December 8-16: Lights for Eight Nights

Hanukkah, the festival of lights, begins this Saturday night. To celebrate the eight night long holiday, Grand Army Plaza will light the world’s largest menorah. The 32-foot-high, gold-colored, 4,000-pound steel holiday icon will be lit each night, celebrating the festive occasion. Grand Army Plaza, 59th Street and Fifth Ave, Sat 8:30 PM, Sun-Thurs 5:30 PM, Fri 3:30 PM, Sat 8:30 PM

December 9: Roberta’s Cheer

Renowned Brooklyn eatery Roberta’s is getting into the holiday spirit. This Sunday, the restaurant will host a holiday market showcasing local vendors, drinks and even a “Bad Santa” photo studio to help you get into the holiday spirit. 261 Moore Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 718 417 1118, 10 AM- 12 AM

December 10: Latkes Everywhere

The Fourth Annual Latke Festival will bring together chefs from 16 local restaurants who will all compete to be crowned the latke king. Along with the crunchy fried potato goodness, mini bialys and sufganyiot, a Jewish jelly doughnut, will be available for noshing. Drinks will be provided in the form of a open bar hosted by aptly named Shmaltz Brewing Company. Additionally, profits from the event will be donated to the Sylvia Center for childhood nutrition as if you didn’t already have plenty of reason to go. BAM Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Ave, 6:20 PM, $55

December 11: Food Fight

Join Tasting Table and take a stand on the great food debates of our time. Benefitting the Food Bank of New York, this food centric bonanza seeks to end the dispute on some of our favorite fares. Fried vs. raw oysters? Brunch that’s sweet or savory? Dark meat or white? These questions and more will be answered at what is sure to be a fun and filling event. To purchase tickets and for full event info click here. Powerhouse Arena, 37 Main Street, Fort Greene, Brooklyn, 6:30- 9PM, $112

December 12: Concert for a Cause

Many New Yorkers and others in the area are still feeling the effects of Frankenstorm Sandy that ravaged the area just over a month ago. The same people that put together the Concert for New York City are now throwing a blow out bash for Sandy. Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney, The Who, Kanye West, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band are just a few of the acts on the star-studded lineup for the concert known as 12.12.12.  Madison Square Garden, 2 Penn Plaza (7th Ave & 32nd Street), 7:30 PM, $150+

December 13: Potato + Wheat

Not sure what to drink with your Hanukah latkes? Craft brewer Dan Moss and chef Russell Moss solve the Hanukkah pairing conundrum where the team will pair up the carbs for the fifth year. The pairings are sure not to be what you are used to- forget potato and onion versions of the fried treat, this event will showcase imaginative varieties of the traditional Hanukkah food and the artisanal brews that go with them. Full event and ticket purchase info can be found here. 92YTribeca, 200 Hudson Street, 7 pM, $22 for 5 pairings ($25 at the door)