When is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah starts on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar and lasts eight nights, so its Gregorian date moves each year. The first candle is lit the evening before the date shown. In 2026 it falls on Saturday, December 5, 2026, and in 2027 it's on Saturday, December 25, 2027. When this page was last updated, on October 12, 2026, there were 54 days to go, which is about 7 weeks and 5 days. The counter at the top keeps ticking down in real time on your device, so it's always current.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 5 | Saturday |
| 2027 | December 25 | Saturday |
A little history
Hanukkah remembers the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the second century BC, after the Maccabean revolt. The story says a single day's supply of oil kept the temple menorah lit for eight days.
How people celebrate
Each night another candle goes on the menorah, lit with the helper candle called the shamash. Food fried in oil is a must: latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). Kids play dreidel for chocolate coins called gelt. My tip for latkes: squeeze the grated potato really dry, and they'll actually get crispy.
Closures and practical notes
It's not a public holiday in the US, and most people work and go to school as usual. In 2026 Hanukkah begins on the evening of Friday, December 4.
Planning tips
Because the date depends on a religious or lunar calendar, it moves around from year to year, and the exact day can change by one depending on where you live and on local announcements. Treat the dates here as a solid guide, and check with your local community for the final word.
If you're celebrating with family, book travel early. If you're not celebrating but have friends, neighbors or coworkers who are, a quick greeting or simply not scheduling a big meeting that day is a thoughtful touch.
How the countdown works
We count full calendar days from today's date to the holiday, using the clock on your own phone or computer, so it matches your local time zone. On the day itself the counter switches to the next year's date. Want to count to a birthday or deadline instead? Our days until any date page does that in one tap.
Frequently asked questions
When is Hanukkah 2026?
Saturday, December 5, 2026.
What day of the week is Hanukkah in 2027?
It's a Saturday (December 25, 2027).
How long does Hanukkah last?
Eight nights and eight days.