World’s Largest Menorah 2025: Manhattan vs. Brooklyn (Times)
Let’s be real—if there’s one thing New Yorkers love more than a good bagel, it’s a good argument about who does it better. Pizza slices? The subway lines? And yes, even Hanukkah celebrations.
If you’ve lived in the city as long as I have, you know the holiday season isn’t just about Rockefeller Center. It’s about the Great Menorah Rivalry.
Every year, two massive menorahs rise up in two different boroughs, both claiming supremacy. And confusingly, they are both located in places called “Grand Army Plaza.” (Seriously, NYC, we couldn’t come up with a second name?).
So, if you’re trying to figure out where to get your Festival of Lights fix this year, I’ve done the deep dive for you. Here is the verified tea on the Brooklyn largest menorah drama vs. the polished Manhattan champion.
Disclaimer: Dates and times are based on the 2025 Jewish Calendar and standard annual schedules. Always verify with official organizers before heading out.
The Tale of Two Plazas: The Rivalry Explained
Here is the deal. For decades, there has been a polite but fierce beef between the menorah at Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan (59th St & 5th Ave) and the one at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn (Park Slope).
Both stand a whopping 32 feet high. Why 32 feet? Because according to Jewish law (Halacha), a menorah isn’t supposed to be higher than 20 cubits (about 32 feet) if you want people to actually see it and count it as a mitzvah.
But here is where it gets petty (and I love it):
- Manhattan claims the title of “World’s Largest Menorah” because they were certified by Guinness World Records in 2006.
- Brooklyn claims theirs is technically taller because the Shamash (the helper candle in the middle) pushes it to 33.5 feet.
A rabbinical court actually had to step in a few years ago! The ruling? Manhattan gets to keep the “World’s Largest” title because they used it first. Brooklyn had to rebrand to “Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah.”
Manhattan: The “Official” World’s Largest Menorah
- Location: Grand Army Plaza (5th Ave & 59th St, right by The Plaza Hotel).
- The Vibe: Classic NYC glam. You are right next to Central Park and the holiday window displays. It’s designed by famous artist Yaacov Agam and looks very modern and geometric.
- The Experience: It’s iconic, but expect crowds. The Menorah lighting 5th ave schedule is strict, and usually, you’ll see the Mayor or other big wigs up in a cherry picker lighting the candles.
Brooklyn: The “People’s Champ”
- Location: Grand Army Plaza (Flatbush Ave & Eastern Parkway, main entrance to Prospect Park).
- The Vibe: Community party. This is the heart of the Park slope menorah lighting scene. There’s usually live music, hot latkes (free!), and a much more neighborhood feel.
- The Experience: It feels warmer and less corporate. It’s a massive steel structure that looks a bit more traditional than the Manhattan one. If you want to dance with strangers and keep your toes warm with free food, this is your spot.
FAQ: Your Hanukkah Cheat Sheet
Since you guys always ask me these questions in my DMs, let’s clear up the confusion once and for all.
Where is the world’s largest menorah located?
Officially? Manhattan. The Guinness Book of World Records recognizes the menorah at 5th Avenue and 59th Street as the titleholder. However, if you want to get technical about inches, the Brooklyn one might edge it out by a hair thanks to that tall center candle.
Where is the National Menorah located?
Don’t get it twisted—the “National Menorah” isn’t in NYC. It is located on The Ellipse in Washington, D.C., right near the White House. It’s huge (30 feet), but our NYC giants still have it beat by two feet.
Which is the biggest night of Hanukkah?
It depends on what you mean by “big.”
- For Parties: The first night is usually the wildest. That is when you get the kickoff concerts, the biggest crowds, and the most speeches.
- For Visuals: The eighth night (Zos Chanukah) is visually the most stunning because the entire menorah is ablaze. It’s incredibly powerful to see all 32 feet glowing against the NYC skyline.
What is the best place to light the menorah?
If you are lighting your own at home, the goal is Pirsumei Nisa—publicizing the miracle.
- Ideal Spot: Outside your front door (on the left, opposite the mezuzah).
- NYC Reality: Since most of us live in apartments, the best place is in a window facing the street, so passersby can see the lights. If you live on a super high floor (above ~30 feet), place it on a table where your family can see it instead.
2025 Public Menorah Lighting Schedule
Mark your calendars! Hanukkah 2025 starts earlier than usual this year, in mid-December.
Start Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025 (1st Night) Last Lighting: Sunday, December 21, 2025 (8th Night)
Manhattan (5th Ave)
- Kickoff: Sunday, Dec 14 @ ~5:30 PM (Always check locally for exact minutes as it relies on sunset).
- Friday lighting (Dec 19): ~3:30 PM (Must be lit before Shabbat begins).
- Saturday lighting (Dec 20): ~8:30 PM (After Shabbat ends).
Brooklyn (Prospect Park)
- Kickoff: The Brooklyn largest menorah usually starts the party at 4:00 PM on the first Sunday with a live concert.
- Weeknights: generally 6:00 PM.
- Friday (Dec 19): 3:30 PM.
Tip: Always double-check the “Chabad of Park Slope” or “Lubavitch Youth Organization” websites for last-minute weather updates.
Final Thoughts
Honestly? You can’t go wrong with either. If you want the Instagram shot with the Plaza Hotel, do Manhattan. If you want a latke and a dance, head to Brooklyn.
And hey, after you’ve frozen your fingers off watching the lighting, you’re going to need some cheap, warm food. I’ve compiled a list of the best spots to grab a bite without spending your whole paycheck.
Check out my guide here: NYC On A Budget: The Ultimate 20+ Best Cheap Eats Guide (Local Secrets)
Happy Hanukkah, NYC!
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