How Many Days Until
Hanukkah
Friday, December 4, 2026
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is an eight-night celebration commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.
When is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is on Friday, December 4, 2026. Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is an eight-night celebration commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.
Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE. According to the Talmud, when the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple, they found only enough consecrated oil to light the menorah for one day — but miraculously, it burned for eight.
Each night of Hanukkah, families light the menorah (hanukkiah), adding one candle per night from right to left and lighting them from left to right. The shamash (helper candle) is used to light the others. Blessings are recited, and songs like "Ma'oz Tzur" are sung as the candles glow.
Traditional Hanukkah foods are fried in oil to honor the miracle. Latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) are the most beloved treats. Children play dreidel, a spinning-top game, and receive gelt (chocolate coins or real money). Gift-giving has also become a common tradition, especially in North America.
Hanukkah's date varies on the Gregorian calendar because it follows the Hebrew calendar, typically falling in November or December. It's a joyful celebration of resilience, faith, and the enduring power of light in the darkness.