Israel, December 15, 2025 – When the eight lights of the Hanukkiah shine in winter, the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” begins. This year, Jews worldwide will celebrate a festival of remembrance, joy, and hope between December 14 and 22. In Israel, cities, villages, and cultural meeting places transform into a sea of light – a visible symbol of resilience, solidarity, and faith in better times.

The Meaning of Hanukkah
Hanukkah commemorates a historical event from the 2nd century BCE: When the Maccabees recaptured the Temple in Jerusalem, they found only a small cruse of consecrated oil, enough for one day. Yet, the light burned for eight days until new oil could be prepared. This period forms the core of today's celebrations.

The festival begins on the 25th of Kislev in the Jewish calendar and falls between December 14 and 22 in 2025. During these eight days, families light an additional candle on the Hanukkiah each evening. Traditionally, the menorah is placed where it is clearly visible – as a public sign of hope and a call to share light with others.

Hanukkah in Israel
During the eight days of the festival, a special atmosphere prevails throughout the country. Homes, cafes, and hotels display Hanukkiot, public squares are adorned with light installations, and museums and cultural centers offer special programs for families and visitors.

In Tel Aviv, entire streets are illuminated in blue and white, while in Jerusalem, traditional and modern celebrations take place side by side. Haifa, known for its interfaith coexistence, traditionally combines Hanukkah with Christmas and winter celebrations – a visible sign of the peaceful coexistence of different communities.

Hanukkah offers international guests a unique insight into the diversity and vibrancy of Israeli society.

A Festival of Hope
For many people, Hanukkah this year also stands in the shadow of the inhumane attack in Sydney. The Israel Government Tourist Office extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the injured, and all those affected.

“We mourn with the families who have lost loved ones and stand by them in these difficult hours. At the same time, we are firmly convinced that the message of Hanukkah – the power of light, solidarity, and hope for better days – can sustain us even now. May the light of the Hanukkiah this year be a sign of compassion and renewal,” says Ksenia Kobiakov, Director of the Israel Government Tourist Office for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Connecting Traditions: How Hanukkah is Celebrated
Numerous traditions have developed around this festival, which are joyfully maintained in Israel and worldwide:

Cuisine: Sufganiyot & Latkes
No Hanukkah without oil-baked delicacies – for they too recall the miracle of the oil. Particularly popular are:

• Sufganiyot: doughnuts filled with jam or chocolate, often artfully decorated.
• Latkes: crispy potato pancakes, served with applesauce or sour cream.

In Israeli bakeries, the variety of Sufganiyot has become a small art form. They are available with pistachio cream, dulce de leche, vanilla filling, or as modern interpretations, for example, as vegan or gluten-free options.

Games and Music
Children – and many adults – look forward to the dreidel game (“Sevivon” in Hebrew) every year. The four-sided top bears Hebrew letters that together symbolize the message “A great miracle happened there.”

In many Israeli cities, free concerts, street festivals, and workshops are held for the occasion. The program ranges from family activities to light installations and public celebrations in historical places such as Jerusalem's Old City.

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About the Israel Government Tourist Office in Germany:

Whether round trips, city breaks, bathing, wellness, active and cultural trips, rental car tours or family holidays: The Israel Government Tourist Office provides information about the various regions, cities and sights in the Holy Land. Israel is located in the eastern Mediterranean and is no more than a four-hour flight from most parts of Europe. The country offers a sunny climate, a wide variety of historical, archaeological and religious sites, and a captivating contrast between ancient and modern. In Israel, visitors are welcomed with traditional hospitality that dates back to biblical times. goisrael.com

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