Rabbi Nochum Light said he was excited about the great turn out for the "Chanukah Wonderland" celebration Tuesday night at Westfield Annapolis mall.

It was the first year that a celebration of such scale had been held in the mall, he said. And it was a success, Light said, with more at least 200 people stopping by the lobby near Pottery Barn to celebrate the start of Hanukkah, the annual Festival of Lights.

"We wanted to get the entire Jewish community together," Light said.

He said students from Aleph Bet Jewish Day School in Annapolis and Daniel Rothman School sang songs for the crowd and there were many activities, such as magician, arts and crafts and hot latkes for the children.

They also lit a large menorah that Light said would remain in the mall throughout the holiday, with another light illuminated each day.

The event was organized by Chabad of Anne Arundel County, which Light said is dedicated to education and outreach in the community.

Last year, a large menorah was placed in Annapolis Towne Centre at Parole.

Have some photos from the party? It's easy to share them for everyone to enjoy. Just click the "upload photo" button on this page.