Hanukkah 2025: The Complete Guide to the Jewish Festival of Lights
Discover the history, traditions, and celebrations of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival commemorating the miracle of the oil.
Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights
Hanukkah (חֲנֻכָּה), also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. In 2025, Hanukkah begins on the evening of December 14th.
Historical Background
Hanukkah celebrates the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. According to tradition, when the Temple was reclaimed, there was only enough consecrated oil to light the menorah for one day, but it miraculously burned for eight days.
The Hebrew Calendar
Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. Because the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, Hanukkah can fall anywhere from late November to late December.
Traditional Celebrations
Lighting the Menorah
Each night, an additional candle is lit on the nine-branched menorah (hanukkiah), building from one to eight candles, plus the shamash (helper candle).
Traditional Foods
Foods fried in oil commemorate the miracle:
Dreidel Games
Children play with spinning tops marked with Hebrew letters that spell out "A great miracle happened there."
Gelt and Gifts
Chocolate coins (gelt) and small gifts are exchanged, with many families giving one gift per night.
Hanukkah Around the World
Planning Your Hanukkah Calendar
Hanukkah celebrates the triumph of faith and the enduring light of hope in our lives.
