The Story of Hanukkah
Discover the Maccabees, the miracle of the oil, and the meaning behind the Festival of Lights.
Explore on Chabad.org →JEWISH TORONTO · DECEMBER 4–12, 2026
Find your light this Hanukkah. Discover traditions, celebrate with our community, and share something meaningful.
THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
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.
EXPLORE & LEARN
Whether you're discovering Hanukkah for the first time or continuing family traditions, there's always something new to explore.
Discover the Maccabees, the miracle of the oil, and the meaning behind the Festival of Lights.
Explore on Chabad.org →Learn how to light the Hanukkah candles, say the blessings, and celebrate each of the eight nights.
Learn on Chabad.org →Make the holiday extra special with creative crafts, games, recipes, and family activities.
Explore PJ Library →Bring the magic of Hanukkah to storytime with meaningful books for children and families.
Discover PJ Library →COME TOGETHER
From community candle lightings to family celebrations, there's a place for everyone to share the light.
Garnet A. Williams Community Centre · Free refreshments, entertainment, and activities.
Event details →Vaughan City Hall · Join the community for a public menorah-lighting ceremony.
Event details →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
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
EIGHT NIGHTS OF GIVING
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
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
MAKE MEMORIES
The best Hanukkah memories are made together. From delicious traditions to festive activities, find inspiration to make all eight nights special.
From crispy latkes to sweet sufganiyot, celebrate with the flavours that bring generations together.
Gather around the hanukkiah, share the blessings, and make every night a moment to remember.
WATCH, MAKE & PLAY
Three fun ways to bring a little extra Hanukkah magic into your home.
All the crispy goodness, with a clever oven-fried twist. Bring this Hanukkah favourite to your family table.
Watch the UJA reel ↗Ingredients
Instructions
Use caution when handling the hot oil and sheet pans.
Get inspired with festive decorating ideas that bring warmth, colour, and Hanukkah spirit into your home.
Watch on YouTube ↗Grab a dreidel, gather some chocolate gelt, and learn how to play this classic Hanukkah game with a fun Disney tutorial.
Watch on YouTube ↗