About Hanukkah
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It is celebrated by lighting the menorah (hanukkiah), adding one candle each night, and sharing traditions like special foods, games, and songs. Dates vary each year on the Gregorian calendar because Hanukkah follows the Hebrew calendar.
Where it's celebrated
'%3e%3cpath fill='%23012169' d='M0 0v30h60V0z'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23fff' stroke-width='6' d='m0 0 60 30m0-30L0 30'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23C8102E' stroke-width='4' d='m0 0 60 30m0-30L0 30' clip-path='url(%23b)'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23fff' stroke-width='10' d='M30 0v30M0 15h60'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23C8102E' stroke-width='6' d='M30 0v30M0 15h60'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
'/%3e%3c/defs%3e%3cpath fill='%23012169' d='M0 0h10080v5040H0z'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23fff' stroke-width='.6' d='m0 0 6 3m0-3L0 3' clip-path='url(%23b)' transform='scale(840)'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23e4002b' stroke-width='.4' d='m0 0 6 3m0-3L0 3' clip-path='url(%23c)' transform='scale(840)'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23fff' stroke-width='840' d='M2520 0v2520M0 1260h5040'/%3e%3cpath stroke='%23e4002b' stroke-width='504' d='M2520 0v2520M0 1260h5040'/%3e%3cg fill='%23fff'%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23d' x='2520' y='3780'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23a' x='7560' y='4200'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23a' x='6300' y='2205'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23a' x='7560' y='840'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23a' x='8680' y='1869'/%3e%3cuse xlink:href='%23e' x='8064' y='2730'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Other years
Traditions & activities
Traditions
- Lighting the menorah for eight nights
- Reciting blessings and songs
- Eating fried foods
- Playing dreidel
- Giving gelt or small gifts
- Family gatherings
- Reading Hanukkah stories
- Community candle lightings
Activities
- Menorah lighting
- Dreidel games
- Cooking Hanukkah foods
- Family gatherings
- Gift exchanges
- Community events
- Singing Hanukkah songs
- Charity and giving
Symbols & foods
Symbols
- Menorah/hanukkiah (miracle of light)
- Dreidel (traditional game)
- Gelt (coins/chocolate coins)
- Oil (miracle tradition)
- Star of David
- Candles (increasing light)
- Blue and white colors
- Hanukkah blessings
Traditional foods
- Latkes (potato pancakes)
- Sufganiyot (jelly donuts)
- Brisket
- Kugel
- Applesauce and sour cream
- Fried foods in oil
- Chocolate gelt
- Holiday meals
History & significance
History
Hanukkah recalls the Maccabean revolt and the rededication of the Temple. Tradition tells of a small amount of oil that lasted eight days, inspiring the eight-night candle-lighting ritual. Over time, Hanukkah became a widely observed Jewish holiday emphasizing perseverance, identity, and faith.
Significance
Hanukkah celebrates resilience, religious freedom, and hope—symbolized by light growing stronger each night.
Frequently asked questions
When is Hanukkah 2026?
Hanukkah 2026 is on December 4, 2026 (Friday).
Is Hanukkah a public holiday?
In many countries it is an official public holiday, but public holiday status varies by country and region.
What day of the week is Hanukkah 2026?
Hanukkah 2026 falls on a Friday.
Is Hanukkah 2026 a fixed date holiday?
Hanukkah 2026 is a variable date holiday. First night (begins at sundown)
Which countries celebrate Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is celebrated in 7 countries including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France and more.