Hanukkah, one of the most commonly observed Jewish holidays, is weeks away from beginning.
Hanukkah, sometimes called the festival of lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday observed by burning candles every night.
While Hanukkah normally falls around the same time as Christmas, the two holidays are distinct in that they are observed under different religions for different reasons. When Hanukkah and Christmas fall on the same day, like in 2024, the joint tradition is known as “Christmukkah.”
Hanukkah, sometimes called Chanukah, is one of the most well-known Jewish holidays because of its date, yet it is not the most significant holiday in Judaism. According to the University of Southern California and Henry Ford College, Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, is one of two High Holy Days, along with Rosh Hashanah, and is regarded as the holiest day of the Jewish year.
Here’s everything to know about Hanukkah 2025.
What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees, Jewish rebel fighters, in recapturing Jerusalem’s Holy Temple in 165 BCE, according to Chabad.org, ReformJudaism.org and the University of Southern California.
During Hanukkah, food fried in oil such latkes, or potato pancakes, are eaten and the classic game dreidel is played.
How long does Hanukkah last?
Hanukkah lasts for eight days.
According to source, the Temple’s menorah miraculously burned for eight days when it was regained, even though there was only enough oil for it to burn for one day. This is why the festival of lights is eight days long.
When is Hanukkah 2025’s first day?
This year, Hanukkah begins on December 14.
The dates are determined using the Hebrew calendar.
Hanukkah 2025 dates
This year, Hanukkah falls from Dec. 14-22.