Why the date moves
Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, which is lunisolar. That is why its date in the Gregorian calendar moves each year, anywhere from late November to late December. Like all Jewish holidays, it begins at sundown. This countdown targets 5:00 p.m. local time on the first evening as an approximation. Check a local calendar for the exact candle-lighting time where you live.
Upcoming Hanukkah dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday, December 4, 2026 |
| 2027 | Friday, December 24, 2027 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, December 12, 2028 |
Eight nights
One candle is added each night, using the shamash (helper candle) to light the others, until all eight burn on the final night. Many families eat foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot, and play dreidel.
Questions
When does Hanukkah start?
At sundown on the first evening listed in the table on this page. Dates are taken from the Hebrew calendar.
How long does Hanukkah last?
Eight nights and eight days.
Can I put this countdown on a big screen?
Yes. Open the page on a TV, projector, or laptop and use your browser's full-screen mode. The counter keeps updating while the page is open.
More countdowns
Counting down to something else? Use the custom date countdown.