In the heart of Brooklyn, where history and community beautifully converge, Grand Army Plaza stands as a beacon of holiday spirit each winter. For over three decades, this iconic plaza has played host to a beloved Hanukkah tradition: the lighting of the magnificent 32-foot menorah. This towering symbol of light and hope is not just a fixture but the focal point of joyous celebrations that unite thousands, drawing them together with warmth, infectious song, and genuine camaraderie. It is a spectacle that truly encapsulates the enduring spirit of the Festival of Lights, illuminating the Brooklyn sky and the hearts of its attendees with unparalleled radiance.
As the days grow shorter and the festive season envelops the city, anticipation builds for the annual kickoff of Hanukkah at Grand Army Plaza. This cherished event, deeply woven into the vibrant fabric of Brooklyn’s diverse cultural landscape, promises an enchanting and memorable experience for all ages. Typically beginning on the first night of Hanukkah—a date that shifts each year according to the Hebrew calendar, often aligning with late November or December—the celebrations are meticulously designed to be vibrant, inclusive, and deeply meaningful, reflecting the rich tapestry of the community and inviting everyone to partake in its beauty.
The inaugural lighting ceremony is a spectacle unto itself, transforming Grand Army Plaza into a lively hub of activity and jubilant gathering. Imagine the crisp winter air filled with the uplifting sounds of live music, the excited laughter of children, and the joyous hum of community spirit resonating through the plaza. Attendees are often treated to traditional Hanukkah delicacies, such as warm, crispy latkes served fresh, a culinary delight that perfectly complements the festive atmosphere and adds a taste of tradition to the evening. For the younger guests, the celebration often includes the thoughtful distribution of gifts, adding an extra layer of magic and excitement that makes the holiday truly special for them.
Central to this heartwarming tradition is Rabbi Shimon Hecht, a revered figure whose dedication and vision have helped nurture this event into the grand spectacle it is today. Each night of Hanukkah, under the gaze of eager onlookers who fill the plaza, Rabbi Hecht, often accompanied by distinguished special guests and prominent community leaders, performs the sacred lighting ceremony. Due to the menorah’s impressive height—a stunning 32 feet that proudly asserts its place as one of the world’s largest public menorahs—a cherry picker is famously employed to safely reach and ignite each candle. This unique method transforms the act of lighting into a captivating visual marvel, a soaring dance of light against the deepening night sky, symbolizing the triumph of hope.
The lighting ceremonies are not a one-time event but unfold throughout the entire eight-day duration of Hanukkah, each night offering a unique opportunity to gather, witness the growing light, and reflect on the holiday’s profound and enduring message. While the first night typically commences earlier in the evening to accommodate families and kick off the festivities with grandeur and a sense of collective celebration, the start times for subsequent nights may vary slightly. To ensure you don’t miss a single moment of these spectacular evenings, it is always advisable to consult the full calendar online, which provides up-to-date schedules for each lighting ceremony. A cornerstone of Brooklyn’s commitment to community engagement, all these evening events are entirely free and open to the public, warmly welcoming people of all backgrounds, faiths, and walks of life to partake in the glowing warmth and spirit of Hanukkah.
Beyond the immediate festivities, the Grand Army Plaza Menorah holds profound cultural and spiritual significance. Known widely as the “World’s Largest Menorah,” or at least one of the most prominent contenders for that prestigious title, its sheer scale serves as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Hanukkah and the remarkable resilience of the Jewish people. Erected in 1985 by Rabbi Shimon Hecht of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, this colossal menorah has become an indelible part of Brooklyn’s vibrant holiday landscape, attracting not only local residents but also countless visitors from afar who come specifically to witness its grandeur and participate in the unique celebrations. Its towering presence symbolizes religious freedom, the triumph of light over darkness, and the unwavering power of faith and perseverance—universal messages that resonate deeply across cultures and generations, inspiring all who behold it.
Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, commemorates the miraculous rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. The central miracle of Hanukkah centers on the discovery of a small cruse of undefiled olive oil, enough to light the Temple’s menorah for just one day, yet it miraculously burned for eight consecutive days. This extraordinary event is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights, and why lighting the menorah—a nine-branched candelabrum, with one servant candle (the shamash) used to light the other eight—is the holiday’s central and most sacred ritual. Each night, an additional candle is lit, progressively increasing the light until all eight candles glow brightly, symbolizing the continuous spreading of light, hope, and freedom in the world.
The Grand Army Plaza celebration beautifully encapsulates these cherished traditions and elevates them into a truly multisensory experience. It’s an event where the inviting aroma of fried foods, from savory latkes to sweet sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), mingles delightfully with the uplifting melodies of traditional and contemporary Hanukkah songs performed live. Children eagerly await their turn to play the dreidel, a spinning top game, or receive gelt, often chocolate coins, reinforcing the customs passed down through generations and creating new, joyful memories. The event serves not only as a profound religious observance but as a vibrant community gathering, fostering a deep sense of belonging, shared heritage, and collective joy. It’s a cherished opportunity for families to create lasting memories, for friends to reconnect amidst the festive glow, and for neighbors to come together in collective celebration, strengthening the bonds that tie Brooklyn together.
For visitors planning to attend, Grand Army Plaza is conveniently located at the main entrance to Prospect Park, making it easily accessible via several subway lines (notably the 2 and 3 trains to Grand Army Plaza station) and numerous bus routes. While parking can be challenging in bustling Brooklyn, particularly during popular events and the holiday season, utilizing public transportation offers a stress-free and environmentally friendly alternative. Arriving early is highly recommended, especially for the first night’s grand opening, to secure a good viewing spot, find your place amidst the cheerful crowd, and fully immerse oneself in the pre-lighting festivities and the palpable sense of excitement that fills the air.
This annual Menorah lighting event has gracefully transcended its religious roots to become a truly significant cultural landmark for Brooklyn and beyond. It embodies the borough’s inclusive spirit, warmly welcoming people of all faiths, backgrounds, and walks of life to witness a powerful display of unity, tradition, and shared humanity. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of community bonds, the warmth of shared celebrations, and the timeless message that even a small light, diligently kept, can dispel great darkness. The glowing menorah against the iconic Brooklyn skyline serves as a powerful and inspiring beacon, inviting everyone to reflect on the deeper meanings of the holiday season and the enduring hope it gracefully represents. The atmosphere is consistently electric, filled with a palpable sense of shared history and collective joy, creating an experience that lingers long after the last candle is lit.
So, as the holiday season approaches, make plans to experience this extraordinary Brooklyn tradition that beautifully blends history with heartfelt celebration. Whether it’s your first time witnessing the majestic lighting or a cherished annual pilgrimage, the Grand Army Plaza Menorah lighting promises an unforgettable evening of profound light, uplifting music, and vibrant community spirit that will warm your soul. Join Rabbi Shimon Hecht and countless others under the brilliant glow of what is widely celebrated as the world’s largest menorah, and be part of a celebration that truly illuminates the heart of Brooklyn. This cherished gathering is more than just an event; it’s a testament to enduring faith, community, and the universal desire for peace and understanding. Happy Hanukkah to all!