United States Joins Canada, UK, Argentina, Israel, Brazil and More Countries Celebrating Hanukkah Like Never Before

Published on December 17, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

United States joins Canada, UK, Argentina, Israel, Brazil and more countries celebrating Hanukkah like never before. The United States joins its global partners, including Canada, the UK, Argentina, Israel, and Brazil, in an inspiring, collective illumination.

Never before have more countries participated in such visible and joyful Hanukkah celebrations. Each nation, from the United States to Israel, contributes to this unique, expansive expression of faith. More countries celebrating Hanukkah signifies a beautiful shared heritage. Travel And Tour World urges our readers: this is like never before. Don’t miss the complete story detailing how the United States joins this incredible global event.

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions of people around the globe. But did you know how this eight-day festival is observed in countries far and wide? From Israel, where Hanukkah is a central part of national life, to the streets of New York City, this festival brings people together in spectacular and heartwarming ways.

This article in Travel And Tour World will take you on a journey around the world to explore how countries celebrate Hanukkah. You will be amazed by the traditions, cultural expressions, and unique ways people celebrate this meaningful festival. Whether you’re in the heart of Israel or in a bustling city like London or New York, you’ll experience a sense of warmth, light, and togetherness that transcends borders.

Hanukkah in Israel: A National Celebration of Light and Unity

When it comes to Hanukkah, Israel takes the spotlight as the heart of this festival. The entire nation embraces the Jewish festival with a fervor unlike anywhere else in the world. Streets across the country are adorned with menorahs, and families gather together to light the candles of the menorah every night.

The country’s synagogues, schools, and public spaces all host celebrations, making Hanukkah feel like a national cultural event. In cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, giant menorahs are erected in public squares for all to see, lighting up the night sky in a display of unity and light. Hanukkah in Israel is a chance for Jewish people to come together to honor the miracle of the oil in the Second Temple, and the festive spirit is shared by citizens and tourists alike.

The country’s official acknowledgement of Hanukkah has made it not just a religious observance but a national cultural festival that brings the country together each year. Read more on the official tourism website.

United States: Hanukkah Lights Up the Nation with National Menorah Lighting and Public Festivities

The United States stands as another country where Hanukkah is celebrated with much grandeur. Every year, the iconic National Menorah lighting ceremony is held near the White House in Washington, D.C. This spectacular event is not only a religious symbol but also an example of the cultural influence Hanukkah has on American society.

Hundreds of thousands of people attend the ceremony, including public officials, Jewish leaders, and families from all walks of life. Major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles light up with menorahs, parades, and festivals that reflect the Jewish community’s influence on the national stage. New York City, in particular, hosts the World’s Largest Menorah in Manhattan, drawing massive crowds every year.

Here, the celebration reaches across generations, where even those from outside the Jewish community come together to witness the beauty of the menorah’s lights. Public menorah lighting events in cities like Chicago and Miami also show how Hanukkah is integrated into the broader American cultural fabric. More on Hanukkah celebrations in America.

Canada: A Celebration of Hanukkah in Communities Nationwide

In Canada, Hanukkah is widely observed by the Jewish community, with celebrations taking place across the country. In cities like Toronto and Montreal, Jewish families gather in their homes and public spaces to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Public menorah lightings in places like Toronto City Hall showcase the importance of the festival to the country’s diverse communities. The Jewish community in Canada makes sure that Hanukkah is celebrated with joy and togetherness. The country’s largest cities, including Vancouver and Ottawa, also see menorah lightings and festive gatherings.

These public ceremonies are an opportunity for Canadians from all backgrounds to witness the beauty of Jewish traditions firsthand. With its rich diversity, Canada provides a warm embrace for all religious festivals, and Hanukkah is no exception. Discover more about Canadian celebrations.

United Kingdom: Menorahs Shine Bright in the Heart of London

The United Kingdom also stands as a prime destination for Hanukkah celebrations, especially in London, where the public menorah lighting ceremony in Trafalgar Square draws thousands of people. This iconic event is organized by Chabad, a Jewish religious organization, and has become a symbol of Jewish unity. Over the course of the festival, London’s Jewish community hosts vibrant events and festivals, showcasing Hanukkah’s cultural importance.

While Hanukkah is not a national holiday in the UK, the public menorah and community events create a warm festive atmosphere that draws people of all faiths.

From Hanukkah parties to traditional meals of latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), the UK embraces this celebration with gusto. Across the UK, public menorah lightings are held in other cities like Manchester and Birmingham, bringing a slice of Jewish tradition to the UK’s vibrant multicultural society.

Latin America: A Growing Hanukkah Tradition in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay

In Latin America, countries with large Jewish populations like Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay have embraced Hanukkah in unique ways. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, Hanukkah festivities are celebrated with public menorah lightings and traditional Jewish food. The Jewish community of Buenos Aires holds gatherings where locals and tourists can enjoy the warmth of the festival. Similarly, Brazil’s Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, with menorah lighting events and cultural displays.

Uruguay, with its close-knit Jewish community, hosts menorah lightings in the capital Montevideo, drawing attention to Jewish culture and traditions. These celebrations highlight the growing interest in Hanukkah across Latin America.

Hanukkah’s Global Reach: Bringing People Together Across Borders

From Israel to Argentina, the US to Canada, and the UK to Brazil, Hanukkah is celebrated with joy, tradition, and unity across the world. While the methods of celebration vary from country to country, the core message remains the same: a celebration of light, victory, and faith.

In every corner of the globe, Jewish communities are lighting their menorahs, sharing their traditions, and inviting others to partake in the magic of the season. Whether through public ceremonies, menorah lightings, or festive meals, Hanukkah serves as a bridge between cultures and brings people from diverse backgrounds together.

As more and more countries embrace the celebration of Hanukkah, this age-old festival of light continues to shine brighter than ever before. Learn more about global celebrations.

With this detailed exploration of Hanukkah around the world, we hope to inspire you to celebrate the festival in your own way, wherever you are. Whether you’re lighting the menorah at home or joining in the public festivities, the spirit of Hanukkah is universal and brings people together to celebrate light and joy.