When is Hanukkah 2026?

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.