As candles begin to glow in homes and public squares, Jewish communities around the world mark the start of Hanukkah 2025, celebrating faith, resilience, and hope.
Hanukkah – Festival of Lights Shines
Hanukkah commemorates the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE, when Jewish rebels reclaimed Jerusalem’s Temple from Greek-Syrian rulers and restored it to Jewish worship. The festival marks the rededication of the Temple and celebrates the miracle of oil. In which a single day’s supply of pure olive oil is said to have burned for eight days until new oil could be prepared.
The uprising began under the rule of King Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The king sought to impose Hellenistic practices, outlawed key aspects of Jewish law and desecrated the Temple. In response, a priest named Mattathias and his sons—later known as the Maccabees—launched a guerrilla resistance against the Seleucid Empire.
Led by Judah Maccabee, the rebels ultimately defeated Greek forces and recaptured the Temple in 165 BCE. After cleansing and rededicating the site, they established an eight-day celebration starting on the 25th of Kislev, a tradition that continues today.
Modern observances honour this history through the lighting of the menorah. Along with the preparation of foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot, symbolising faith, perseverance and divine providence.
Eight Nights of Light in 2025
Hanukkah in 2025 will begin at sundown on Sunday, December 14. It will conclude at nightfall on Monday, December 22, as Jewish communities mark the eight-day Festival of Lights commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Candles, Courage, and Community
The celebration centres on lighting the menorah, or hanukkiah, each night. The hanukkiah is an eight-branched candelabrum with a ninth candle, known as the shamash, which people use to light the other candles. They light one additional candle each evening, accompanied by traditional blessings and special prayers added to daily worship.
Family and community traditions form the heart of the festival. Households prepare foods fried in oil, such as potato latkes and jelly-filled doughnuts (sufganiyot), symbolising the miracle of the oil. Children often play dreidel using chocolate coins known as gelt, while many families exchange gifts or donate to charity.
Across cities, public menorah lightings and communal gatherings bring people together to share meals, sing songs and reflect on themes of light, hope and resilience that have defined Hanukkah for centuries.
Hanukkah 2025: A Global Glow
Hanukkah 2025, running from December 14 to 22. People will mark it with large public menorah lightings, music, and community celebrations across major global cities, including Jerusalem, New York, Paris, and London. From historic squares to iconic landmarks, the Festival of Lights will bring together families and visitors of all backgrounds to celebrate unity, tradition and hope.
In Jerusalem, the festival takes on special significance as people illuminate the Old City with menorah lightings, project lights onto the ancient walls, and organise concerts and family-friendly events. The locations, such as Zion Square and the Western Wall, are expected to host major gatherings. Alongside cultural programmes at institutions, including the National Library of Israel, will also be observed.
In New York City, home to some of the world’s largest public menorahs, celebrations will unfold across all five boroughs. Prominent lightings are planned at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn and near Central Park on Fifth Avenue. These are also accompanied by Hanukkah carnivals, music performances and community events, many organised by Chabad groups.
Paris will once again host giant menorah ceremonies near landmark locations, including the Eiffel Tower. It will also include evening events featuring traditional music and public gatherings across the city.
In London, Trafalgar Square will host the popular “Chanukah on the Square.” It will feature live music, dancing, doughnuts and the lighting of one of Europe’s tallest menorahs. It will also offer cultural performances, food and activities for families, along with additional celebrations of the festival.
Together, these events reflect the global spirit of Hanukkah, blending ancient tradition with public celebration and a shared message of light and resilience.
Hanukkah 2025 in a Global Context
Amid heightened global tensions, Jewish communities are observing Hanukkah in 2025. It will place renewed emphasis on themes of light, resilience and collective strength. Many see this year’s celebrations as an affirmation of identity and continuity. As they are drawing inspiration from the Maccabees’ historic struggle to preserve their faith,
Public menorah lightings have taken on added significance. It symbolises unity, spiritual survival and a determination to uphold tradition in the face of rising antisemitism. What are often quiet rituals have, for many, become visible expressions of hope and defiance against intimidation.
At home and in community spaces, families are gathering to share traditional foods and retell the Hanukkah story. This practice reinforces bonds and passes on a sense of heritage that continues to sustain Jewish life across generations.
A Festival of Light and Hope
As the final candle is lit, Hanukkah 2025 closes with a renewed message of faith and perseverance. Across generations and borders, the festival continues to celebrate the triumph of hope over hardship. In a world often shadowed by uncertainty, the glow of the menorah reminds many that even small lights can make a lasting difference.
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