It’s that time of year again. Decorations are going up, the weather is getting chillier, and people are getting “in the spirit” of the holidays. Hanukkah begins the evening of Tuesday, December 20th. Residents of Chevy Chase have several options for ways to celebrate the “Eight Crazy Nights” this year. Whether you want to eat latkes, spin the dreidel for chocolate gelt, or sing and dance with family and friends, there are plenty of parties and celebrations happening in the area for everyone.

Hanukkah Human Rights Program

Temple Shalom, the Reform synagogue in Chevy Chase, is hosting a Hanukkah Human Rights Fair on Sunday, December 18th, from 7:30-9:30pm. Tickets are $10 for kids, $18 for members and seniors, and $20 for general admission. All proceeds will benefit charities and non-profits that the Temple supports. The program includes musicians and a special preview of “Home Front,” a documentary produced by Just Vision.

The National Lighting

A short drive from Chevy Chase, at The Ellipse in Washington, D.C., is the National Menorah Lighting on December 20, 2011 at 4 p.m. This free event will have activities for kids, music, and the lighting of the National Menorah. Tickets are required but the event is free.

Hanukkah Parties

Courtesy of Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chabad, Bethesda and Woodmont Ave. in Bethesda will hold a Hannukah party on December 22. Families will enjoy live music, hot latkes and delicious chocolate gelt.

The Society of Young Jewish Professionals is hosting the “Matzo Ball,” a singles Hanukkah party on December 24th at 9pm. The party is located at Eden (1716 St NW Washington, DC). Tickets are $30 per person.

The Festival of Lights

The Ohr Kodesh Congregation, the Conservative synagogue in Chevy Chase, is putting on the “Festival of Lights” musical at 7 p.m. on Dec. 25. Performed by the Sandy Spring Theatre Group, the story line of the performance is Hanukkah in America.

How do you plan to celebrate Hanukkah this year?