Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Orthodox Christmas: dates to know

The holiday season is for connecting with family, friends and neighbors, and noting all the holidays our loved ones celebrate. Here are a few important dates your circle of friends might observe:

• Kwanzaa takes place from Dec. 26 – Jan. 1. This holiday celebrates African heritage and traditions.

• The eight days of lights known as Hanukkah ends on Dec. 6. The Jewish holiday honors the rededication of the second Jewish temple in Jerusalem.

• Orthodox Christmas will be observed on Jan. 7 and is often commemorated with a starring ceremony, where participants follow a dignitary who carries a twirling star while others sing.

– Ashleigh Ebert, The Alaska 100