Observed by Jewish communities across the world, Hanukkah 2025 will once again centre on nightly candle lighting, prayers of thanksgiving and long-standing customs rooted in history, faith and family tradition.
What is the significance of Hanukkah?
Hanukkah marks the victory of the Maccabees over the Greek-Syrian rulers in the second century BCE and the subsequent restoration of Jewish worship in the Temple. According to tradition, a single flask of pure oil, enough for only one day, miraculously lasted for eight days, allowing time to prepare new oil.
The festival is observed over eight nights, with one additional candle lit each evening on a menorah, symbolising the increasing light and holiness.
Hanukkah 2025 dates and last day
Hanukkah 2025 will begin after sunset on Sunday, December 14, and the final candle will be lit on Monday evening, December 22, marking the end of the festival.
The holiday follows the Hebrew lunar calendar, which is why the dates shift each year on the Gregorian calendar.
When are Hanukkah candles lit?
Candle lighting times during Hanukkah 2025 vary according to Jewish custom and geographic location.
- Ashkenazi Jews traditionally light candles at sunset so that the flames are visible as day transitions into night.
- Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews generally light at nightfall, typically 12 to 15 minutes after sunset.
Special rules apply on Friday evenings and Saturday nights. On Fridays, Hanukkah candles must be lit before Shabbat begins, while on Saturday nights, lighting takes place after the Havdalah ceremony, which marks the end of Shabbat.
Hanukkah candle lighting schedule 2025
For many locations, approximate sunset lighting times during Hanukkah 2025 are as follows:
- First night – Sunday, December 14: One candle plus shamash, at sunset (around 4:40 pm)
- Second night – Monday, December 15: Two candles plus shamash, at sunset
- Third night – Tuesday, December 16: Three candles plus shamash, at sunset
- Fourth night – Wednesday, December 17: Four candles plus shamash, after Shabbat ends
- Fifth night – Thursday, December 18: Five candles plus shamash, at sunset (around 4:45 pm)
- Sixth night – Friday, December 19: Six candles plus shamash, before Shabbat begins
- Seventh night – Saturday, December 20: Seven candles plus shamash, after Havdalah
- Eighth night – Sunday, December 21: Eight candles plus shamash, at sunset
Local times may vary and communities are advised to consult local calendars.
Order of lighting Hanukkah candles
The commonly followed method is based on the teachings of the Shulchan Aruch, the Rama, and the Arizal. On the first night, the single candle on the right is lit. Each subsequent night, a new candle is added to the left, and the newest candle is lit first.
This practice follows the principle of “ma’alin bakodesh ve’ein moridin”, meaning one should always increase in holiness rather than decrease.
Key Hanukkah customs and traditions
Lighting the menorah: The menorah is placed in a visible location, often near a window facing the street, to publicise the miracle. In Ashkenazi households, each family member typically lights their own menorah, while in Sephardic and Mizrahi traditions, the head of the household lights for everyone.
Festive foods: Foods fried in oil, such as sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) and levivot (potato pancakes), are central to Hanukkah celebrations, symbolising the miracle of the oil.
Playing the sevivon: The dreidel bears four Hebrew letters representing the phrase “a great miracle happened here.” The game recalls stories of Jewish resilience during periods of religious persecution.
Hanukkah applies: Giving coins, money or chocolate gelt to children is a widespread custom associated with joy and generosity.
Halllel Recreation: Full Hallel prayers are recited in synagogues throughout the eight days as an expression of gratitude.
FAQs
When does Hanukkah 2025 begin and end?
Hanukkah 2025 begins on the evening of December 14 and ends on the night of December 22.
Is work allowed during Hanukkah?
Yes. There is no general prohibition on work, though some women refrain from certain tasks while the candles are lit.