On Wednesday, December 21 Chanukah Wonderland will open for the afternoon – 12-4 pm – at the Orchard Mall (next to the information kiosk and ice skating rink) in north Westminster.

Something like a Jewish version of Santa’s workshop, Chanukah Wonderland includes a variety of Chanukah crafts including an olive oil press demonstration that allows participants to hand-make olive oil just as the Jews did thousands of years ago when they lit the menorah in their temple in Jerusalem. Participants will then use the freshly made oil to light a menorah.

Other crafts include Chanukah cookie decorating, sand art, and face painting. Kids will even be able to dress up as their favorite Chanukah hero Judah the Macabee – who together with his brothers defeated the Greek invaders to Israel – and have their photo taken next to the giant 9-foot-tall menorah that sits in the mall.

“Chanukah wonderland is a great way for all kids to learn about the Jewish holiday of Chanukah in a fun and hands-on setting” says Rabbi Benjy Brackman who’s coordinating the event with his center, Chabad of NW Metro Denver.

The highlight of the afternoon will be the menorah lighting at 4 pm and will include Chanukah songs by singer Steve Brodsky and traditional Chanukah fare of hot latkas, donuts and chocolate coins.

Admission is free. For more information on this event and other local Chanukah events, please contact 303.429.5177 or visit www.COJewish.com.