Hanukkah 2025: When It Starts and What to Know About the Festival of Lights
Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, will begin on Sunday, December 14, 2025, and will continue for eight days, wrapping up on December 22. This cherished holiday, which commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, is observed with the lighting of candles, traditional prayers, and special foods. Hanukkah holds a significant place in Jewish culture, though it’s not considered the most important holiday in Judaism. That title goes to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which is observed earlier in the Jewish calendar.
The story of Hanukkah dates back to 165 BCE, when a small group of Jewish rebels known as the Maccabees defeated foreign forces that had occupied the Holy Temple. After regaining control of the temple, the Maccabees found only enough pure oil to light the menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, a miracle that is central to the holiday’s significance. As a result, Hanukkah is celebrated with the lighting of a special menorah, which has nine branches—one for each night of the holiday, plus an additional candle called the shamash, which is used to light the other candles.
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Each night, families gather to light the menorah and recite blessings. The menorah is traditionally placed in a window or doorway to publicize the miracle, with one additional candle lit every evening. Special prayers are recited, and traditional songs are sung, creating a sense of joy and reverence.
In addition to the candle lighting, Hanukkah is marked by festive meals and games. Fried foods are a key part of the celebrations, paying homage to the oil that miraculously burned in the menorah. Latkes, which are crispy potato pancakes, are often served with sour cream or applesauce, and sufganiyot, jelly-filled doughnuts, are enjoyed as sweet treats.
Another fun tradition is playing dreidel, a four-sided spinning top marked with Hebrew letters. Each letter stands for part of the phrase “A great miracle happened there,” referring to the miracle of the oil. The game is played with small prizes, such as coins or candies, adding an element of fun to the holiday festivities.
While Hanukkah has become widely recognized due to its proximity to Christmas, it remains a deeply meaningful and joyous time for Jewish families. The holiday’s focus on light, miracles, and family makes it a celebration of both history and hope. For those observing Hanukkah in 2025, the first night will fall on December 14, and the festivities will continue until December 22.
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