Chabad hosts a variety of Chanukah events

Chabad of the Conejo is celebrating the holiday of Chanukah with festivals for youth, teens and families.

To "light up" the community during this holiday season, Chabad has placed menorah displays in dozens of local shopping centers throughout Conejo/Las Virgenes. Menorahs have also been placed in city halls and government facilities including the Agoura Hills City Hall, the Civics Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, city hall in Westlake Village and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

Following is a list of activities and programs offered through the Chanukah holiday.

Thurs., Dec. 9

Beginning at 5:30 p.m. Chabad of Thousand Oaks will host a "Family Festival at the Janss" in the courtyard of the Janss Marketplace in front of the Mann Theater, Moorpark Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Music, dignitaries, hot chocolate and more will be included.

Sat., Dec. 11

At 7:30 p.m. Chabad and the Conejo Jewish Day School will jointly present "Chanukah under the Stars." The outdoor celebration will take place at the Reyes Adobe Plaza, 30315 Canwood St., Agoura Hills, at the Pizza Nosh/Kosher Connection courtyard. Live music, dancing and the kindling of a giant menorah, clowns, entertainment, sizzling hot latkes and balloons are planned Kosher dining will be available at the Pizza Nosh and Avi’s Bistro.

Sun., Dec. 12

•From 1 to 3 p.m. the "Friendship Circle Extravaganza" will be held for all special-needs children and their families at Willow Elementary School, 29026 Laro Dr., Agoura Hills. A magic show, the Olive Press, musical entertainment, crafts and interactive Chanukah activities are planned. Teens are urged to volunteer their time and make a difference in a child’s life. Please call Chanie or Devorah for details at (818) 865-2233.

•The Youth Zone will host a Chanukah fair and pizza party for children 6 to 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Chabad Center, 30345 Canwood St., Agoura Hills. The fair will include a juggler, arts and crafts, doughnut decorating, and loads of pizza. Children will then deliver Chanukah treats to senior citizens. For details, please call Estee or Chevy at (818) 991-0991.

•Beginning at 4 p.m. Chabad will join with the Conejo Jewish Day School to present "The Festival of Lights at the Oaks" at the Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks. An array of entertainers, musicians, singers and dignitaries will be on hand for this program. Highlights include the children’s choir of the Conejo Jewish Day School, the kindling of a menorah and the "Torch of Unity" and the presentation of gifts and dreidels for the children. Hot latkes will be served.

Tues., Dec. 14

The Chai Teen Center and Friendship Circle will host a "Teen Chanukah Bash" for all teens at 7 p.m. at the Chabad Center, 30345 Canwood Street, Agoura Hills. Hypnotist David Skale will present a show. Various activities are planned.

Questions? Call (818) 991-0991.