Happy Hanukkah!

Happy first day of Hanukkah, Astoria! Wishing all those who celebrate a joyous time with their families. Here are a few events in and around the neighborhood:

• Pacific Unitarian Universalist, Sunday, Dec. 22 11am: The Pacific Unitarian Universalist Fellowship meets at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Performing Arts Center, 588 16th St. The program is “Music of the Season.” Barbara Bate accompanies the fellowship for a songfest of seasonal music, both Christmas and Hanukkah. Religious education for children is available during the service; a social time follows in the “green room” downstairs. (per Daily Astorian)

• Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony, Monday, Dec. 23 4:15pm: Sponsored by Borough President Melinda Katz at Queens Borough Hall front lawn, 120-55 Queens Blvd., Kew Gardens. (per qns.com)

• Hanukkah Singalong, Sunday, Dec. 29 3-­5pm: Veteran accordionist and singer Paul Stein will lead songs in Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, and English, celebrating the holiday and Jewish music in general. At the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights, 37-­06 77th St. There will be light refreshments,­­ jelly doughnuts, chocolate gelt, and more. Come and enjoy the holiday! Paul has played at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall as a guest member of the Kirov Orchestra, at the street in front of the Elizabeth (NJ) Detention Center, and more. $10 admission. RSVP preferred, but not required. Call 718-­672­-6399. (more info here)