When is Chanukah 2025?
Festival of Lights dates and candle lighting guide
First Candle
Sunday, December 14, 2025
at nightfall (25 Kislev 5786)
Last Day
Monday, December 22, 2025
8 nights of celebration
Chanukah 2025 Candle Lighting Schedule
Sunday, Dec 14
1 candle + shamash
Monday, Dec 15
2 candles + shamash
Tuesday, Dec 16
3 candles + shamash
Wednesday, Dec 17
4 candles + shamash
Thursday, Dec 18
5 candles + shamash
Friday, Dec 19
6 candles (before Shabbat)
Saturday, Dec 20
7 candles (after Shabbat)
Sunday, Dec 21
8 candles + shamash
About Chanukah
Chanukah commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabees' victory over the Syrian-Greek army in 165 BCE. The miracle of the oil - one day's supply lasting eight days - is celebrated by lighting the menorah each night.
How to Light the Menorah
- Place candles in the menorah from right to left
- Light from left to right (newest candle first)
- Use the shamash (helper candle) to light the others
- Recite the blessings before lighting
- Let candles burn for at least 30 minutes
Chanukah Traditions
- Menorah lighting - Adding one candle each night
- Dreidel - Spinning top game with Hebrew letters
- Gelt - Chocolate coins or money gifts
- Latkes - Fried potato pancakes
- Sufganiyot - Jelly donuts
Frequently Asked Questions
Candles are lit at nightfall (about 20-30 minutes after sunset), except on Friday when they're lit before Shabbat candles, and Saturday when lit after Shabbat ends.
Ideally, candles should be lit at nightfall. If you missed the time, you can light (with blessings) as long as household members are still awake.