As of today, December 14, 2025, many people are searching for when does Hanukkah begin 2025, and the confirmed date is the evening of Thursday, December 18, 2025. The eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights will continue until the evening of Friday, December 26, 2025, marking a time of faith, family, and celebration for Jewish communities around the world.
Hanukkah’s start and end dates shift every year because the holiday follows the Hebrew calendar, not the Gregorian one. In 2025, Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev, the same date that commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem more than two thousand years ago.
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The Exact Start and End Times for Hanukkah 2025
In 2025, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Thursday, December 18, and concludes at sundown on Friday, December 26.
Because Jewish holidays start and end at sunset rather than midnight, families across the United States will light the first candle of the menorah after nightfall on December 18. The eighth and final candle will be lit on the evening of December 25, followed by the holiday’s conclusion on the next day.
Here’s a simple timeline for reference:
| Night | Date | Candle Lighting |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Night | Thursday, Dec. 18 | Light one candle after sundown |
| 2nd Night | Friday, Dec. 19 | Two candles |
| 3rd Night | Saturday, Dec. 20 | Three candles |
| 4th Night | Sunday, Dec. 21 | Four candles |
| 5th Night | Monday, Dec. 22 | Five candles |
| 6th Night | Tuesday, Dec. 23 | Six candles |
| 7th Night | Wednesday, Dec. 24 | Seven candles |
| 8th Night | Thursday, Dec. 25 | Eight candles lit |
| Holiday Ends | Friday, Dec. 26 | Concludes at sunset |
Why Hanukkah’s Dates Change Every Year
If you’ve ever wondered why the date of Hanukkah shifts each year, the reason lies in the Hebrew lunar calendar. While the Gregorian calendar follows the sun’s cycle, the Hebrew calendar is based on the moon’s phases.
This means Jewish holidays “move” each year when translated into Western dates. Hanukkah typically falls between late November and late December, depending on how the lunar and solar calendars align.
In 2024, Hanukkah began earlier, starting on December 25, 2024. But in 2025, it will start a full week earlier — on December 18 — highlighting how the Hebrew system adjusts over time.
The Story Behind Hanukkah
Hanukkah, also called Chanukah, celebrates the miracle that followed the Jewish people’s victory over the Greek-Syrian forces during the second century BCE. When Jewish rebels known as the Maccabees reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, they found only one small container of pure oil — enough to keep the Temple’s menorah lit for one day.
Yet the oil miraculously burned for eight days, long enough to prepare more oil for the eternal light. This event inspired the creation of Hanukkah, which is observed by lighting candles on a menorah (or hanukkiah) each night for eight nights.
Hanukkah 2025 Traditions in the U.S.
Across the United States, Jewish families observe Hanukkah with joy, food, song, and togetherness. The rituals have both spiritual and cultural significance, connecting communities to their history and faith.
Common U.S. traditions include:
- Lighting the Menorah: Each evening, one additional candle is added to the menorah, symbolizing the spreading of light and hope.
- Playing Dreidel: The spinning top game features Hebrew letters representing the phrase “A great miracle happened there.”
- Eating Fried Foods: Foods cooked in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), remind participants of the miracle of the oil.
- Gift Giving: In many modern households, children receive small gifts or coins (called gelt) each night of the holiday.
Community menorah lightings, charity drives, and public celebrations are also common across major U.S. cities, from New York to Los Angeles.
How to Prepare for Hanukkah 2025
With Hanukkah beginning on December 18, families have plenty of time to prepare. Here are a few steps many households take before the first night:
- Check the Menorah: Make sure your menorah or hanukkiah is clean and ready for use.
- Buy Candles or Oil: You’ll need 44 candles for the eight nights (including the helper candle, the shamash).
- Plan the Menu: Traditional foods include latkes, brisket, kugel, and doughnuts.
- Arrange Gifts: Some families exchange one small gift each night; others focus on charitable giving.
- Schedule Community Events: Many synagogues host lighting ceremonies or concerts that bring local members together.
Being prepared allows families to focus on the meaning of the festival rather than last-minute details.
How Long Does Hanukkah Last in 2025?
Hanukkah lasts for eight nights and eight days. In 2025, the celebration begins on Thursday, December 18, and ends on Friday, December 26.
Each night adds one more candle to the menorah, culminating in a full display of light on the eighth evening. The gradual lighting process symbolizes growing spiritual illumination and faith.
Even though Hanukkah is not one of the biblically mandated Jewish holidays, it holds immense emotional and historical significance, especially for Jewish communities living in the diaspora. Hanukkah begin
Hanukkah and the Broader Holiday Season
In 2025, Hanukkah overlaps with part of the U.S. winter holiday season, falling between mid-December and Christmas week. This overlap often leads to joint community celebrations and interfaith gatherings.
While Hanukkah is distinct from Christmas, both holidays share themes of light, hope, and renewal. Many interfaith families in the U.S. honor both traditions side by side, finding joy in the shared values of gratitude and unity.
Public menorah lightings, such as those in New York City’s Central Park, Washington D.C., and San Francisco’s Union Square, often draw large crowds, showcasing Jewish pride and cultural connection.
Modern Meaning and Reflection
Hanukkah in 2025 serves as more than a historical commemoration. It represents the ongoing triumph of perseverance, freedom, and faith against adversity. Lighting the menorah symbolizes both ancient miracles and modern resilience.
For many Jewish Americans, the holiday is also a time to reconnect with loved ones and reflect on community identity in an ever-changing world.
As one of the most celebrated Jewish holidays in the U.S., Hanukkah bridges the gap between religious tradition and cultural expression — bringing warmth, light, and hope to winter nights.
Hanukkah 2025 begins on the evening of Thursday, December 18, and ends on the evening of Friday, December 26. Mark your calendar, light your menorah, and celebrate the Festival of Lights with joy, faith, and unity.
May the lights of Hanukkah continue to inspire peace and hope across the world.