Hanukkah 2026 begins at sundown on Friday, December 4, 2026 and ends at nightfall on Saturday, December 12, 2026. Also called the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah lasts eight nights. Each night, families light one more candle on the menorah (hanukkiah), eat fried foods, play dreidel and share gifts and blessings.
Hanukkah 2026 night-by-night calendar
| Night | Date (evening) | Candles lit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Friday, December 4 | 1 + shamash |
| 2 | Saturday, December 5 | 2 + shamash |
| 3 | Sunday, December 6 | 3 + shamash |
| 4 | Monday, December 7 | 4 + shamash |
| 5 | Tuesday, December 8 | 5 + shamash |
| 6 | Wednesday, December 9 | 6 + shamash |
| 7 | Thursday, December 10 | 7 + shamash |
| 8 | Friday, December 11 | 8 + shamash |
Because the first night falls on a Friday, many families light Hanukkah candles before the Shabbat candles that evening. Hanukkah ends at nightfall on Saturday, December 12.
The story of Hanukkah
Hanukkah remembers the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the second century BCE, after the Maccabees’ revolt. According to tradition, there was only enough pure oil to keep the Temple menorah burning for one day, but it lasted eight days — the miracle Hanukkah celebrates.
How to light the menorah
- Place candles from right to left, adding one each night.
- Light the shamash (helper candle) first.
- Use the shamash to light the newest candle first, then move left.
- Say or sing the blessings.
- Place the menorah in a window to share the light.
Traditional Hanukkah foods
- Latkes: potato pancakes fried in oil, served with applesauce or sour cream.
- Sufganiyot: jelly-filled doughnuts.
- Brisket for family dinners.
- Kugel (noodle or potato).
- Chocolate gelt (coins).
How to play dreidel
Each player starts with the same number of coins or candies and puts one in the pot. Spin the dreidel: Nun — nothing happens; Gimel — take the whole pot; Hey — take half; Shin (or Pe in Israel) — add one to the pot.
Hanukkah wishes
- Happy Hanukkah! May the festival of lights fill your home with joy.
- Chag Hanukkah Sameach!
- Wishing you eight nights of love, light and latkes.
- May every candle bring you hope and peace.
- Sending warm wishes for a bright and happy Hanukkah.
- May your Hanukkah be filled with family, laughter and miracles.
- Happy Hanukkah to you and your loved ones.
- Light, love and latkes — Happy Hanukkah!
Hanukkah gift and activity ideas
- A small gift each night for kids, like books, games or art supplies.
- A family latke cook-off.
- A tzedakah (charity) night where the family donates together.
- Making a homemade menorah craft.
Planning December? See our December countdown and kindness ideas for the season.
FAQ
When does Hanukkah 2026 start?
At sundown on Friday, December 4, 2026.
When does Hanukkah 2026 end?
At nightfall on Saturday, December 12, 2026.
Why are Hanukkah dates different each year?
Hanukkah follows the Hebrew calendar (25 Kislev), which is lunisolar, so its date moves on the regular calendar.
How do you say Happy Hanukkah in Hebrew?
“Chag Hanukkah Sameach.”
