How Long Is Hanukkah Celebrated?

Quick Scoop

Hanukkah, also known as the **Festival of Lights** , is celebrated for **eight days and nights**. This Jewish holiday usually falls in **late November or December** , depending on the Hebrew lunar calendar — specifically beginning on the **25th day of Kislev**.

🕯️ The Core Tradition

Each night, Jewish families light one additional candle on the menorah (or hanukkiah), starting with one on the first night and adding another each evening until all eight — plus the shamash (helper candle) — are glowing on the final night. This ritual honors the miracle of the oil , when the small supply of consecrated oil that should’ve lasted only one day kept the Temple’s menorah burning for eight full days.

✡️ How Hanukkah Is Observed

Across the world, Hanukkah celebrations mix ancient customs and modern twists :

• Lighting the menorah nightly at home or in public ceremonies.
• Reciting blessings and singing traditional songs.
• Eating fried foods , like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), symbolizing the miracle oil.
• Playing dreidel , a spinning top game linked to the holiday’s story.
• Gifting small presents , especially to children, in many modern families.

🗓️ Timing and Duration

Year| Hebrew Date (Start)| Gregorian Date (Start)| Duration
---|---|---|---
2025| 25 Kislev| December 14, 2025| 8 days (ends Dec 22, 2025)
2026| 25 Kislev| December 4, 2026| 8 days (ends Dec 12, 2026)
2027| 25 Kislev| December 24, 2027| 8 days (ends Jan 1, 2028)

(Dates vary slightly due to differences between the Hebrew and Gregorian calendars.)

🌍 Forum & Cultural Buzz

“In Israel, everything lights up during Hanukkah — literally! Every window seems to glow with candles.” — user comment from a global Jewish culture forum

“Some families combine old traditions with new ones — like virtual candle lighting across time zones or themed dreidel tournaments!” — trending discussion on Reddit’s r/Judaism

Modern interpretations of Hanukkah continue to grow, especially as younger generations connect ancient faith with modern expression — through art, community, and digital celebration.

💬 TL;DR

• Hanukkah lasts eight days and nights.
• Celebrated with menorah lighting, songs, food, and games.
• Dates vary each year , aligning with the Hebrew calendar.
• The eight days symbolize the miracle of the oil that burned longer than expected.

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