Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah, from the Hebrew חֲנֻכָּה) is the Jewish Festival of Lights, observed for eight nights and days.
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire (167-160 BCE). According to the Talmud, when the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple, there was only enough ritually pure olive oil to light the menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days — enough time to prepare new oil. The eight-night celebration commemorates this miracle.
The Hanukkah menorah (chanukiah) has nine branches: eight for the nights, plus the shamash (helper candle) used to light the others. One candle is added each night, kindled after nightfall.
Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. In 2025 it begins on 14th December; in 2026 on 4th December.
Celebrate with our free Hanukkah invitation and gift tags.