How many days until Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is on Friday, December 4, 2026. There are 178 days left until Hanukkah. It is observed begins at sundown on the 25th day of kislev in the hebrew calendar.
Date & Planning Details
Hanukkah is observed begins at sundown on the 25th day of kislev in the hebrew calendar.
Usually treated as an observance, not a day off.
Hanukkah Calendar (2026-2100)
| Year | Date | Day | Days Left | Weekend? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 4 | Fri | 178 days | No |
| 2027 | December 24 | Fri | 563 days | No |
| 2028 | December 12 | Tue | 917 days | No |
| 2029 | December 1 | Sat | 1271 days | Yes |
| 2030 | December 20 | Fri | 1655 days | No |
| 2031 | December 9 | Tue | 2009 days | No |
| 2032 | November 27 | Sat | 2363 days | Yes |
| 2033 | December 16 | Fri | 2747 days | No |
| 2034 | December 6 | Wed | 3102 days | No |
| 2035 | December 25 | Tue | 3486 days | No |
What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is an eight-night Jewish holiday that begins on 25 Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. On the Gregorian calendar, the start date changes each year, usually falling from late November to late December. The countdown date shown here uses the evening when Hanukkah begins at sundown.
How People Observe It
Hanukkah is commonly observed by lighting the menorah each night, saying blessings, singing songs, playing dreidel, giving gelt or small gifts, and eating foods cooked in oil such as latkes and sufganiyot.
Calendar note
Jewish holidays begin at sundown, so the listed date marks the evening start of Hanukkah. The first full daytime date is usually the following Gregorian date.
Date variation note
Local candle-lighting times depend on sunset in each location, so the practical start time varies by city and time zone.
Planning note
For travel, synagogue services, school calendars, workplace scheduling, and family gatherings, confirm local sunset times and community schedules before making final plans.
History and Background
Hanukkah recalls the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the tradition of the oil that lasted for eight days. Its calendar date stays fixed in the Hebrew calendar but moves on the Gregorian calendar because the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Hanukkah start in 2026?
Hanukkah begins at sundown on Friday, December 4, 2026, and continues for eight nights.
Why does Hanukkah change dates every year?
Hanukkah always begins on 25 Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, but that date falls on different Gregorian dates because the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar.
Is Hanukkah always eight days?
Yes. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days.
Does Hanukkah begin during the day or at night?
It begins at sundown. The listed countdown date marks the evening start, while the first full daytime observance is usually the next day.
Is Hanukkah a public holiday?
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday, but it is not a public holiday in most countries. Local school, workplace, or community arrangements may vary.
What should I check before planning for Hanukkah?
Check the local sunset time, candle-lighting guidance, synagogue schedule, family plans, and any school or workplace calendar notes for your area.
Hanukkah Timeline
These entries focus on broad historical and calendar milestones connected with Hanukkah.
The events remembered by Hanukkah took place during the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Hanukkah became tied to the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar.
Public and home customs around menorah lighting, songs, games, and seasonal gatherings became more visible in many Jewish communities.
This countdown uses the selected timezone to keep the live timer and date table consistent.
