No matter how you choose to spell it — Chanukah, Hanukkah, or חֲנוּכָּה in Hebrew —  this beloved holiday is celebrated by Jewish families around the world. It takes place during the Hebrew month of Kislev, which, depending on the year, can fall anytime from late fall to winter. Also known as the Festival of Lights, this special week commemorates the victory of the Judean army — the Maccabees — over tyrannical Greek rule around 200 BCE, and the miracles that occurred at that time.

Today, Jewish people around the world celebrate Hanukkah for eight days and eight nights by reciting blessings and lighting menorah candles, playing games of dreidel (spinning tops), eating sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) and latkes (potato pancakes), singing songs, and spending time with friends and family. (And, yes, lots of presents!)

But, each country has its own particular Hanukkah customs, foods, and overall flair. You’ll also find that while people may celebrate Hanukkah a little bit differently across the globe, the light, faith, and spirit of the holiday remain universal. So, if you’d like to experience a Hanukkah like no other, check out some of these unique Hanukkah celebrations around the world.

Oh, and chag sameach!

Mumbai, India

IMG_20161229_185525 by Chabad Lubavitch licensed under CC by 2.0

While India may not immediately come to mind as a place to celebrate Hanukkah, Mumbai offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and traditions of the Bene Israel and Baghdadi Jewish communities, which have thrived in the region for centuries. The Bene Israel, believed to have arrived on India’s western coast over 2,000 years ago, has left a lasting mark on the local culture and religious practices. Many international travelers visit Mumbai during the Festival of Lights to immerse themselves in this distinctive intersection of Jewish and Indian heritage.

Start your journey with a guided tour exploring Mumbai’s 10 synagogues, such as the Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue, renowned for its stunning blue façade and history dating back to the 19th century. The historic Gate of Mercy Synagogue, built in 1796, also reflects the enduring presence of the Jewish community in the city. Don’t miss the menorah lighting ceremony in front of the iconic Gateway of India, where tradition blends with a distinctly Indian twist—wicks soaked in coconut oil are used instead of wax candles. Indulge in festive treats like barfi, a milk-based sweet often infused with tropical fruits, offering a delightful nod to India’s culinary traditions during the holiday.

New York City

Did you know that New York City is home to the world’s largest menorahs? One is prominently displayed in front of the Plaza Hotel on 59th Street in Manhattan, a symbol of Jewish pride and resilience in the heart of the city. The lighting ceremony, often accompanied by festive music and traditional blessings, draws crowds from across the city. A similar menorah can be found in Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza, where nightly lightings are part of a broader celebration organized by the local Chabad community. Both menorahs stand an impressive 32 feet tall and weigh about 4,000 pounds each, conforming to the maximum height allowed under Jewish law for a kosher menorah.

For a modern twist on tradition, check out the Major League Dreidel event, where competitors spin dreidels in a high-energy setting, complete with live Jewish music and an electric atmosphere. This playful competition has become a favorite for locals and visitors alike during Hanukkah. When hunger strikes, indulge in Hanukkah treats like freshly fried sufganiyot available at bakeries throughout the city or pick up some rich, handmade gelt (chocolate coins) from Li-Lac Chocolates, the city’s oldest chocolate house, crafting confections since 1923.

Jerusalem

Observing Hanukkah in Jerusalem offers a profound connection to the holiday’s roots. The city comes alive with the resonant sounds of “Ma’oz Tzur” sung by families and congregations, a hymn that recounts the resilience and triumphs of the Jewish people through history. This stirring melody echoes across the city, creating an atmosphere steeped in tradition and unity.

A highlight of the celebrations is the Hanukkah Torch Relay, a modern tribute to the ancient story of the Maccabees. The relay begins in Modiin, the birthplace of the Hanukkah story, where runners carry an Olympic-style torch along a route culminating at the Western Wall. The relay concludes with the chief rabbi lighting a giant menorah, a symbolic act that ties the city’s celebrations to the heart of Jewish heritage.

As night falls, take a walking tour through the narrow streets of Jerusalem’s neighborhoods to admire the menorahs displayed in specially designed glass boxes embedded in stone walls. These niches, built into homes, allow the light of Hanukkah candles to shine outward, illuminating the streets in a display that blends personal devotion with public celebration.

