Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish “Festival of Lights,” starts at nightfall Dec. 14 this year. Sonoma County is taking part in the festivities with dinners, drinks, public menorah lightings and more.

Traditionally, families celebrate the Jewish holiday (also called Chanukah) over eight nights, lighting a candle on the menorah with a special blessing and enjoying foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot (deep-fried jelly- or jam-filled doughnuts). For kids (and adults), playing the dreidel is a great way to win (or lose) gelt (chocolate “coins” wrapped in gold foil).

Here’s where to celebrate Hanukkah in Sonoma style.

Hanukkah events

Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma: The Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma will host several Hanukkah events on select days throughout December. Holiday supplies will be available at the center’s Chanukah Shoppe, featuring staples like candles, menorahs, dreidels and gelt, as well as toys and decorations. Call for hours and product information.

The center will present its 11th annual Chanukah Celebration from 4-6 p.m., Dec. 14, at the Petaluma Fairgrounds (175 Fairgrounds Drive). The event will include a grand menorah lighting, live DJ music, a raffle, an LED and fire performance, holiday crafts and games, latkes and jelly doughnuts, the world’s biggest dreidel and the highly anticipated hot air balloon gelt drop. Free with RSVP; donations welcomed.

Join the center for its Chanukah Shabbat Dinner, starting at 5 p.m., Dec. 19. The evening includes lighting the menorah and traditional Chanukah and Shabbat foods. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children.

On the last night of Hanukkah, join the center in lighting the last candle on the menorah during its Chanukah on Ice event, from 4-6 p.m., Dec. 21, at the Petaluma Fairgrounds. Guests can enjoy latkes and doughnuts, as well as ice skating at the city’s outdoor ice rink, Luma Ice. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children and seniors, and free for non-skaters and children 3 and under. Learn more and purchase tickets through the Luma Ice website.

Reserve tickets for other Chabad Jewish Center events on the center’s website. Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma, 205 Keller St., Petaluma, 707-559-8585, jewishpetaluma.com

Congregation Ner Shalom: Cotati’s Ner Shalom will host a Hanukkah party from 4-7 p.m. Dec. 14. The evening starts with family games and activities, followed by latkes and a potluck dinner. Guests can bring their own menorah and light it at the event. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under. Purchase tickets online.

Ner Shalom will also host a Hanukkah celebration for teens and adults with disabilities and their families in a disability-friendly environment. The approximately 2-hour celebration will be held at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 21 at the congregation’s outdoor courtyard (weather permitting). Register online.

85 La Plaza, Cotati, 707-664-8622, nershalom.org

Joseph Weingarten Chabad Jewish Center: The Santa Rosa Jewish Center will host a Hanukkah festival starting at 4 p.m. Dec. 14 at Montgomery Village. There will be a live band, latkes, gelt and dreidels.

2461 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa, 707-577-0277, jewishsonoma.com

Congregation Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa: The congregation will host its annual Shabbat Hanukkah from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 19. Its choir, Shomrei Shira, will provide music and there will also be latkes and doughnuts. Guests are welcome to bring their own menorahs to light at the beginning of the service. The event is free but registration is required. Reserve online.

2600 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, 707-578-5519, cstsr.org

Congregation Beth Ami of Santa Rosa: Beth Ami will host two Hanukkah events this year: a Tot Shabbat from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Dec. 20, at the congregation’s lounge; and a Hanukkah party and latke dinner from 4:30-7 p.m., Dec. 21. The Tot Shabbat will include music, storytelling, crafts and holiday treats.

The community latke night begins with card and board games followed by a short service with Rabbi Ron Koas, candlelightings, Hanukkah songs and then dinner. The event is free but donations are accepted. RSVP by Dec. 18 to the Beth Ami office, or call 707-360-3000 or email the office (office@BethAmiSR.org) to reserve a spot.

4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-360-3000, bethamisr.org

Sonoma Valley Chabad Jewish Center: The Chabad Jewish Center of Sonoma Valley will host a musical Hanukkah celebration starting at 5 p.m., Dec. 15, at the Sonoma Marketplace gazebo near Whole Foods (201 W. Napa St.). There will be live music, latkes and doughnuts, children’s crafts, a fire show and the lighting of an 8-foot glowing menorah. Admission is free.

858 Third St. W., Sonoma, 929-253-0820, svjewishcenter.com

Hanukkah food specials

Grossman’s Noshery & Bar: The Jewish deli and restaurant in Railroad Square will have Hanukkah offerings available for pickup from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. between Dec. 14 and Dec. 22. Menu items include potato leek latkes with applesauce and sour cream, chopped liver and onions, matzoh ball soup, pomegranate molasses roasted carrots, braised brisket, smoked and pickled fish board, sabich platter and smoked meat board. Baked goods include sufganiyot filled with strawberry jam, rugelach (chocolate or cinnamon) and braided challah loaf. The menu will be served at the restaurant from Dec. 14-27. Hanukkah candles and chocolate coins will also be available.

308 1/2 Wilson St., Santa Rosa, 707-595-7707, grossmanssr.com

Marla Bakery: Marla will have sufganiyot available for pickup Dec. 13, 14, 19-21 at the downtown Santa Rosa bakery, as well as on Dec. 14 and Dec. 21 at Clement Street Farmers Market and Sebastopol Farmers Market. Sufganiyots are filled with Meyer lemon or dulce de leche cream. $18 per box. Order online for pickup.

208 Davis St., Santa Rosa, 707-852-4098, marlabakery.com

Zoftig Eatery: Zoftig is offering housemade Hanukkah latkes for pickup on Dec. 12, 15 and 16. Latke orders include applesauce and sour cream. Call or place an order online.

57 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-521-9554, zoftigeatery.com