Essex County hosts Hanukkah drone light show

This year’s celebration was especially rare, as Hanukkah coincided with Christmas Day

Briana Vannozzi, Anchor | December 26, 2024 | Around NJ, More Issues

Look to the skies – there’s another drone display, but this time, there’s no mystery about what’s lighting up the New Jersey sky.

On Wednesday, Essex County hosted a Hanukkah drone light show in Livingston, marking the first night of the Jewish holiday. This year’s celebration was especially rare, as Hanukkah coincided with Christmas Day.

Nearly 150 drones illuminated the night, forming images of a star, a Torah scroll, a dreidel, a menorah, and the words “Happy Hanukkah” as hundreds braved the freezing temperatures to watch. The drone light show was the centerpiece of the event, which also featured performances such as a fire juggler and the official lighting of the menorah, accompanied by the sounds of people singing Hanukkah songs.

This unique occasion blended traditions for those celebrating both Christmas and Hanukkah and created a sense of unity at a time when some felt it was especially needed.

And while the mystery surrounding drone sightings earlier this month still lingers, one thing is clear—no FBI investigation was needed for this festive occasion.