"There are very few opportunities available like this where you can celebrate Chanukah as a joyous holiday," Doug Bricker said about walking into the storefront at 384 Broadway to shop for the Jewish holiday.

"We made it a special point to visit the store," he said.

Only open for the month of December, Saratoga Chanukah Wonderland is Rabbi Abba Rubin's attempt to spread the word about the holiday while selling merchandise used in the celebration.

Last year, Rubin was out on Broadway for the Victorian Streetwalk. He decided to take up a more permanent station through the holiday season. Chanukah begins at sunset on Sunday, Dec. 25, this year.

"It's a light holiday. It's a warm holiday," Rubin said about the Festival of Lights, which marks the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem after the defeat of the Syrians.

Since opening, Rubin said he has handed out 3,000 dreidels, the tops associated with Chanukah. In addition to providing crafts for children, he also serves hot apple cider and latkes, potato pancakes.

The store is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday; 1 to 6 p.m., Monday through Wednesday; 1 to 8 p.m., Thursday; and Fridays by appointment by calling 526-0773.

Rubin said the store would be staffed by himself and volunteers throughout the month.