JEWISH TORONTO · DECEMBER 4–12, 2026

Eight nights.
Endless ways to celebrate.

Find your light this Hanukkah. Discover traditions, celebrate with our community, and share something meaningful.

THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Discover Hanukkah

Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the Jewish people's perseverance. According to tradition, a small supply of oil burned for eight days—an enduring symbol of hope and light.

Beginning at sundown on Friday, December 4, 2026, Jewish families around the world will celebrate for eight nights with candle lighting, songs, dreidel, and delicious foods made with oil.

Family lighting Hanukkah candles

EXPLORE & LEARN

Traditions, stories & family fun

Whether you're discovering Hanukkah for the first time or continuing family traditions, there's always something new to explore.

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The Story of Hanukkah

Discover the Maccabees, the miracle of the oil, and the meaning behind the Festival of Lights.

Explore on Chabad.org →
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How to Light the Menorah

Learn how to light the Hanukkah candles, say the blessings, and celebrate each of the eight nights.

Learn on Chabad.org →
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Hanukkah Activities for Kids

Make the holiday extra special with creative crafts, games, recipes, and family activities.

Explore PJ Library →
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Hanukkah Books & Stories

Bring the magic of Hanukkah to storytime with meaningful books for children and families.

Discover PJ Library →

COME TOGETHER

Celebrate across Jewish Toronto

From community candle lightings to family celebrations, there's a place for everyone to share the light.

DEC 6 · 4–6 PM

Vaughan Hanukkah Celebration

Garnet A. Williams Community Centre · Free refreshments, entertainment, and activities.

Event details →
DEC 7 · 3:30 PM

Vaughan Menorah Lighting

Vaughan City Hall · Join the community for a public menorah-lighting ceremony.

Event details →
MORE EVENTS

Jewish Toronto Calendar

Explore celebrations, concerts, family programs, and holiday gatherings across the GTA.

Browse the calendar →

Event details are subject to change. Please confirm with organizers before attending. Third-party listings do not imply UJA endorsement.

SHARE YOUR LIGHT

A little light goes a long way.

Celebrate someone special this Hanukkah with a meaningful Tribute Card. Send warm wishes to family, friends, or someone who deserves a little extra light this season—all while supporting our Jewish community.

Send a Hanukkah card
UJA Hanukkah Tribute Cards campaign artwork
UJA 8 Nights of Giving Hanukkah campaign

EIGHT NIGHTS OF GIVING

Eight nights. Eight opportunities to make a difference.

This Hanukkah, discover eight meaningful ways to bring light to our community. Each night shines a spotlight on a different area of impact—and the difference we can make together.

Campaign link coming soon.

GIVE WITH PRIDE

Find a gift with meaning.

Discover proudly Jewish gifts and merchandise at the UJA Shop—perfect for celebrating, sharing, and showing your pride. Every purchase helps support UJA's work and strengthen our community.

Shop UJA merchandise
UJA Hanukkah merchandise collection featuring a latkes T-shirt, tote bag, patterned pants, and mug

MAKE MEMORIES

Bring Hanukkah home

The best Hanukkah memories are made together. From delicious traditions to festive activities, find inspiration to make all eight nights special.

Preparing Hanukkah treats at home

Taste the traditions

From crispy latkes to sweet sufganiyot, celebrate with the flavours that bring generations together.

Family celebrating Hanukkah together

Light up the night

Gather around the hanukkiah, share the blessings, and make every night a moment to remember.

WATCH, MAKE & PLAY

Make the most of every night

Three fun ways to bring a little extra Hanukkah magic into your home.

FROM UJA

Oven-fried latkes, the UJA way

All the crispy goodness, with a clever oven-fried twist. Bring this Hanukkah favourite to your family table.

Watch the UJA reel ↗
Get the full recipe

Oven-Fried Latkes

Ingredients

  • 4 medium Russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), scrubbed
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Flaky sea salt, to taste
  • Canola or vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F on convection.
  2. Using a food processor with a coarse grating disc or a box grater, grate the potatoes and onion. Working in batches, transfer the mixture to a clean cotton dish towel and wring out as much liquid as possible. Transfer to a large bowl.
  3. Mix the eggs, flour, salt, and pepper into the potato mixture.
  4. Pour oil into two half-sheet pans so there is at least ¼ inch of oil evenly across each surface. Carefully place the pans on the bottom and middle oven racks.
  5. Remove one pan and carefully press patties of the potato mixture into the oil, gently pressing down with a spatula. Fit approximately six latkes per tray. Return the tray to the oven and repeat with the second tray.
  6. Flip once halfway through cooking, until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 20–25 minutes total.
  7. Let the latkes drain on a rack lined with paper towel and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
  8. Replenish and heat the oil as needed between batches, removing any burned potato bits.

Use caution when handling the hot oil and sheet pans.

Make your home shine

Get inspired with festive decorating ideas that bring warmth, colour, and Hanukkah spirit into your home.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Learn to play dreidel

Grab a dreidel, gather some chocolate gelt, and learn how to play this classic Hanukkah game with a fun Disney tutorial.

Watch on YouTube ↗

FROM OUR UJA FAMILY TO YOURS

Happy Hanukkah! חג חנוכה שמח

May these eight nights bring warmth, connection, and light to our community.

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