Hanukkah 2026 — How Many Days Until Hanukkah?

About Hanukkah

Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) is an eight-day Jewish festival of lights celebrated in November or December. It commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in the second century BCE, following the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire — and the miracle of the Temple's menorah, which burned for eight days on a single day's supply of ritually pure oil.

The central ritual of Hanukkah is the lighting of the hanukkiah (a nine-branched menorah): one candle on the first night, two on the second, and so on until all eight are lit on the final night, with the shamash (helper candle) used for lighting the others. The hanukkiah is traditionally placed in a window or doorway to publicise the miracle.

Hanukkah traditions include playing the dreidel (a spinning top), eating oil-fried foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jam doughnuts), and giving gifts or gelt (coins, traditionally chocolate). In the modern era — especially in North America where Hanukkah falls near Christmas — gift-giving has become more elaborate, though the holiday is not among the most religiously significant in the Jewish calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. The Gregorian date changes each year, typically falling in November or December.
How long is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah lasts exactly eight days and nights, commemorating the eight-day miracle of the Temple menorah oil.
Is Hanukkah a major Jewish holiday?
Despite its prominence in Western culture — largely due to proximity to Christmas — Hanukkah is a minor holiday in Jewish religious law. Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, and Passover are more significant.
What is a hanukkiah?
A hanukkiah is a nine-branched menorah used specifically for Hanukkah. Eight branches represent the eight nights; the ninth holds the shamash (helper candle) used to light the others.