Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is an important Jewish holiday celebrated over the course of eight days in the Hebrew month of Kislev. A ritual practiced for centuries, Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, when the Jewish people reclaimed the holy site from oppressive rulers and relit the Menorah. While Jews around the world observe this joyous and meaningful holiday, Hanukkah isn’t just celebrated in certain countries—it’s observed in many countries across the globe.
Table of Contents
The History of Hanukkah
The story of Hanukkah dates back to the 2nd century BCE, during the time of the Hasmonean Dynasty, when the Jewish Maccabees were fighting for religious freedom against Greek-Syrian oppressors. Against all odds, the Maccabees were victorious, and when the two sides attempted to rededicate the temple that had been desecrated by the Greek-Syrians, they discovered that there only enough oil to light the Menorah for one night. Miraculously, the menorah’s flame burned for eight days and eight nights. This was seen as a sign from the divine, and to commemorate, Jews around the world light a menorah for eight days and nights each Kislev.
What Countries Celebrate Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is an integral part of Jewish traditions that is celebrated all around the world, including many countries across the world. In Europe, Hanukkah is celebrated in countries like England, Belgium, Denmark, France, Hungary, The Netherlands, Spain, and Germany. Other countries where the Festival of Lights is celebrated include Morocco, Algeria, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. With the exception of Israel, where Hanukkah is one of the most important public holidays, it is observed more as a family celebration than as a national holiday in other countries.
How Is Hanukkah Celebrated Around the World?
Though Hanukkah customs and traditions vary from community to community and even family to family, in general, people observing Hanukkah gather together to light special Hanukkah candles. This usually occurs in the home in the presence of family and friends. Other Hanukkah activities include singing songs, playing dreidel games, and exchanging gifts. In many Sephardic communities, a special Hanukkah food such as latkes (potato pancakes fried in oil) or sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts) are eaten to mark the occasion.
Where Is Hanukkah Celebrated?
The Hanukkah holiday isn’t just celebrated in countries with a predominant Jewish population. People of all different backgrounds partake in the festivities, in large cities and small towns alike. Some of the most popular places to celebrate Hanukkah include:
- The White House – The President of the United States has held an official Hanukkah celebration since 1979.
- The Old City of Jerusalem – The sites of the Maccabean victory are all around the Old City, and being there to light the menorah in front of the Western Wall is a powerful experience.
- The Western Wall Plaza – The City of Jerusalem lights a giant menorah as part of the Grand Hanukkah Festival.
- Manhattan– New York City hosts a variety of Hanukkah celebrations, including an annual lighting of the menorah in Grand Army Plaza.
- Universal Studios Hollywood – Los Angeles celebrates with a large menorah lighting, live entertainment, and kosher food offerings.
Hanukkah is a holiday of joy and celebration—an occasion to be shared with friends and family, no matter where you are in the world. While the traditional menorah lighting and celebration of miracles might look a little different if you’re not in Israel or a predominantly Jewish area, many countries around the world host Hanukkah events, meals, and customs. Whether you’re celebrating far away from home or close to a synagogue, Hanukkah is a special time to reflect on the past, the present, and what’s to come.
Related Products:
- How Many Countries Celebrate Hanukkah?
- Which Countries Celebrate Hanukkah?
- What Other Countries Celebrate Hanukkah?
- Hanukkah Is Celebrated In What Countries?
- What Countries Is Hanukkah Celebrated In?
- How Hanukkah Is Celebrated In Different Countries?
- Where Do They Celebrate Hanukkah?
- Where Do People Celebrate Hanukkah?
- Where Do We Celebrate Hanukkah?
- In What Countries Is Hanukkah Celebrated?
- How Many People Celebrate Hanukkah In The World?
- What Event Does The Jewish Festival Of Hanukkah Celebrate?
- What Does The Jewish Feast Of Hanukkah Celebrate?
- Happy Hanukkah To Those Who Celebrate?
- How Do People Celebrate Hanukkah?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.