# When is Hanukkah 2026?

> Hanukkah 2026 begins at sundown on Friday, December 4, and the first full day is December 5, 2026. It is the Jewish festival of lights, celebrated for eight nights.

Source: https://whatdayisitapp.com/days/hanukkah/ · Updated: 2026-11-05 · What Day Is It?

## What Hanukkah marks

The story goes back to the second century BCE, when the Maccabees led a revolt and retook the Temple in Jerusalem. *Hanukkah* means “dedication,” after the rededication of the Temple. Jewish tradition says a single day’s oil kept the lamp burning for eight days, which is why the festival lasts eight nights.

## Why the date moves

Hanukkah starts on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, which follows both the moon and the sun. That is why it lands on a different date on the regular calendar each year, anywhere from late November to late December. Jewish days begin at sundown, so the first candle is lit the evening before the first full day.

## How it is celebrated

- **The menorah:** one more candle is lit each night, using a helper candle called the *shamash*. It usually sits where people outside can see it.
- **Fried food:** oil is the theme, so expect potato latkes and jelly doughnuts called *sufganiyot*.
- **Dreidel:** a four-sided spinning top, often played for chocolate coins called *gelt*.

## What to say

“Happy Hanukkah” works everywhere. *Chag Sameach* is the Hebrew for “joyous festival.” The name has several English spellings, and Chanukah is just as correct.

## Dates

- December 5, 2026 (Saturday)
- December 25, 2027 (Saturday)
- December 13, 2028 (Wednesday)

## FAQ

### Is Hanukkah the Jewish Christmas?

No. They fall near each other, but they are unrelated. In religious terms Hanukkah is a minor festival, even though it is widely loved.

### Is Hanukkah a public holiday in the US?

No. It is not a federal holiday, though some schools and workplaces make allowances for it.