NEW YORK ( CNN ) -- From big balloons at the Macy 's Thanksgiving Day Parade to a big Christmas tree at Manhattan 's Rockefeller Center , the Big Apple is known for going big around the holidays . And on Tuesday , the first night of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah , New Yorkers went big again , lighting a massive menorah outside the south side of Central Park . The nine-branched candelabra is 32 feet tall , 28 feet wide , weighs 4,000 pounds , and is considered the world 's biggest , according to the Guinness Book of World Records . Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman , director of the city 's Lubavitch Youth Organization , said the gold-colored steel structure is equipped with oil lamps and has special glass chimneys to protect the flames from wind . The Brooklyn-based group has coordinated the lighting ceremony since it began in 1977 , then coinciding with the administration of Abraham David Beame , the first Jewish mayor of New York City . The massive structure was designed by renowned Jewish artist Yaacov Agam , according to Butman . During the celebration , one candle is lighted the first night , and an additional candle is lighted each subsequent night for eight nights , earning Hanukkah the name `` The Festival of Lights . '' `` The menorah is a symbol of inspiration not only for the Jewish people , but all people , regardless of race , color or creed , '' Butman said . In the nation 's capital , a special lighting ceremony near the White House also marked the start of the holiday . `` Tonight , as families and friends come together to light the menorah , it is a story that reminds us to count our blessings , to honor the sacrifices of our ancestors , '' President Barack Obama said in a statement . `` To believe that through faith and determination , we can work together to build a brighter , better world for generations to come . '' The White House menorah lighting dates to 1979 with President Jimmy Carter .
The world 's largest menorah is lighted in New York . The nine -branched candelabra is 28 feet tall , 32 feet wide and weighs 28 feet . A menorah also is lighted in New York . The White House menorah lighting dates to Tuesday with President Jimmy Carter .