▷ When Do We Celebrate Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is a holiday celebrated by Jews worldwide that commemorates a miraculous victory in the Maccabean Revolt over 2,000 years ago. During the eight-day holiday, a menorah is lit outside homes and businesses to illuminate and remember the miracle. But when, exactly, do we celebrate Hanukkah?

Hanukkah usually falls on the 25th day of the Jewish lunar month of Kislev, which usually falls around the same time as Thanksgiving in the United States. Depending on when the new moon is sighted, Hanukkah sometimes starts as early as the end of November and ends as late as the end of December. For this reason, Hanukkah is sometimes referred to as the “Festival of Lights” or the “Festival of Dedication.”

Table of Contents

1 Calculating the Date of Hanukkah

Calculating the Date of Hanukkah

Hanukkah is celebrated on the 25th of Kislev, which is determined by the Jewish calendar. The Jewish calendar is a lunar calendar that follows the cycles of the moon. At the beginning of each month, a new moon is sighted and the month is declared. Kislev usually falls around the same time as November and December.

The Hebrew Calendar

The Hebrew calendar follows a 19-year cycle with 12 lunar months of 29 or 30 days in a year. This cycle is regulated by the Hebrew leap year. In a leap year, one extra month is added after the month of Shevat. The extra month is called Adar 1, and the regular month Adar is referred to as Adar 2. This means that the Jewish holidays of Passover and Hanukkah can fall out a month later in a leap year than in a non-leap year.

When is Hanukkah Celebrated?

Hanukkah usually falls on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. This usually corresponds to a date in late November or early December on the Gregorian calendar. Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days, beginning on the 25th day of Kislev and ending on the second day of Tevet.

Observing Hanukkah

During Hanukkah, a menorah is lit outside the home to remember the miracle. Traditionally, one candle is lit on the first night of Hanukkah and an additional candle is lit each night for eight days. Many Jews also exchange presents during Hanukkah, play the dreidel game, and eat traditional foods.

In sum, Hanukkah is a holiday celebrated by Jews worldwide that commemorates a miraculous victory over 2,000 years ago. It usually falls on the 25th day of the Jewish lunar month of Kislev, which is determined by the Jewish calendar. Hanukkah lasts eight days, beginning on the 25th day of Kislev and ending on the second day of Tevet. During Hanukkah, many Jews light a menorah outside their homes to remember the miracle, exchange presents, play the dreidel game, and eat traditional foods.

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