This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 8, and ends a week later on Sunday, Dec. 16.

According to Chabad.org, Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. For those of us who aren't attuned to the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Saturday, Dec. 8. 

Here are some of the Hanukkah events and services in the Lehigh Valley:

Chabad Lubavitch of the Lehigh Valley

 -- Menorah Making at Home Depot

Sunday, Dec. 9, 2 p.m., at Home Depot, 1350 MacArthur Road, Whitehall

Menorah Making and Olive Press demonstration

-- Menorah Lighting/Allentown

Monday, Dec. 10, 5 p.m., at 7th and Hamilton streets, Allentown. There will be songs and jelly donuts.

-- Menorah Lighting/Easton

Tuesday, Dec. 11, 5 p.m. at Centre Square, Easton. There will be songs and jelly donuts.

-- Menorah Lighting/Bethlehem

Wednesday, Dec. 12, 4:30 p.m. at Payrow Plaza, Bethlehem. There will be songs and jelly donuts.

-- Community Shabbat Dinner

Friday, Dec. 14, at Chabad Lubavitch of the Lehigh Valley, 4457 Crackersport Road, South Whitehall. Services begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m.

-- Menorah Making at Bricks4Kidz

Sunday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m. at Bricks4Kidz, 3060 Center Valley Parkway, Suite 810, Center Valley. Make your own family menorah, then light the Chanukah candles. Cost is $15. 

Congregation Keneseth Israel, 2227 Chew St., Allentown.

-- Chanukah Family Fun Night

Saturday, Dec. 8, 5 p.m., at Congregation Keneseth Israel, 2227 Chew St., Allentown. Games, food. Tickets at $12/booklet; $10 if purchased in advance. 610-435-9074.

Community Menorah Candle Lighting

-- Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 5:15 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 702 N. 22nd St., Allentown. Supervised Kosher dinner with Chef Evan Freeman. Live Music Concert. $5 a person; $18 a family.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorating 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: If you observe Hanukkah, what are your plans?