It's that time of year again: Hanukkah, the eight-day long Jewish holiday, is less than one week away. The holiday begins this Saturday at sunset, and lasts until the evening of Dec. 16. For those in the Crimson community who celebrate (and for those who'd like to check it out), Harvard and the surrounding area offer several activities. Flyby picked out a few:

• Celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah at Harvard Hillel next Saturday with a latke reception and Hanukkah candlelighting with Dr. Alan Garber, Harvard University's provost.

• Go to the Boston Common any night of Hanukkah from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. for a public Menorah lighting sponsored by Chabad of Downtown Boston.

• The Central Reform Temple in Boston is hosting a Hanukkah cantata, an annual event in which a group of singers and instrumentalists "explores messages of major contemporary importance for people of all religious traditions" through song. It will take place on the evening of Dec. 9 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event, called "A Light Through The Ages," is open to all.

In the midst of finals preparation and the end of the semester, it might be a good idea to take a break, eat some latkes, and light some candles.