When is Hanukkah? The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah starts on the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev and lasts for eight days. Therefore, it normally is between late November and December on the secular calendar. This year, Hanukkah (or Chanukah) will start on the eve of December 11 and continue until December 19.
Commonly known as the Festival of Lights, this holiday commemorates the victory of the Jews over the Syrians and the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem in 165 B.C. Lighting the menorah, saying blessings, and playing the dreidel game for gelt are some of the best-known Hanukkah traditions.
