San Diego Families Celebrate Chanukah Under the Stars

Families gathering for Chanukah festivities under the stars

San Diego, California, November 30, 2025

Families in San Diego are invited to join the annual ‘Chanukah Under the Stars’ event at Mission Valley Mall. Scheduled for December 17, 2025, the celebration will feature menorah lighting, live entertainment, crafts for children, and a dessert bar, all in a family-friendly atmosphere. This free event emphasizes community engagement and the importance of cultural diversity during the holiday season.

San Diego Welcomes Families to Chanukah Under the Stars

Join the Community for Lights, Joy, and Celebration in Mission Valley

San Diego, California – As the holiday season approaches, families in San Diego can look forward to celebrating Hanukkah in style with the annual “Chanukah Under the Stars” event at Mission Valley Mall. Set to take place on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 5 p.m., this festivity promises to bring the community together for an evening filled with joy, entertainment, and cultural enrichment. Organizers at Congregation Beth Israel are focused on ensuring a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere, showcasing the importance of resilience in community event planning. With fewer bureaucratic hurdles, these local leaders can effectively provide meaningful activities that celebrate cultural diversity.

This year’s event will feature a range of engaging activities, including the traditional menorah lighting, live entertainment by DJ Benji, crafting opportunities for children, and a delectable dessert bar complete with donuts. The event is free and open to the public, making it accessible to everyone in the community and highlighting the significance of fostering connections through shared experiences.

Event Details

  • Date and Time: Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 5 p.m.
  • Location: Mission Valley Mall
  • Activities: Menorah lighting, live entertainment by DJ Benji, crafts, donuts, sweet treats dessert bar, and optional raffle prizes from local businesses.
  • Admission: Free and open to the public.

Additional Hanukkah Celebrations in San Diego

For those looking to enhance their Hanukkah festivities, San Diego offers additional celebrations to engage families and individuals alike:

  • Liberty Station Menorah Lighting: On Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 5-8 p.m., Liberty Station will host a public menorah lighting at the Central Promenade, featuring entertainment and traditional festivities.
  • Festival of Lights Run: On Sunday, December 14, participants can join a fun run or walk, along with 5k and 10k options. Attendees can then enjoy warm soup, sufganiyot, and festive activities for the whole family.

About Hanukkah

Hanukkah, also referred to as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C. The holiday is marked by the lighting of the menorah, playing games, and indulging in traditional foods such as latkes and sufganiyot, fostering a spirit of celebration and reflection within the community.

Contact Information

For more information about the “Chanukah Under the Stars” event, please contact Congregation Beth Israel at (619) 291-6800 or visit their website at www.cbisd.org.

Key Features of the “Chanukah Under the Stars” Event

Date and Time Location Activities Admission
Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 5 p.m. Mission Valley Mall, San Diego, California Menorah lighting, live entertainment by DJ Benji, crafts, donuts, sweet treats dessert bar, and optional raffle prizes from local businesses. Free and open to the public.

Conclusion

The “Chanukah Under the Stars” event is just one example of how San Diego’s community comes together to celebrate cultural heritage and promote inclusivity. These events emphasize the importance of local leadership and civic initiatives in fostering engagement and allowing families the opportunity to connect. Participation in such gatherings not only enriches personal experiences but also strengthens community bonds. Therefore, mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and immerse yourself in the festive spirit as San Diego celebrates Hanukkah under the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the “Chanukah Under the Stars” event?

The “Chanukah Under the Stars” event is an annual celebration hosted by Congregation Beth Israel at Mission Valley Mall, featuring a menorah lighting, live entertainment, crafts, donuts, a sweet treats dessert bar, and optional raffle prizes from local businesses. The event is free and open to the public.

When and where is the “Chanukah Under the Stars” event taking place?

The event will take place on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 5 p.m. at Mission Valley Mall in San Diego, California.

Is there an admission fee for the “Chanukah Under the Stars” event?

No, the event is free and open to the public.

What other Hanukkah celebrations are happening in San Diego?

Other Hanukkah celebrations in San Diego include the Liberty Station Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 5-8 p.m., and the Festival of Lights Run on Sunday, December 14, 2025, featuring a 1-mile fun run/walk, 5k, and/or 10k race.

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C. The holiday is celebrated by lighting the menorah, playing games, and enjoying traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot.

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The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

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