EAST COBB - Chanukah, also known as Hanukkah, is perhaps the most widely known holiday on the Jewish calendar. But because it takes place around the same time as Christmas, it sometimes gets mistaken as being the "Jewish Christmas."

Debora Norby and her family, who are Jewish, are new east Cobb residents. She said it can be difficult getting her two daughters, Laine, 5, and Lauren, 2, to appreciate Hanukkah when it has to compete with the overwhelming amount of Christmas activities that take place this time of the year.

"They can feel left out at Christmas time," she said.

To fill the void for Jewish families, a nonprofit has started "Chanukah Wonderland," 3,000-square-feet of Hanukkah and Judaic activities for children of all ages and religions. It opened Dec. 10 and continues from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. todayand Tuesday at the Olde Towne shopping Center, 736 Johnson Ferry Road, suite A9. It is free to the public.

Chanukah Wonderland features a Dreidel House where children can meet Judah the Macabee and hear the Hanukkah story. There's also a Chanukah Legoland area, rock climbing on "Mt. Olives," a Chanukah archaeological dig and theater, an interactive Chanukah media center, olive press demonstrations and Chanukah craft making.

"The Jewish community is a minority here. It's a large, Christian community," said Rabbi Ephraim Silverman of Chabad of Cobb.

"We wanted to do something for the Jewish community that would provide an opportunity for them to bring their kids somewhere, where they can learn about the holiday and enjoy the activities, and become more educated about the holiday in a fun and interactive way."

More than 1,000 people are expected to visit Chanukah Wonderland, Silverman said. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, it will conclude with a grand menorah lighting.

According to Judaic tradition, the menorah is lit each night during the eight-days of Chanukah, which began on Dec. 11. The Festival of Lights symbolizes the overcoming of great odds when Jews in ancient times were under Greek rule.

"It's a celebration of religious freedom, the few over the many and freedom over tyranny," Silverman said.