Hanukkah 2012 In and Around Rockville

Hanukkah begins Saturday evening and ends Dec. 16.

The "festival of lights" begins on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days, according to Chabad.org.

Local events include:

• National Menorah Lighting

The national Menorah lighting takes place on Dec. 9. The national celebration of the beginning of Hanukkah features the United States Navy Band, children’s activities and the lighting of the National Menorah. The event is free, but reservations are required. The event begins at 4 p.m. 1600 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC.

• JCC Gallery Holiday Boutique and Craft Show

Now through December 16, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington is hosting its annual Holiday Boutique and Craft Show featuring jewelry, decorative glass, Judaic pieces, ceramic artwork and more. 6125 Montrose Rd., Rockville. Click here for more information.

• JCC Hanukkah Celebration

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington hosts a family Hanukkah celebration at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Click here for more information.

• Hanukkah Celebration at Bethesda Row

Bethesda Row hosts a Hanukkah Family Spectacular at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9 on Bethesda Lane. The event, in partnership with Chabad of Bethesda, features “a Hanukkah Menorah lighting, local celebs, family entertainment, music, food, and more!” For more information check out the Bethesda Row website here.

• Shabbanukkah at Temple Beth Ami

Temple Beth Ami in Travilah is hosting Shabbat services for children and families beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 14. The evening features Hanukkah songs, stories, surprises and a menorah lighting for children and an evening service featuring the temple band ShabbaTones. The night ends with coffee and ice cream. A latke buffet begins at 6:30 p.m. with a latke bar, salads, fruit, and dreidel cookie decorating. Cost for the buffet is $8 per adult, $5 per child or $26 per household. Register online here.

Hanukkah, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. The oil lasted for eight days, according to the story, and the holiday of Hanukkah was born.

Today, Jews generally celebrate by gathering together with family, lighting one candle on the menorah each of the eight nights, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods such as potato latkes and babka.

TELL US: What are your Hanukkah plans?