FOLSOM – The holiday season is gearing up to shine bright for the local Jewish community this season as the 19th Annual Chanukah Wonderland Festival returns to the Folsom Community Center, bringing families together for an afternoon and evening filled with celebration, culture, and the enduring message of light and freedom on Sunday, December 7.
Every year, this event transforms the Community Center into a festive gathering place filled with music, hands-on crafts, bright displays, and the warm aroma of hot latkes cooking just steps away. It has become a cherished tradition for families across the Sacramento region, drawing visitors of all backgrounds who come to experience the joy and meaning of Chanukah in an unforgettable, interactive way.
From 1 to 5 p.m., guests can immerse themselves in a wide variety of creative and engaging activities. Children and adults alike can build their own menorahs, craft candles, play games, explore themed activity stations, visit the Chanukah gift shop, and enjoy free photos with Judah Maccabee. An authentic Israeli food court will serve traditional favorites, including fresh latkes and other holiday dishes that connect visitors directly to the cultural roots of the celebration.
Organizers say the festival is designed not only to entertain, but to share the timeless values at the heart of Chanukah: resilience, religious freedom, hope, and the belief that even a small act of light can push away great darkness. Those messages are woven throughout the afternoon, creating an experience that families can carry with them long after the event ends.
“Every extra point of light dispels a little more darkness and helps make this world a better place,” said Rabbi Yossi Grossbaum, executive director of the Chabad Jewish Community Center. “Our hope is that participants will be inspired to light the Menorah in their own home for all eight nights of the holiday.”
Folsom’s celebration also serves as the kickoff to Chanukah festivities throughout the Sacramento region. In the days that follow, public Menorah lightings will take place at the State Capitol and in communities across the area. These events are part of an international tradition shared by thousands of Chabad centers around the globe, joining families from Africa to Australia, Hong Kong to New York City, and from small towns to national landmarks in a shared tribute to the Festival of Lights.
Admission to the festival includes free access to select games, live shows, and photos with Judah Maccabee. Families may also purchase all-inclusive activity and craft passes online at a discounted rate before December 4. Organizers say they hope to welcome both longtime attendees and newcomers to enjoy a day built on unity, heritage, and celebration.
More information about the festival can be found at www.chanukahwonderland.info or on the event’s Facebook page.
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