Community celebrates Chanukah, free festivities draw families to Chabad event
Hundreds of Orange County residents gathered on December 3 for Chabad of Orange County's annual Chanukah celebrations, which included a menorah lighting, a popular gelt drop for children, music, and traditional foods. The free events reinforced community ties ahead of Chanukah beginning at sundown on December 14, offering inclusive access to holiday traditions and boosting local placemaking during the busy holiday season.
On December 3 Chabad of Orange County hosted its annual Chanukah celebrations at its facility in Orange County, bringing families together for a program of ritual, music and food that organizers said was open to all and free of charge. The event featured the traditional lighting of the menorah, joyous Chanukah songs, spinning dreidels, hot latkes, doughnuts and chocolate gelt. Local dignitaries joined the ceremonies and offered words of greeting.
A highlight of the afternoon was the Chanukah Gelt Drop, where children scrambled for chocolate coins and a specially hidden golden gelt. Chana Burston congratulated the children who found the winning golden gelt coin at the event, and she and Rabbi Pesach Burston invited the community to spread light together through a variety of events leading into the holiday. "The menorah's message is all the more relevant today," Burston said.
The gathering reflected the role of faith based organizations in providing accessible cultural programming during the holiday season. By offering free admission and family oriented activities, the event reduced economic barriers for participation and reinforced social connections among residents across age groups. For many families the public menorah lighting and communal foods create a focal point for celebration that complements private observance at home.
There are also practical community effects as seasonal gatherings help concentrate foot traffic near local shops and services, supporting small scale economic activity during December. With Chanukah beginning at sundown on Sunday December 14 the Chabad events serve both as a kickoff and a warm up for the eight day festival of lights.
As Orange County moves deeper into the winter holiday period, organizers emphasized continuity and inclusion. The annual nature of the gelt drop and the open invitation to join ceremonies underscore an ongoing effort to maintain visible public traditions that invite broad participation and strengthen neighborhood ties.
