Mayor to light 15-foot-tall menorah tonight at Universal CityWalk

A 15-foot, 1,000-pound menorah will be lighted Sunday night at Universal CityWalk in what is billed as one of Southern California’s largest Hanukkah celebrations.

The 11th Annual Festival of Lights begins at 7 p.m. A number of local officials will be there, including Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who will light the menorah.

The celebration, at Universal CityWalk’s “5 Towers,” will include a free concert, kosher food and dancing. Jewish rock bands and the L.A. Cheder Boys Choir are scheduled to perform.

The event is one in a string of holiday celebrations. Upcoming events include fresh snow, nightly holiday readings and a “Grinchmas” event at Universal Studios Hollywood.

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--Scott Gold

Photo: Universal CityWalk. Credit: Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times