Chanukah - Pillars of Light 2026

Rooted in the spirit of Chanukah yet reaching far beyond it, the Pillars of Light festival invites people of all backgrounds to come together, celebrate, and connect. Now entering its eigth year, Pillars of Light continues to shine as one of Victoria’s most uplifting community events.

Hosted by The Ark Centre, this weeklong celebration brings Melbourne’s rich cultural and faith traditions into a shared space filled with music, dance, art, and story. Each evening highlights a different community, creating a living tapestry of customs, voices, and creative expression.

The Program

Friday 4 December | 4pm–6.30pm

• Skip Caldwell
• Dov Farkas and the Starr Brothers
• St Kilda Shul Choir
• Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier

Sunday 6 December | 5pm–8pm

• Lazr Bees
• Ha’Lev Choir
• Yael Zamir Quartet
• Royal Navy Band

Monday 7 December | 7pm–9.30pm

• Issi Dye
• Vocal Vibes Chorus
• Melbourne Soul Collective

Tuesday 8 December | 7pm–9.30pm

• Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
• Starr Brothers and Andy Swann
• Ge Filter Fish with Starr Brothers

Wednesday 9 December | 7pm–9.30pm

• Fifth of Nisan
• Joshua Batten
• Melbourne Klezmer School with Karen Feldman

Thursday 10 December | 7pm–9.30pm

• Zac Banner Youth Band
• DJ Gilli

Friday 11 December | 4pm–6.30pm

• Segal and Glass Band
• Rabbi Rhythms