▷ What Day Of Hanukkah Is Christmas?

Christmas and Hanukkah are two of the most beloved holidays celebrated in the world and it’s no surprise that many are curious about when these two holidays fall together. People often wonder what day of Hanukkah coincides with Christmas each year and what that means for those who celebrate both holidays. We’ll explore the answers to these questions, as well as how this day is marked.

Table of Contents

1 When Does Hanukkah Overlap with Christmas?

When Does Hanukkah Overlap with Christmas?

The Hebrew calendar follows lunar cycles, which means that the dates for Hanukkah generally change each year. Christmas is celebrated on December 25th annually, therefore the overlap of Hanukkah and Christmas varies. In 2020, the first night of Hanukkah will begin on December 10th and end on December 18th. This means that the first full day of Hanukkah and Christmas will fall on December 11th in 2020.

How Are Christmas and Hanukkah Celebrated Together?

When Hanukkah and Christmas co-occur, many families, friends, and communities take the opportunity to blend the two holidays into one. Generally, many will celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah in the same way, with the only difference being that some will also light the Hanukkah menorah.

Symbols of the Holidays

Christmas and Hanukkah are a great example of how one can come together peacefully despite their religious differences. Since both holidays feature a holiday tree, some families choose to decorate and display one tree with both Hanukkah and Christmas decorations, such as blue and silver for Hanukkah and red and green for Christmas. Other families celebrate with:

Gingerbread Menorah – a combination of a gingerbread house and a menorah
Yule Log and Latkes – a log shaped cake combined with another fried potato treat
Holiday Cards – with pictures of a Christmas tree and a menorah or a mixture of both decorations

Common Traditions

When it comes to traditions, many families maintain the same rituals, such as exchanging gifts and eating traditional foods. The only change that is often made is when it comes to gifts – instead of receiving eight gifts on each night of Hanukkah, it is common for each person to receive a combination of two presents (one for Hanukkah and one for Christmas).

The joy of celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah together is something that is celebrated each year – especially when Christmas and Hanukkah overlap! Combining the two holidays offers a unique opportunity to learn and understand each other’s cultures and traditions, resulting in the shared appreciation of each other’s religions. Whether through mixed decorations, blending of cultures, or simply joining together for a unique dinner, the celebration of Christmas and Hanukkah is an experience that will bring joy to all.

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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.