Not everyone in Vancouver celebrates Christmas, and December here is a season of many lights. Hanukkah, the eight-night Jewish Festival of Lights, brings public menorah lightings, family parties, latkes and jelly doughnuts to communities across Metro Vancouver.
When Is Hanukkah in 2026?
Hanukkah 2026 begins at sundown on Friday, December 4, with the first candle lit that evening, and ends at nightfall on Saturday, December 12. The eighth and final candle is lit on the evening of Friday, December 11.
| Night | Candles lit on the evening of |
|---|---|
| 1st night | Friday, December 4 |
| 2nd night | Saturday, December 5 |
| 3rd night | Sunday, December 6 |
| 4th night | Monday, December 7 |
| 5th night | Tuesday, December 8 |
| 6th night | Wednesday, December 9 |
| 7th night | Thursday, December 10 |
| 8th night | Friday, December 11 |
Public Menorah Lightings
Public menorah lightings, with songs, doughnuts and often a giant menorah, take place across the region during Hanukkah. Chabad centres and synagogues in Vancouver, Richmond, the North Shore and the Fraser Valley usually host them, and one has been held at the West Vancouver Community Centre in recent years. Dates and locations for 2026 are usually announced in November, so check with your local synagogue, Chabad centre or the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver on Oak Street.
Family Hanukkah Events
Look out for:
- Community Hanukkah parties and skating events. “Hanukkah on Ice” events have been held at local rinks in past years.
- Menorah-making and craft workshops for kids at community and cultural centres.
- Hanukkah programming at the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver.
The Jewish Independent, Vancouver’s Jewish community newspaper, publishes a list of Hanukkah events each year.
Where to Find Latkes, Sufganiyot and Challah
Vancouver has a handful of long-running Jewish delis and bakeries. Sabra (Oak Street) and Omnitsky (Oak Street) are known for challah and Jewish favourites, and Solly’s Bagelry on West Broadway is the place for bagels. Many bakeries add sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) during Hanukkah, so call ahead and order early.
Hanukkah Gifts and Décor
Independent gift shops and synagogue gift shops carry menorahs, candles and dreidels. Buchan’s Kerrisdale Stationery and the Beth Tikvah gift shop in Richmond have been good places to look. Many holiday markets and craft fairs also sell handmade menorahs and Judaica.
More Lights This Season
Hanukkah overlaps with some of the region’s best free light events. The Winter Solstice Lantern Festival on December 21 celebrates the longest night for everyone, and our Christmas lights guide and free things to do list have plenty more for a December evening out.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Hanukkah start in 2026?
At sundown on Friday, December 4, 2026.
When does Hanukkah end in 2026?
At nightfall on Saturday, December 12. The last candle is lit on Friday, December 11.
Is there a public menorah lighting in Vancouver?
Yes, usually several across Metro Vancouver. 2026 times and places are announced in November by local synagogues and Chabad centres.
Part of: Vancouver Christmas Guide 2026 › Christmas Tree Lighting Events
