It was the Feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem.
The Greek word means renovations, because Judas Maccabaeus had the temple purified and rededicated after Antiochus defiled it, and they made this annual commemoration to recall God's grace that ended his tyranny. Christ came to the temple then as was His custom, knowing a great assembly would make His preaching bear more fruit.
AI summary
Antiochus Epiphanes murdered forty thousand Jews and enslaved forty thousand more, then sacrificed a sow on the altar and sprinkled its broth throughout the temple to pollute it utterly. Three years later Judas Maccabaeus recovered and purified the temple with eight days of magnificent offerings and hymns, which is why this feast commemorates that renovation.
AI summary
The Feast of Dedication commemorates Judas Maccabaeus's purification of the temple after Antiochus Epiphanes defiled it in 165 B.C., celebrated eight days from the twenty-fifth of Chisleu. That it was winter matters: it marks the setting and hints at the coldness of the Jews' hearts against Him.
AI summary
Commenting on John 10:22-42