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Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the liberation of Jerusalem from the occupation of Antiochus IV, king of the Seleucid Empire in 165 BCE. There are many traditions surrounding the holiday, including gift giving, eating fried foods, listening to music and playing with dreidels. These traditions are part of why the holiday ...

'Chanukah' means dedication, and it refers to the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. It's called the 'Festival of Lights' because the central symbol of the festival is the menorah, the seven-branched candelabrum that stood in the Temple.

Hanukkah (Chanukah) began this year when the sun set on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. The eight-day Jewish "festival of lights" runs until sundown Monday, Dec. 26, and many cities across Metro Detroit are celebrating the holiday with various major events.

Make sure these events are marked down in your calendar. Happy Hanukkah!

Chanukah Wonderland, Parade of Love & Light and Community Concert

Address: 7290 Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield Township.

Bais Chabad of West Bloomfield is hosting multiple days jam-packed with endless holiday fun right in the heart of West Bloomfield Township. Here is the breakdown of when and where the events are happening, and how much they cost:

Chanukah Wonderland: Noon through 4 p.m. on Sundays, Dec. 25, and 9 a.m. through 2 p.m.

Wonderland admission costs $8 and features:

Olive press workshop

Chanukah tot town

Dreidel bounce house

Chanukah crafts

Dance machines

Glow in the dark oil quest

Donut & latke making

Holiday boutique

Parade of Love & Light: 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 23.

Parade participants have the option to register their vehicle without a Menorah, purchase a car-top Menorah for $200 or purchase a window Menorah for $50.

Community Chanukah Concert: 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 24.

This free concert features Piamenta's music, an eight-foot "Coinorah," latkes, soups and donuts, Chanukah crafts, a moon bounce and "crazy lights."

Anyone interested in one of more of these Chanukah Wonderland events can register on the Bais Chabad website, https://www.baischabad.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/4940103/jewish/Register.htm

Chanukah on Fire: Menorah Lighting and Fire Show

Address: 810 Sleeth Road in Commerce.

Cost: $10 per person of $36 per family.

Time and Date: 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22.

Visit https://www.jewishcommerce.org/upcoming-events/

L'Chanukah, Detroit!

Address: Oak Park Social at 14691 West 11 Mile Road in Oak Park.

L'Chaim Detroit is getting in the spirit with a special holiday edition of its popular happy hour series. Grab a friend or come solo and make some new pals. Register in advance for $10, and your first drink is on us. In addition to sampling Oak Park Social's great drinks, a latke bar will be set up and there will be dreidels and gelt, as well. All manner of Chanukah sweaters and apparel are encouraged. This event is intended for young adults aged 21 to 39.

Fourth Annual Downtown Royal Oak Menorah Lighting

Address: 5 Center Street, between 3rd and 4th Street by Eagle Plaza.

Cost: Free. Suggested donation is between $18 and $54. Donate at https://www.jewishroyaloak.com/donate

Time and Date: 4:30-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Join the Royal Oak Jewish Center – Chabad for this fun-for-all-ages event, which includes:

Giant Lego Menorah Lighting

Ice Dreidel Carving

Donut decorating and filling station

S'mores Roasting

Children's Activity Zone

Hot cocoa, soup, latkes, and donuts

Fire Juggling Show

Grand Gelt Drop (chocolate coins dropped from the top of a fire truck ladder)

RSVP'ing is appreciated. Learn more and sign up for the event by filling out this form. Also for those in the Royal Oak area, "8 Crazy Nights" runs from Dec. 14 through Dec. 26. Visit - https://www.jewishroyaloak.com/high-holidays/eightcrazynights2022