Downtown Detroit will once again glow with the warmth of community and celebration as Menorah in the D 2025 returns to Campus Martius on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The annual Hanukkah gathering is one of Detroit’s most beloved holiday traditions, bringing thousands together.
Festivities will begin at 4:30PM and the Menorah Lighting Ceremony, featuring the iconic 26-foot Detroit Menorah, will take place at 5:30PM.
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A Homecoming Rooted in Hope
This year’s celebration carries profound emotional significance for the Detroit Jewish community and supporters around the world. Attendees will welcome Ella Ben Ami, who appeared at Menorah in the D in 2023 after surviving the October 7th attack by hiding in a shelter for over 17 hours.
At that time, her mother, Raz, had just been released from captivity as part of a November 2023 deal, and the community prayed for the safe return of her father, Ohad, who remained hostage. Detroit will have the honor of greeting all three—Ella, Raz, and Ohad—returning together as a family.
After more than two years, Ohad returned home this past February, following 491 days in Hamas captivity. Their presence at this year’s event is a powerful symbol of resilience and faith.
Organizers invite the community to “stand together and welcome their family into our Detroit family,” embracing them with Michigan warmth and solidarity. Those wishing to support the rebuilding of their home and emotional recovery can donate here.
Event Highlights
Menorah in the D 2025 promises an evening filled with entertainment and family-friendly fun, including:
- Lighting of the 26-foot Detroit Menorah
- Greetings from community leaders and dignitaries
- Performance by the Yeshivas Lubavitch choir
- Detroit Pistons Extreme Team live showcase
- Strolling entertainment
- Complimentary hot soup, snacks, and hot chocolate
- Balloon animals and balloon hats
- Crafts and games and more!
This year’s gathering is expected to be one of the most meaningful in the event’s history. As the giant menorah shines over Campus Martius, attendees will honor the miracle of light—and the miracle of a family reunited. With warmth, music, lights, and celebration, Menorah in the D continues its mission of bringing the Detroit community together in joy and gratitude.