Eight nights of Hanukkah fun

Among the overtures to Santa and sleigh bells this holiday season can also be found events worshipping the dreidel and the menorah.

Here’s a look at some of Brooklyn’s Hanukkah-themed offerings this month.

Spin the Dreidel Tournament

Saturday, December 12
Knitting Factory (361 Metropolitan Ave.)
7 p.m.
$10

Hanukkah’s gone metal at the Williamsburg venue, when it hosts its 2009 Major League Dreidel competition, with some tunes from Gods of Fire and Category SIXX: The World’s Greatest Air Band. Sign up to play here, and be sure to come up with an extra clever name to distinguish yourself from the pack (i.e. Dr. Dreidel, Spinderella). And remember: no gelt, no glory.

Menorah Horah

Saturday, December 12
Southpaw (125 Fifth Ave.)
8 p.m.
$12 in advance, $16 day of show

Heat up your holidays with Hanukkah’s hottest Hebrew hotties, the Schlep Sisters. Celebrating the second night of Hanukkah burlesque-style, the duo – Minnie Tonka and Darlinda Just Darlinda – bring in some friends, including Sapphire Jones and Saci Calla Horra, for some fun until the candles burn out. Also with music from DJ Aaroneous and klezmer-gypsy-punk band Golem.


Matisyahu’s Festival of Lights

December 16, 17, 19, and 20
Music Hall of Williamsburg (66 N. 6th St.)
All shows 8 p.m.
All tickets $35

You know it’s Hanukkah when Matisyahu is back in town. After four nights at Webster Hall, the Brooklyn-based musician’s fourth annual, eight-night “Festival of Lights” comes to the borough December 16, with opener Rana (followed by Kid Koala on December 17, Travis McCoy on December 19, and Kevin Devine on December 20). Fans can except to hear songs off his new album “Light.”


Sephardic Music Festival

Each year, the Sephardic Music Festival aims to increase interest in and awareness of Sephardic cultures, including Mizrahi, Yemenite, and Ladino traditions by showcasing the latest Sephardic musical talents from all over the world. This year’s festival isn’t any different. Running from December 12-19, it has two special showcases in Brooklyn: Asefa, Michelle Webb, and special guest Darshan Monday, December 14 at Union Hall (702 Union St, 7 p.m., $10) and Pharaoh’s Daughter and Brooklyn-based act DeLeon Wednesday, December 16 at Knitting Factory (361 Metropolitan Ave., 8 p.m., $12-$15).


—Meredith Deliso

Photo by Ted D'Ottavio