The Hebrew calendar depends upon the lunar cycle, meaning the dates of Hanukkah (and every Jewish holiday) will differ each year. Hanukkah 2022 will start on the evening of Sunday, December 18, and end on the evening of Monday, December 26.

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a beloved winter festival that celebrates both a military victory and a miracle. Though perhaps best known for its proximity to Christmas, this minor Jewish holiday has its own joyous ways to celebrate. 

It provides an opportunity for many of us in interfaith families to share Jewish traditions over the winter holiday season. Whether you’re celebrating for the first time or the 40^th time, Hanukkah doesn’t disappoint with its lights, gifts and delicious foods.

How is Hanukkah Celebrated?

We observe Hanukkah at home by lighting the menorah (every night we light one extra candle to the number from the previous evening on a nine-pronged candelabra), playing dreidel, and eating foods that are special to Hanukkah. Some families also sing Hanukkah songs after lighting the menorah.

Traditional Hanukkah Foods

Many Hanukkah foods are prepared in oil, representing the oil that miraculously lasted eight nights in the holiday story. Latkes (potato pancakes, doughnuts filled with jam (called sufganiyot), and chocolate coins (called gelt, which comes from the Yiddish word for money) are some of the most common and popular Hanukkah food staples. Find recipes here.

Here are the dates of Hanukkah 2022-2026: starting and ending at sundown: