Every year, London’s Trafalgar Square plays host to a very special Chanukah on the Square celebration which coincides with Hanukkah, otherwise known as Chanukah or the Jewish Festival of Light.
The eight-day festival commemorates the Jews’ victorious fight to practise their religion freely. It was a long battle over a number of years, but to celebrate their eventual success, an oil lamp was lit. There was only enough oil for it to burn for one day but, as if blessed by some kind of miracle, it lasted eight whole days.
In previous years, a giant menorah—specifically a Chanukiah—has been installed in the Trafalgar Square for the duration of the festival. It’s a beloved tradition that unites Londoners from all backgrounds. However, due to strong winds raising safety concerns in recent days, the symbolic menorah has been taken down and will sadly not be there for the first night of Hanukkah celebrations this year.
As shared on X, the Jewish Leadership Council have said: “The JLC and the Mayor of London are proud to work together each year to ensure a Chanukiah stands proudly in Trafalgar Square.
“The Chanukiah was constructed on Wednesday well ahead of the first night of Chanukah. Unfortunately, wind speeds are predicted in the coming days to exceed the maximum permitted for the structure so the Chanukiah had to be removed to ensure the safety of those in and around Trafalgar Square.
Despite all efforts being made by all parties, it will regretfully not be possible to rebuild the Chanukiah in time. The JLC and the Mayor are working together to explore all options to ensure Chanukah is still able to be prominently recognised in Trafalgar Square.”
The BBC has since reported that a smaller menorah has been installed and “Happy Hanukkah” will be projected onto Nelson’s Column to mark the beginning of the festivities.
Starting tomorrow (December 25), a candle will be lit on the menorah at 4pm each day (with the exception of Saturday, when it will be lit after Shabbat has ended at 5.15pm).
Chanukah in the Square is the biggest Hanukkah event in the capital, bringing together hundreds of people for eight days of celebrations. As in previous years, there will be live music and entertainment, as well as plenty of traditional kosher foods, including the likes of potato latkes and doughnuts from local Jewish businesses.
When and where does Chanukah on the Square take place?
Chanukah on the Square coincides with Hanukkah, which runs from Wednesday December 25 to Thursday January 2 this year. The Chanukah on the Square celebrations will take place at Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2N 5DN. Nearest tube station is Charing Cross, and the nearest station with step-free access is Westminster. Please check TfL’s schedule for the Christmas period before you travel.