Hanukkah 2025—also known as the Jewish Festival of Lights—will begin on the evening of Sunday, December 14, and will continue through the evening of Monday, December 22. The eight-day holiday is one of the most widely observed Jewish celebrations, marked by candle lighting, prayer, traditional foods, and family gatherings.
Because Jewish holidays follow the Hebrew calendar, Hanukkah starts on Kislev 25 each year, which is why the date changes annually on the Gregorian calendar. In 2025, it falls squarely in mid-December.
What Is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C. after a group of Jewish rebels, known as the Maccabees, reclaimed it from foreign rule.
According to tradition, when the Temple was reclaimed, only a small amount of ritually pure oil remained—enough to keep the menorah lit for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which is why Hanukkah lasts eight nights.
How Long Does Hanukkah Last?
Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days and nights.
Begins: Evening of December 14, 2025
Ends: Evening of December 22, 2025
Each night, an additional candle is lit on the menorah until all eight candles are glowing on the final evening.
Who Celebrates Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is observed by Jewish communities worldwide. While it is not the most religiously significant Jewish holiday, it holds strong cultural and historical importance, especially for families and children.
How Is Hanukkah Celebrated?
🕎 Lighting the Menorah
The centerpiece of Hanukkah is the menorah, which holds nine candles—eight for each night of the holiday and one helper candle called the shamash.
Candles are placed from right to left
Candles are lit from left to right, starting with the newest one
A new candle is added each night
Special blessings are recited before the lighting, and traditional songs are often sung afterward.
🎶 Prayers and Songs
Many families recite Hanukkah blessings and sing songs such as Maoz Tzur after lighting the candles. Some communities follow melodies passed down through generations.
What Is a Dreidel?
A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top traditionally played during Hanukkah. Each side bears a Hebrew letter:
Nun
Gimel
Hei
Shin
Together, they stand for “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham”, meaning “A great miracle happened there.” The game is often played for chocolate coins (gelt), nuts, or small treats.
Traditional Hanukkah Foods
Because Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of oil, fried foods take center stage.
Popular Hanukkah foods include:
Latkes – crispy potato pancakes served with applesauce or sour cream
Sufganiyot – jelly-filled doughnuts popular in Israel
Foods cooked in oil to honor the miracle of the menorah
Many families also enjoy modern twists on classic Hanukkah recipes, blending tradition with new flavors.