Hanukkah 2012 in Temple Terrace

This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 8, and ends a week later on Sunday, Dec. 16.

According to Chabad.org, Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. For those of us who aren't attuned to the Jewish calendar, that translates to sundown on Saturday, Dec. 8.

On Dec. 8, the Jewish Student Center at the University of South Florida will have a Hanukkah Party in the Marshall Student Center, according to the group's Facebook page for the event. There will be a giant menorah, as well as traditional holiday foods and music. The event is open to all members of the Tampa Bay Jewish community.

On Dec. 10, the Jewish Student Center at USF will have the eigth annual Hanukkah on Ice and in the Park at Curtis Hixon Park, according to the group's Facebook page for the event. A 12-foot ballon menorah will be lit, and there will be ice skating, kosher food and more.

"Spread the word both are open to all & for all ages!" wrote Rabbi Uriel Rivkin on the group's Facebook page.

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the story of the Maccabean Revolt against Syrian rulers in present day Israel 2,300 years ago. The Maccabees wanted to rededicate Jerusalem's main temple but had only enough oil to kindle the Eternal Light for one day. The oil lasted for eight days, according to the story, and the holiday of Hanukkah was born.

Today, Jews generally celebrate by gathering together with family, lighting one candle on the menorah each of the eight nights, playing dreidel and eating special holiday foods such as potato latkes and babka.

Where are you celebrating Hanukkah? If you observe the holiday, what are your plans? Tell us in the comments.