Chanukah, which is also referred to as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish Celebration that takes place for eight days.

Here is what to know and how Chanukah in London is celebrated.

How is Chanukah in London celebrated?

The 8-day celebration, also referred to as Hannukah, is celebrated in London by lighting candles, exchanging gifts and eating fried delicacies. The festival falls on the 25th day of the 9th month in the Jewish calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, this is between November and December.
Jewish people of the UK place a 9-branched symbol (hanukkiah) in their homes, synagogues or public places such as in Trafalgar Square to commemorate the festivities.
A candle is lit on the preceding day of the festival, and afterwards, a new candle is lit the following seven days of the festival. This ensures that all candles are burning simultaneously on the festival’s last day. The middle candle (shamash) is used to light the other candles.

London celebrations of Chanukah In the UK, the ceremony takes place at the home of the Speaker of the House of Commons, with the Prime Minister attending and giving a message on the first day of the festivities. Various foods and delicacies such as fried doughnuts, potato cakes, and dairy products are served. Chanukah can be compared to the Christmas celebrations. One of the reasons it is a significant celebration in London is because the UK is home to over 300,000 Jews, with most of the community residing in London, followed by Manchester and Leeds.