Last Day of Hanukkah 2025 in the United Kingdom

The Last Day of Hanukkah marks the conclusion of the eight-day Jewish festival, with all candles on the menorah fully lit. It is a time for final prayers, reflections, and family gatherings to celebrate the festival's themes of faith, perseverance, and miracles.

Last Day of Hanukkah: A Public Holiday?

The Last Day of Hanukkah is not a public holiday in the UK. Businesses, offices, and schools follow regular opening hours, though Jewish families mark the day with menorah lighting, prayers, and family gatherings.

Last Day of Hanukkah

The Last Day of Hanukkah marks the conclusion of the eight-day Jewish festival commemorating the Second Temple's rededication in Jerusalem. Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over Greek rulers and the miracle of a small amount of oil lasting eight days to keep the temple's menorah lit. Each night during the festival, a new candle is added to the menorah, and on the final night, all eight candles, plus the central shamash, are lit, symbolizing the celebration of light, faith, and perseverance.

Last Day of Hanukkah Celebration in the UK

In the UK, Hanukkah holds great importance for Jewish communities, though the Last Day of Hanukkah is not a public holiday. Schools and businesses remain open, and daily routines continue as usual. However, Jewish families mark the day with traditions that bring the festival to a joyful close. Many families light all the candles on the menorah, say special prayers, and gather for festive meals. Public menorah lightings in places like Trafalgar Square are often well-attended, providing an opportunity to celebrate within the wider community.

The way people celebrate the last day of Hanukkah in the UK is rooted in family traditions. Households come together to enjoy foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), symbolizing the miracle of the oil. Families may also exchange small gifts and play traditional games like spinning the dreidel. For many, this final day is a time to reflect on the themes of the festival, such as hope, resilience, and faith, while looking ahead to the future with renewed strength.

The Last Day of Hanukkah carries deep meaning, emphasizing the importance of preserving traditions and celebrating big and small miracles. For Jewish families in the UK, it provides a chance to reflect on the values of perseverance and unity, while sharing joy with loved ones and connecting with their community.

Who Celebrates the Last Day of Hanukkah in the UK?

With an estimated 270,000 Jewish people in the United Kingdom, Judaism holds a meaningful place in the country's religious landscape. Key Jewish communities are based in London, particularly in areas such as Barnet, Hackney, and Golders Green, with other notable populations in Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, and Birmingham. In these regions, Jewish families celebrate the Last Day of Hanukkah by lighting all the menorah candles, offering prayers, and coming together with loved ones to mark the end of the festival.

Last Day of Hanukkah Observances