About Hanukkah
Hanukkah — the Festival of Lights — begins on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, which lands in late November or December. The next first night begins at sunset on December 4, 2026, and the countdown above tracks the days until the first candle is lit.
The eight-night festival commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. Each night another candle joins the menorah in the window, accompanied by foods fried in oil — latkes and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) — dreidel games, and Hanukkah gelt for children.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Friday, December 4, 2026next |
| 2027 | Friday, December 24, 2027 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, December 12, 2028 |
FAQ
When is Hanukkah 2026?
Hanukkah begins at sunset on December 4, 2026 and lasts eight nights, ending December 12.
Why does the date change every year?
Hanukkah follows the Hebrew lunisolar calendar (25 Kislev), which moves against the Gregorian calendar between late November and late December.
What do the candles mean?
One candle is added each of the eight nights, recalling the Temple oil that miraculously burned for eight days.