What is Chanukah?
Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday celebrating courage, faith, and the triumph of light over darkness.
It commemorates the victory of the Maccabees and the miracle of the Temple oil, which burned for eight days despite there being only enough for one. Each night, families light the menorah, adding another candle as the holiday progresses and filling their homes with warmth and light. Chanukah is a time to gather with loved ones, honour tradition, and celebrate hope, resilience, and Jewish identity.
This year Chanukah takes place December 4 – December 12.
Public Menorah Lightings
Celebrate Chanukah in public spaces throughout the region with music, community, and the lighting of the menorah. Contact us to register.
Traditions & Highlights
- Lighting the menorah each night
- Reciting blessings and singing Chanukah songs
- Eating foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot
- Playing dreidel
- Giving gelt and gifts
- Public menorah lightings
Recipes
Celebrate Chanukah at home with traditional foods:
Photo Gallery
Take a look at past Chanukah celebrations in Niagara, where families and friends gathered to light the menorah, enjoy traditional foods, and celebrate the warmth, joy, and spirit of the Festival of Lights together.
