Between now and the end of the year, here are some religious and social events in Venice and Marina del Rey to keep in mind.

The Mishkon Tephilo, a Jewish synagogue on Main Street in operation since 1948, will host their Chanukah party Sunday, Dec. 18. This family event is open to the general public and will have singing, Israeli dancing and dinner for everyone. Suggested donations and other Mishkon sponsored Chanukah events can be found right here. 

On Tuesday, Dec. 20, Hornblower Cruises will offer a Holiday Lights and Sips tour. This two-hour evening cruise includes holiday music, hors d'oeuvres, glass of champagne upon boarding and, of course, cash bar specials. The festive cruise is marked at $40. More information can be found right here.

Many affiliations and churches call Marina del Rey and Venice their home. Any one of them can be a haven on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The Church of Saint Mark in Venice offers services all day Dec. 24 from their 3:30 p.m. Family Mass with children's choir, to their Midnight Mass that night.

The First Lutheran Church of Venice offers a Christmas Eve candlelight service, as well as Christmas Day service at 11 a.m. More information on First Lutheran Church of Venice services can be found right here.

Sometimes Christmas dinners are better left to the professionals. Kick back and enjoy an exquisite dinner at the Chart House, Marina del Rey on Dec 25. This fine dining restaurant will be serving their traditional menu from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended.

If this New Year's Eve calls for a little more glamour than the local watering hole can provide, go to the Glow Lounge in Marina del Rey. Glow is hosting their Times Square New Year's Eve bash on Dec. 31. An all-star line-up of DJ's and a sexy club scene create the backdrop for a memorable night, complete with the world famous ball-drop and champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $30 (flier attached). 

Welcome in the New Year yoga style with Exhale Venice events. Renowned yoga teacher Annie Carpenter will lead a three-hour yoga workshop Jan. 1 focused on releasing the past and setting future intentions. This $40 class begins at 12:30 p.m.

Also Jan. 1, join yoga teacher Saul David Raye, scholar Laura Amazzone and special guest musicians at Exhale Venice for a ritual celebration of the New Year. Ancient traditions of puja and kirtan help to enter the new year with good blessings and intentions. The event costs $30 and begins at 7 p.m. For more information on how to sign up for any Exhale workshop, please visit here and click on Workshops Events.

If you have an event you'd like to add to the Patch calendar, just click here for Venice Patch and here for Marina del Rey Patch. It's FREE.