Make this Chanukah bright
Join us to light the Menorah on Dec. 17 and Dec.18
Chanukah is more than a holiday – it’s a timeless reminder of faith, courage and strength of community. Let’s come together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness at the City of Vaughan’s Menorah Lighting ceremony and Chanukah celebration.
Menorah Lighting ceremony
You’re invited to the City’s annual Menorah Lighting ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Vaughan City Hall Courtyard and Vaughan Room (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.). This free event will include official remarks from Mayor Steven Del Duca, a special choir performance, the lighting of the Menorah and refreshments. Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, founder and spiritual leader of Chabad Flamingo, will preside over the ceremony.
Pre-registration is encouraged. Confirm your attendance for the event online.
Chanukah celebration
Join us on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Garnet A. Williams Community Centre (501 Clark Ave. W.) for a lively Chanukah celebration. This free event features official remarks, an interactive DJ, colouring and button making activities, a photo booth, a balloon artist, performances, refreshments and more!
Pre-registration is encouraged. Confirm your attendance for the event online.
Chanukah is an eight-day holiday, celebrated each year by people of the Jewish faith. It is observed to commemorate the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem.
To learn more about these events, visit vaughan.ca/festive.
QUOTE
“Chanukah reminds us of the importance of light, faith and goodness overcoming evil. This year, the City of Vaughan proudly welcomes this special holiday with a Menorah Lighting ceremony and Chanukah celebration. During these difficult times, with antisemitism on the rise throughout our country and beyond, our strength lies in unity – coming together to promote peace, share joy and honour the meaningful observances of Jewish heritage. Let’s make this season bright. I hope you all can gather your family, friends and neighbours, and celebrate with us.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
QUICK FACTS
- The City of Vaughan will host its annual Menorah Lighting ceremony at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.) on Wednesday, Dec. 17 starting at 3:30 p.m. to mark Chanukah.
- In 2024, the City of Vaughan unveiled and lit up the new permanent Vaughan Gateway sign and accompanied Menorah outside Vaughan City Hall. The Menorah Lighting ceremony marks the second year the Menorah will be lit up.
- The City of Vaughan will host a Chanukah celebration at Garnet A. Williams Community Centre (501 Clark Ave. W.) on Thursday, Dec. 18 starting at 5:30 p.m.
- Chanukah is an eight-day holiday celebrated each year by people of the Jewish faith. It is observed to commemorate the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem.
- The candles used on the Menorah are admired during the holiday and are not used in any other purpose. Placement of the Menorah is usually near a window providing people on the outside an opportunity to share in blessings of the lights. The flame of the candle burns each night and serves as a time for reflection and thanks.
- The Menorah, or Holiday Candelabra, is the most recognizable symbol of Chanukah, symbolizing light and life.
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