Rome

Begin your visit to Rome by viewing the menorah at Piazza Bologna, a central gathering point for Hanukkah celebrations in the city. This lively square often hosts events during the holiday, setting the tone for your exploration of Rome’s Jewish traditions.

Also a must-see is the Jewish Quarter, one of the oldest in Europe and a hub of cultural and culinary history. Here, you can indulge in carciofi alla giudia, crispy fried artichokes that celebrate the significance of oil in the Hanukkah story. Another treat to savor is precipizi, small fried dough balls coated in warm honey, which pair wonderfully with a glass of local wine.

On the last night of Hanukkah, head to Piazza Barberini to witness the lighting of a 20-foot-tall menorah, a focal point of the city’s festivities. The celebratory atmosphere continues as locals and visitors fill the streets, enjoying food, drink, and lively conversation late into the night.

London 

Trafalgar Square Menorah -3 by Chabad Lubavitch licensed under CC by 2.0

London’s Trafalgar Square provides a striking backdrop for Hanukkah celebrations, featuring the lighting of the giant menorah, a centerpiece of the city’s festivities. This annual event, accompanied by music and community gatherings, highlights the city’s vibrant Jewish heritage. Explore the Jewish Museum London, home to an impressive collection of Hanukkah lamps, including a poignant piece crafted from a World War I shell, symbolizing resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. The museum offers a deeper understanding of Jewish traditions and the significance of Hanukkah in Jewish history.

For a historical and culinary experience, take a self-guided walking tour of London’s East End. This area was once a hub for Jewish immigrants and the site of the famous Battle for Cable Street in 1936, when locals stood together against fascism. Along Fournier Street, you’ll find legendary bagel shops that have been serving the community for generations—perfect for grabbing a taste of London’s Jewish culinary traditions.

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San Francisco

San Francisco City Hall, First Night of Hanukkah

San Francisco’s Hanukkah celebrations offer a blend of tradition, history, and community spirit that makes the city a memorable destination for the Festival of Lights. In 1975, San Francisco became the first place outside Jerusalem to host a public menorah-lighting ceremony, and this legacy continues with an event at Union Square. The menorah, designed by renowned artist Yaacov Agam, is an iconic feature of the city’s holiday season. On the first night of Hanukkah, families gather to participate in activities, enjoy live music, and watch as a beam of light shoots a mile high from the menorah, accompanied by a rabbi’s heartfelt call for unity among people of all faiths.

Beyond Union Square, San Francisco offers additional ways to celebrate Hanukkah. Head to the Contemporary Jewish Museum to explore exhibitions that highlight Jewish art, culture, and history, often including special Hanukkah-themed programs during the holiday season. For those seeking traditional Hanukkah treats, the city’s Jewish delis and bakeries, such as Wise Sons, offer freshly fried latkes, sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), and other holiday favorites.

You can also take a stroll through neighborhoods like the Mission District and Noe Valley, where local synagogues and community centers host menorah lightings, family events, and educational workshops. These gatherings provide a chance to connect with the local Jewish community and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Hanukkah.

FAQs:

Q: When does Hanukkah take place?
A: Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, which usually falls in late November or December on the Gregorian calendar. The holiday lasts for eight days.

Q: Is Hanukkah celebrated only at night?
A: While the menorah is traditionally lit after sunset, Hanukkah celebrations, including events and activities, take place throughout the day and evening.

Q: Are public menorah lightings free to attend?
A: Most public menorah lightings, like those in Union Square or Trafalgar Square, are free and open to the public. Some may offer additional activities that require registration or a fee.

Q: What is the significance of lighting the menorah during Hanukkah?
A: Lighting the menorah commemorates the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days during the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Each night, an additional candle is lit to symbolize increasing holiness and spreading light during the holiday.

Q: Do I need to be Jewish to attend Hanukkah events?
A: No, Hanukkah events are typically inclusive and welcome people of all faiths who are interested in learning about and celebrating the holiday.

Q: What is the best way to find Hanukkah events in a city?
A: Check local Jewish community centers, synagogues, or cultural organizations for event listings. Many cities also post schedules online for public menorah lightings, museum exhibits, and other activities.

Q: Are there special gifts associated with Hanukkah?
A: Hanukkah gifts are often modest and include items like chocolate gelt (coins), dreidels, or small tokens. Some families also exchange books, games, or crafts for children during the holiday.

Are there any other Hanukkah celebrations around the world have you enjoyed? Tell us in the comments below!