foot Menorah Lighting
Dec. 6, 6-7p.m. Expect a hip-hop take on traditional Hanukkah music. Traditional Hanukkah food and drinks. Register for free entry at www.chabadofgwinnett.org or pay $4 at the door. Thrasher Park, Norcross, at 1 Park Drive (near Park Drive N.W. and Buchanan and Thrasher streets). 678-595-0196.
The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta
This center of Jewish and community life hosts a number of events at the center and at other locations including a "Vodka and Latkes" party in Buckhead, Menorah lighting, Shabbat ShaYOGA, and an ice skating and Hanukkah party. Some are free, and there are costs associated with other events. Go to www.atlantajcc.org for more information.
Menorah Lighting on the Marietta Square
Dec. 13, 6:30p.m.-7:30p.m. On the Glover Park Stage. Holiday music and children's games. 50 N Park Sq NE, Marietta. www.mynertamid.org or call 678.264.8575
Annual Woodstock Hanukkah Celebration & Menorah Lighting
Dec. 6, 4:15 p.m. Food, family fun and a performance by the Atlanta Jewish s Men's Choir.The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, 915 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock www.jewishwoodstock.com, 678-460-7702.
40th Annual Hanukkah Bazaar
Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Food, and lots of it: Mediterranean cuisine, pastries and delicacies. Jewelry and crafts for sale by local artists, and lots of stuff to do for the kids. Congregation Or VeShalom, 1681 North Druid Hills Road NE, Brookhaven. orveshalom.org, 404-633-1737.
Hanukkah Family Day & Lego Menorah Building
Dec. 6, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Help with the building of a giant Lego Menorah followed by the lighting. Crafts, Refreshments, Games, Prizes, Judaica and more. Chabad Jewish Center, 1480 Shiloh Road NW, Suite 500, Kennesaw. www.jewishwestcobb.com, 678-460-7702.
Acworth Menorah and Hanukkah Celebration
Dec. 8, 6 p.m. Greetings from the Mayor, dreidels, latkes and Hanukkah treats, crafts and fun. Main St. and Cowan Road, Acworth. www.jewishwestcobb.com, 678-460-7702.
Hanukoncrete at Shake Shack
Dec. 6-14. Treat yourself to "Hanukoncrete" at the Shake Shack. It's an homage to sufganiyot, which is a jelly filled donut popular in Israel and the U.S, especially at this time of year. The Shake Shack version is a blend of vanilla custard, strawberry puree and glazed doughnut. It's a special Hanukkah treat. Don't miss your Hanukoncrete window. www.shakeshack.com.
8 Days of Hanukkah at Westside Provisions District
Dec. 6-14.Westside Provisions and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta are hosting a book drive during Hanukkah this year. Westside Provisions is accepting new and gently used children's books for all the kids spending time at the three Atlanta-area Children's Healthcare hospitals. There are two drop-off locations: inside Seed Factory, across from YEAH! BURGER and inside Roberta Roller Rabbit. On Saturday, December 12, from 10a.m. to 4p.m., humans from Children's Healthcare will be visiting along with CHOA mascots Hope and Will during one of Westside Provisions' Tinsel & Twine days. Stop by for caroling, hot cocoa, snow and photos with the big guy (inside Seed Factory). westsideprovisions.com.
