Hanukkah lasts eight days and nights. Jewish days begin at sundown, so the holiday spans parts of nine Gregorian calendar days. Each night features lighting one more candle on the menorah, up to eight on the final night.
Observance Details
The festival starts on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, typically falling in late November or December. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple and the miracle of oil lasting eight days. In 2025, it begins at sundown on December 14 and ends on December 22.
Historical Context
Originally linked to a delayed celebration of Sukkot, which is also eight days long. The Talmud later emphasized the oil miracle as the reason for its length. Customs include eating fried foods like latkes and playing dreidel.
