Christmas isn't the only religious and cultural extravaganza that comes to party in December. It's also Hanukkah/Chanukah/Hannukah/Chanuukkah/pick-your-own-spelling-it's-all-transliteration-anyway.
This year Chanukah takes place from 22-30 December. There are plenty of menorah lightings and other events across London celebrating the Jewish festival's eight magical nights. Here are some of the best.
Chanukah in the Square
Accompanying Trafalgar Square's famous — but perhaps a little underwhelming — tree, is a bold angular menorah. Chanukah in the Square kicks off the first night of the Jewish festival a little early, mid-afternoon to be precise, but don't let that get in the way of the fun. Details are unusually thin on the ground this year, there's been some noise about candle making workshops, usually there's live music... but none of that matters. There are going to be 2000 FREE DOUGHNUTS given out. 'Nuff said.
Chanukah in the Square, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN, free, Sunday 22 December, from 2.30pm
Chanukah Celebration in Battersea Square
When people think of Jews in London, their minds immediately dart to the city's north. So what's this? A menorah lighting south of the river?! Like most minorities, there are Jews in every corner of the city, hence a menorah in Battersea Square.
With souvenirs and crafts to keep you occupied, and hot latkes and doughnuts for sustenance, what more could you ask for?
Chanukah Celebration in Battersea Square, 32 Battersea Square, SW11 3RA, free, Sunday 22 December, 5pm-6pm
Islington Menorah lighting
London currently has a penchant for trees that aren't really trees. So it was only a matter of time until someone decided to match that with a wacky menorah. Step forward Islington, which unveils the world's first ever kinetic laser menorah. No? Us neither.
The slightly sci-fi theme isn't limited to the menorah lighting, there's also electro-klezmer, storytelling about Chanukah in space and you can play the dreidel of the future (isn't that just a computer randomiser?).
Islington Menorah Lighting, Islington Green, N1 8DU, free, Sunday 22 December, 5pm-7pm
Menorah of Warmth, Crouch End
Crouch End's menorah is in the heart of the area, on Hornsey Town Hall Green. This event has a lovely twist — you can donate clothes (winter garments especially appreciated) that will then be given to the homeless. Hence the name, Menorah of Warmth. See what they did there?
Of course there will also be a candle lighting, fire show, hot drinks and doughnuts.
Menorah of Warmth, Hornsey Town Hall Arts Centre, N8 9JJ, free, Sunday 22 December, 3pm-4.30pm
Chanukah Funukah
A family friendly Chanukah extravaganza goes down at JW3. Lego dreidels, Maccabee combat training, biscuit decorating, funky funukah dancing and plenty more should keep the little ones occupied. Or if all that fails there's a bouncy castle to tire the crazy kids out. It all culminates in a menorah lighting and doughnuts, to cap off an excellent afternoon.
Chanukah Funukah, JW3, 341-351 Finchley Road, NW3 6ET, £4.50-£8, book ahead, Sunday 22 December, from 2pm
Chanukah at Brent Cross
The festival of lights comes to Brent Cross shopping centre, but this menorah flips the formula. Instead of doing its big event on the first night, it's plumped for the last: 29 December. That's when the arts, crafts and jazz band appear to entertain to appear the masses.
There are more low-key lighting events on all other nights, bar 25, 27 and 28 December, at 5.15pm each night.
Chanukah at Brent Cross, Brent Cross Shopping Centre (central space outside Tesla), NW4 3FP, free, Sunday 29 December, noon-6pm
Chanukah Klezmer Ceilidh
In the outer reaches of north London, Chanukah concludes with a Chanukah Klezmer Ceilidh. Try saying that five times in a row without tripping up your tongue. No previous experience needed and the evening concludes, with menorah lighting, hot latkes and — all together now — doughnuts.
Chanukah Klezmer Ceilidh, Sha'arei Tsedek North London Reform, 120 Oakleigh Road North, N20 9EZ, free, Sunday 29 December, 4pm-6pm
Know of any more Chanukah-themed events? Shout them out in the comments below.
