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Top Ways To Celebrate Hanukkah In Denver

Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights, and it is a joyous and celebratory holiday for the Jewish religion. For eight days every year, the holiday is celebrated by lighting the traditional menorah, eating potato pancakes called latkes and playing a game with a spinning top called a dreidel. In most homes, gifts are given each night of the holiday and it is a wonderful time that brings families together for songs, games and food. However, it is also a great time for community building as well, since there are so many great events that your whole family can participate in. Take a look at some of the best ways to celebrate the holiday of Hanukkah in Denver.

Plate of Potato Latkes
(credit: Thinkstock)

Fifth Annual Top Latke Cook-Off
Temple Micah
At Montview Presbyterian Church
1980 Dahlia St.
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 388-4239
www.micahdenver.org

Date: Friday, December 7, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.
Price: Rates vary for families, Micah members and guests for the Latke Cook-Off. The service is free.

Latkes are the traditional potato pancake food of Hanukkah and Temple Micah's fifth annual Top Latke Cook-Off and Hanukkah Party is the best way to sample the best Denver has to offer. Both traditional and innovative latke recipes will be featured as well as plenty of apple sauce and sour cream. Once you've had your fill of latkes, Rabbi Adam Morris will lead a candle-lighting service and there will be a sing-along with Hal Aqua and David Ross. Bring your own menorah and candles for the service and be prepared to ring in the holiday with the best latkes in town.

Related: Top Spots for Winter Fun in and Around Denver

Community Chanukah Carnival
Aish Denver
9550 E. Belleview Ave.
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
(303) 220-7200
www.aishdenver.com

Date: Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 10:30 a.m.
Price: $7 per adult, $5 per child to a maximum of $30 per family

Nothing says holiday time like a good old-fashioned community carnival, so no list of Hanukkah celebrations would be complete without one. Ring in the holiday with the second annual Community Hanukkah Carnival at Aish Denver. With plenty of games, food and other carnival-style events, it is sure to be a fantastic time for the whole family. Plus, your children can learn a thing or two about the holiday of Hanukkah.

Lots of Latkes
Jewish Community Center South
9625 E. Arapahoe Road
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
(303) 399-2660
www.jccdenver.org

Date: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.
Price: $14 or $5 for children under three

Latkes are making another big appearance at the Jewish Community Center this holiday. This time, join in the fun and learn how to make the perfect Hanukkah latkes. With a few expert tips, you'll be chopping and frying potatoes like an expert. And when you are done, there will be plenty of games of dreidel to play, as no Hanukkah celebration is complete without a competitive game. Additional appetizers, drinks and desserts will also be served. So head out to the JCC and enjoy!

Related: 2012 Denver Holiday Theater Preview

Festival of Lights
Four Mile Historic Park
715 S. Forest St.
Denver, CO 80246
(720) 865-0800
www.coloradohebrewchorale.org

Date: Monday, December 10, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.
Price: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and children

Celebrate with the Colorado Hebrew Chorale at Four Mile Historic Park. The Colorado Hebrew Chorale will be taking the stage for a moving Hanukkah concert. There are so many beautiful songs for the season, it will be a treat to hear them performed by this talented group. In addition, there will be a candle lighting, food, traditional folk dancing and even candle making. It's everything you could want in a Hanukkah celebration for the whole family – beautiful music and plenty of candles.

Community Menorah Lighting
Allied Jewish Federation Menorah
Corner of Alameda Ave. and Dahlia St.
Denver, CO 80246
(303) 316-6466
www.jewishcolorado.org

Date: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 4:30 p.m.

If there is one holiday icon or image that is synonymous with Hanukkah, it is the menorah. The nine branches of the menorah symbolize the eight days of the holiday, plus one additional candle for lighting the others. Every Jewish household has one and the lighting ceremony is a beautiful and traditional part of the holiday. If you have ever driven down Alameda at Dahlia, you've surely seen the large menorah that is lit annually on Hanukkah. It's a Denver tradition for many and it is always a wonderful ceremony to participate in. Refreshments will be served.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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