We are truly blessed with so many faith and cultural communities in Laurel, all sharing from their rich heritage and contributing to the good of their neighbors and our City. And this time of year is full of many celebrations, such as Chanukah which runs from December 15 - 22 and Kwanza which runs from December 26 to January 1. Below are public opportunities to join in these celebrations — a great way to showcase your traditions and beliefs or also to appreciate and learn from the traditions of others.

»Public Menorah Lighting & Gelt Drop«

This afternoon at 5 p.m. at the amphitheater next to the Laurel Library there’ll be a public menorah lighting and “gelt” drop. In Jewish tradition, the candles of a menorah are lit over the eight days of Chanukah to recall the miracle connected to the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This public menorah lighting is hosted by Chabad of Laurel and is very much intended as an invitation for all to come, learn about this tradition, and build community connection, so please feel no hesitation to come! Not to mention, there’ll be hot cocoa, delicious doughnuts, and a chocolate coin “gelt” drop (a fun tradition for kids where chocolate candy coins are dropped for kids to gather up). You can learn more about Chabad of Laurel and their missions to ‘share authentic Judaism and create opportunities to experience its rich heritage in Laurel’ at their website linked above.

Auto-generated description: A promotional graphic for a public menorah lighting and The Great Chanukah Gelt Drop event, featuring details about the date, time, and location, with illustrations of a menorah, a fire truck, and falling coins.

»Kwanzaa Celebration on Sat, Dec 27«

And this coming Saturday, December 27 from 2 - 4 p.m. there’ll be a public Kwanza Celebration at the Laurel Multiservice Center to which all are invited. The seven candles of Kwanzaa signify the seven principles of Kwanzaa, including “unity”, “collective work and responsibility”, and “faith”. The event will also feature an African Naming Ceremony and promises to be a meaningful celebration of African heritage for all, so come on out to experience with our City!

Auto-generated description: A flyer for the 2025 Kwanzaa Celebration & African Naming Ceremony features vibrant African patterns, an illustrated couple in traditional attire, and event details including date, time, and location in Laurel, Maryland.