With the holiday festivities underway in NYC, Brooklyn is gearing up for the return of the borough’s largest menorah to be lit in Grand Army Plaza.
A tradition dating back to 1985, the Brooklyn menorah lighting has been around for just under four decades. Though the menorah stands tall in the Grand Amy Plaza, is it not to be mistaken for Manhattan’s Grand Army Plaza, where another larger-than-life menorah stands each year.
The first night of Chanukah begins on Wednesday, December 7th. Also known as the ‘Festival of Lights, it’s a time that honors the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BC. Celebrations take place across eight consecutive nights.
Rabbi Shimon Hecht, among other community leaders, philanthropists and special guests will use a 60-foot boom lift to light this year’s ginormous menorah.
The 2023 schedule is as follows:
- 1st Night of Chanukah, Thursday, December 7 Kickoff Concert Event begins at 5:00 pm
- 2nd Night of Chanukah, Friday, December 8 at 3:30 pm
- 3rd Night of Chanukah, Saturday, December 9 at 7:15 pm
- 4th Night of Chanukah, Sunday, December 10 at 5:00 pm
- 5th Night of Chanukah, Monday, December 11 at 6:00 pm
- 6th Night of Chanukah, Tuesday, December 12 at 6:00 pm
- 7th Night of Chanukah, Wednesday, December 13 at 6:00 pm
- 8th Night of Chanukah, Thursday, December 14 at 6:00 pm
The first night will host a special kickoff concert. Catch the nightly lightings and enjoy live music and hot latkes that will be provided. Special gifts will be given out to children in attendance.
The event is free and open to the public. Learn more about Brooklyn’s largest menorah lighting here.
Continue the festivities following the lightings by heading to the West Village for NYC’s first Chanukah-themed bar, Maccabee Bar. Sip on a Latke Sour or spin a dreidel to help you decide.
Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn
Beginning 3:30pm on Wednesday, December 7th