Hanukkah lasts for eight days (and eight nights).
Duration of the holiday
Hanukkah is observed for eight consecutive days, beginning on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev and ending on the 2nd of Tevet. Because the Jewish day begins at sundown, the holiday actually spans nine calendar days on the Gregorian (civil) calendar, but it is counted as an eight‑day festival.
Why eight days?
The eight days commemorate the miracle of the oil in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem: after the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple, they found only enough pure oil to keep the menorah burning for one day, but it miraculously lasted for eight days. Hanukkah is therefore also known as the “Festival of Lights” and is celebrated by lighting the Hanukkah menorah (hanukkiah), adding one more candle each night until all eight are lit.
When it falls each year
Hanukkah starts at sundown on Kislev 25 and ends at sundown eight days later, so its dates on the Gregorian calendar vary from year to year, usually falling between late November and late December. For example, in 2025, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 14 and ends at sundown on December 22.
