People gathered at Independence Mall to celebrate the 50th anniversary of what organizers say was the first public menorah lighting in the world.

Tickets for the lighting on Wednesday are available at NationalMenorah.org. Ticket holders get some special Hanukkah perks, too. "Those in attendance will be treated to hot traditional Hanukkah latkes (potato pancakes) and donuts," organizers said. "Complimentary personal menorah kits and dreidels will also be distributed."

The first night of Hanukkah was a joyous one in Brooklyn, as hundreds of people from all over the country gathered to light the borough’s largest menorah in

Hundreds of people gathered at Independence Mall on Saturday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of what organizers say was the first public menorah lighting in the world. It happened at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia in 1974.