Several hundred people gathered in D.C. on the night of Hanukkah for the annual National Menorah Lighting.Held on the Ellipse outside the White House, the event was organized by the American Friends of Lubavitch.

It was only the second time in the past 40 years that Christmas and the start of Hanukkah fell on the same day.

Chicagoans gathered for the lighting of the Menorah in Lakeview Wednesday, where the first day of Hanukkah fell on Christmas Day — something that only happens about once every 15-20 years. Chabad East Lakeview organized the ceremony,

Hundreds gather for Winter Park menorah lighting on first night of Hanukkah

Hanukkah is officially underway with an enthusiastic kickoff Wednesday night in San Francisco’s Union Square drawing in several hundred to witness the lighting of a three-ton menorah.

The first night of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is underway. On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle is lit from the eight candle menorah and there is a story behind this. The holiday of Hanukkah celebrates the victory over the Syrian Greeks and the light of the menorah that burned for eight days with just a little bit of oil.

The Hanukkah menorah lighting is set to take place at the Santa Monica Promenade. It is especially surprising that one of the first federal agencies to come under scrutiny from the incoming administration is one that has returned billions of dollars to many of the same consumers who were counting on leaders in Washington to look out for their wallets.

The community gathered on the New Haven Green to mark the first night of Hanukkah with latkes, donuts, music, dreidels and other festive activities.