Syracuse, NY – The annual lighting of a public menorah will take place Wednesday in downtown Syracuse to mark the beginning of Hanukkah.

This is the first time since 2005 that Christmas and the start of Hanukkah fall on the same day. Since 1900, the first night of Hanukkah has fallen on December 25th three times: in 1910, 1921 and 1959.

The first night of Hanukkah changes from year to year because Jewish holidays are based on a lunar calendar. The eight-day, eight-night holiday occurs anytime from late November to late December.

On the first night of Hanukkah, special prayers are said and a candle is lit on the menorah. Every evening another candle is lit.

This is the 43rd year that Chabad Lubavitch of CNY has placed public menorahs in Central New York.

Here is the downtown menorah lighting schedule:

• Wednesday (December 25), 4:30 p.m.: Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse.
• Thursday (December 26), 4:30 p.m.: Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse.
• Friday (December 27), 3:45 p.m.: Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse
• Saturday (December 28), 7 p.m.: Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse. There will be hot apple cider, Hanukkah treats and latkes, as well as a “Hanukkah Gelt Drop” for kids.
• Sunday (December 29), 4:30 p.m.: Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse.
• Monday (December 30), 4:30 p.m.: Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse.
• Tuesday (December 31), 4:30 p.m.: Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse.
• Wednesday (Jan. 1), 4:30 p.m.: Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse.

There will be a public menorah lighting at Syracuse Hancock International Airport in the main lobby on Thursday, December 26th at 5:30 p.m.

There will be a public menorah lighting near the Fayetteville Fire Department at 425 E. Genesee St. on Monday, Dec. 30, at 6:30 p.m. There will be hot apple cider, donuts and music.