Hanukkah Countdown
Festival of Lights Preparations: National Menorah Assembly Underway at White House Ellipse
Preparations for Hanukkah are in full swing as the iconic, thirty-foot National Menorah is being assembled on the White House Ellipse for the annual lighting ceremony that starts December 14.
Construction Begins Near the White House
The annual tradition of erecting the National Menorah on the White House Ellipse, a public park located directly south of the Executive Mansion, is officially underway. Workers were spotted meticulously assembling the structure this afternoon as part of the ramped-up preparations for the holiday season. The massive Menorah stands over thirty feet tall, making it a prominent landmark during the Festival of Lights.
The assembly marks the beginning of the highly anticipated annual lighting ceremony, which is set to take place on the evening of Sunday, December 14, 2025, corresponding with the first night of Hanukkah. The event is organized by American Friends of Lubavitch, an organization affiliated with the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, and traditionally draws thousands of attendees in person, with millions more watching the ceremony around the world.
A Four-Decade Tradition of Unity
The tradition of lighting a National Menorah near the White House is a deeply established part of the nation's cultural calendar, symbolizing religious freedom and the miracle of Hanukkah. The practice was first initiated in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter.
Over the decades, the annual lighting ceremony has grown into a major national event routinely attracting high-profile attendees from the highest levels of American government. The ceremony often features participation from the President, the Vice President, various cabinet members, congressional leaders from both parties, and numerous international dignitaries. The event serves as a powerful display of the United States’ respect for religious diversity and its commitment to recognizing the contributions of the Jewish community.
The construction of the immense Menorah signals the imminent arrival of the holiday season and underscores the importance of the tradition as a public celebration of the Jewish faith in the nation's capital. As Hanukkah approaches, the Menorah will stand as a beacon of light, drawing crowds to the iconic location for the eight days of the holiday.