Hanukkah in 2025 will begin at sundown on Sunday, December 14, 2025, and end at nightfall on Monday, December 22, 2025.
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In the Hebrew calendar, the holiday spans from 25 Kislev to 2 Tevet in the year 5786.
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Because Jewish holidays start at sunset, Hanukkah officially begins on the evening of December 14 and finishes after dark on December 22.
Why Do the Dates Vary Year to Year?
Hanukkah always begins on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. Because the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar—based on both lunar cycles and seasonal (solar) alignment—the Gregorian (solar) calendar dates shift from year to year.
Thus, Hanukkah can fall any time between late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.
Additionally, the month of Kislev can be either 29 or 30 days, which affects whether Hanukkah ends on 2 Tevet or (in rare cases) 3 Tevet.
Why Do Hanukkah Dates Change Every Year?
Hanukkah always begins on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. However, the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar—based on both the moon and the sun. This means Hanukkah does not have fixed Gregorian dates.
That’s why Hanukkah sometimes falls in late November, sometimes in early or mid-December, and occasionally overlaps with Christmas. In 2025, the festival sits firmly in mid-December.
The Meaning of Hanukkah
Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, means “dedication” in Hebrew. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE after the Maccabees’ victory over the Seleucid Empire.
The most famous story is the miracle of the oil: only one jar of pure oil was found to light the Temple menorah, enough for a single night, but it miraculously burned for eight nights. Because of this, Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days, with an additional candle lit each night.
Hanukkah Traditions and Customs
Hanukkah is both a religious and cultural celebration. Common traditions include:
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Lighting the Menorah (Hanukkiah): One candle is added each night, using a helper candle called the shamash.
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Reciting Blessings and Singing Songs: Traditional blessings are said before lighting the candles, followed by songs such as Maoz Tzur.
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Eating Fried Foods: To honor the miracle of oil, foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) are enjoyed.
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Playing Dreidel: A spinning top game played with coins or chocolate gelt is especially popular with children.
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Family Gatherings and Public Menorah Lightings: Many communities hold large menorah ceremonies, while families celebrate at home with meals, games, and gifts.
Hanukkah 2025 in Context
In 2025, Hanukkah falls December 14–22, a period that does not overlap with Christmas. This makes it easier for families who celebrate both holidays (sometimes called “Chrismukkah” years) to observe each separately.
If you’re planning events or religious observances, make sure to note that each Hanukkah night begins after sundown, not at midnight.
Quick Reference: Hanukkah 2025 Candle Lighting Schedule
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Night 1: Sunday, Dec 14, after sunset
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Night 2: Monday, Dec 15, after sunset
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Night 3: Tuesday, Dec 16, after sunset
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Night 4: Wednesday, Dec 17, after sunset
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Night 5: Thursday, Dec 18, after sunset
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Night 6: Friday, Dec 19, before Shabbat
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Night 7: Saturday, Dec 20, after Shabbat
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Night 8: Sunday, Dec 21, after sunset (last candles remain lit until Dec 22 nightfall)
Final Thoughts
Hanukkah is one of the most widely celebrated Jewish holidays, symbolizing faith, perseverance, and light over darkness. In 2025, it will run from December 14 through December 22, giving families around the world eight nights to celebrate with menorah lightings, food, games, and community gatherings.
Whether you’re Jewish or simply interested in cultural traditions, understanding the dates and meaning of Hanukkah helps appreciate this festival of lights.
FAQ: Hanukkah 2025
1. When does Hanukkah start in 2025?
Hanukkah 2025 begins at sundown on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
2. When does Hanukkah end in 2025?
Hanukkah ends at nightfall on Monday, December 22, 2025.
3. How many days is Hanukkah in 2025?
Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights, from December 14 through December 22, 2025.
4. What is the meaning of Hanukkah?
Hanukkah means “dedication” in Hebrew. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil lasting eight days.
5. What foods are traditionally eaten during Hanukkah?
Traditional Hanukkah foods include latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), both fried in oil to symbolize the miracle of oil.
6. Does Hanukkah overlap with Christmas in 2025?
No, Hanukkah 2025 occurs from December 14–22, which does not overlap with Christmas.
7. How do you light the menorah during Hanukkah 2025?
Each night, one additional candle is lit on the menorah using the shamash (helper candle). On the eighth night, all eight candles are lit.