This is the ninth year Chanukah has been observed in Launceston with a menorah lighting, but the first time it will have taken place in the mall rather than the St John Street synagogue.

It will be one of 15,000 public menorah lightings happening worldwide, Rabbi Rabbi Yochanan Gordon said.

"The message of Chanukah is the message of light," he said.

"The nature of light is that it is always victorious over darkness. A small amount of light dispels a lot of darkness, and an act of goodness and kindness can make all the difference."

Mayor Albert van Zetten and Bass MHA Bridget Archer will attend the event, Mr Gordon said.

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Following the menorah lighting ceremony, there will be music, crafts and fresh doughnut making.

Chanukah is held to remember a significant event in the Jewish tradition, Mr Gordon said.

"It recalls the victory of a militarily weak Jewish people, who defeated the Syrian Greeks," he said.

"They had overrun ancient Israel and sought to impose restrictions on the Jewish way of life and prohibit religious freedom.

"They also desecrated and defiled the Temple and the oils prepared for the lighting of the menorah, which was part of the daily service.

"Upon recapturing the Temple only one jar of undefiled oil was found, enough to burn only one day, but it lasted miraculously for eight."

In commemoration, Jews celebrate Chanukah for eight days by lighting an eight-branched candelabrum - known as a menorah.

Chanukah began on December 22 and finishes on December 30.

There will be public menorah lightings in front of landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower in France, the White House in the United States, and the Kremlin in Russia as part of the festival.

"This is helping children and adults of all walks of life discover and enjoy the holiday message," Mr Gordon said.

WHAT: Chanukah menorah lighting

WHEN: 7pm on Sunday, December 29

Where: Brisbane Street Mall

TICKETS: Free