The longest nights of the year in Pittsburgh feel especially dreary when the forecast continuously calls for rain. With the winter solstice just ahead of us, ditch the darkness and prepare for lighter days by celebrating the Festival of Lights.Here’s a list of places around town that serve kosher eats and treats, as well as five events to observe Hanukkah.EatsPigeon Bagels 5613 Hobart St., Squirrel HillPigeon’s menu is chock full of traditional Jewish breads and desserts, like challah, babka and rugelach. That’s on top of their bagels — which are often touted as some of the best in town. All of its dairy products, like the “schmears” for bagels, are Cholov Yisroel.Be wary: Pigeon’s acclaim means long lines.Pigeon Bagels is open Wednesdays through Mondays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or until it sells out.Peanut chew doughnuts from The Pop Cakery. Photo by Nechema Huber courtesy of The Pop Cakery.The Pop Cakery Online orders onlyLooking for local cookies shipped nationwide? The Pop Cakery makes custom cookies, cakes and chocolate confections that blur the line between kosher treats and art. Their Hanukkah offerings include embellished chocolate covered Oreos, peanut chew doughnuts, personalized menorah plaque cookies, dreidel cookie sleeves and more.Order through its online platform, with the option to pay an additional fee for two-day or overnight shipping.Bunny Bakes 1926 Murray Ave., Squirrel HillBunny Bakes opened in November 2023 and provides adults of all abilities opportunities for employment while serving kosher pastries. The cafe is most conducive to grabbing a coffee and sweet treat, but it also offers prepackaged goods and cookie trays for events.Bunny Bakes is open Sundays through Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Latkes from Eighteen. Photo courtesy of Cafe Eighteen.Eighteen, the cafe at Pinskers 2028 Murray Ave., Squirrel HillIf a full meal is on your mind, your reservation is best made at Eighteen. Attached to wine and book store Pinskers, Eighteen’s kitchen is strictly kosher. Its menu spans ethnicities, from Mediterranean mains like lamb kofte to sushi — which must be ordered in advance — and tacos.Eighteen is open Sundays through Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. It’s also open for lunch service from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. by reservation only.The New York Burger: Pulled pastrami, lettuce, tomato, house pickle and caramelized onion, sharp mustard on a pretzel bun. Photo courtesy of Manna.Elegant Edge Catering Co.  Online orders and available at various locationsIt’s a little late to order full-service catering, but Elegant Edge’s kitchen fuels many other local eateries. Its in-house to-go restaurant, Manna, is based in Squirrel Hill. The spot serves burgers, sandwiches, sushi and more. The company also offers family-style Shabbot takeout dinners on Friday afternoons, but orders must be placed by Wednesday afternoons.Elegant Edge’s food is also served at The Edge and the Zebra Lounge cafes as well as Tahini Mediterranean restaurant. All three are on Carnegie Mellon University’s campus.Kosher-certified chain restaurants Various locationsA handful of chains around town have locations that are kosher certified by the Vaad Harabonim of Pittsburgh. View the full list here.EventsGut Yontif: A Patchwork Holiday ExperienceFor one night only, experience the story of Hanukkah through zines and painted silk panels from the Rauh Jewish Archives at the Senator John Heinz History Center.Gut Yontif will be hosted by Pittsburgh-based artist Rosalind Rosabel on Saturday, Dec. 28, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased through the Heinz History Center.Menorah lighting at the City-County buildingOn Thursday, Dec. 26, Mayor Ed Gainey and other community leaders will light a 12-foot menorah at 414 Grant St. According to the city’s website, latke and doughnuts will be served at the free event alongside live music.South Hills Lights Chanukah Festival 2023. Photo courtesy of Chabad of the South Hills.South Hills Lights Chanukah FestivalHosted by the Chabad of the South Hills and borough of Dormont, the annual South Hills Lights celebration returns to the Dormont Park & Pool on Monday, Dec. 30.The free festival kicks off at 5 p.m. and will bring a fire show, photo booth and fire truck gelt drop to the pool’s parking lot. Latkes, doughnuts and hot drinks will also be available.RSVP on the Chabad of South Hills’ website.Greenfield Chanukah FestivalA festival hosted Bnai Emunoh Chabad of Greenfield is promising glow sticks, free doughnuts, a chocolate gelt toss with the Pirate Parrot and a live children’s program hosted by Rabbi B — a Jewish children’s educator and musician.The free festival kicks off at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29, at 4315 Murray Ave.Drinks & Dreidels 2023. Photo courtesy of Chabad Young Professionals of Pittsburgh.Drinks & DreidelsTake a spin over to the Strip District to kick off Hanukkah with Chabad Young Professionals Pittsburgh. Drinks & Dreidels brings a menorah lighting, craft cocktails, latkes, doughnuts and a Chinese buffet to the club room at The Yards at 3 Crossings.The event is on Wednesday, Dec. 25, at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 and are available for purchase on Chabad Young Professionals’ website.More eventsMenorah lighting at Temple Ohav Shalom in Allison Park. Friday, Dec. 27, at 6:00 p.m. RSVP here. Shabbat Chanukah Latke Fest at Tree of Life Congregation. Friday, Dec. 27, at 5 p.m. More information here.The post Celebrate Hanukkah in Pittsburgh with these foods and events appeared first on NEXTpittsburgh.