When Is Hanukkah in 2024, and How Is the “Festival of Lights” Celebrated?

Hanukkah is one of the most important Jewish holidays, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. It commemorates a miracle that happened centuries ago and serves as an annual reminder of faith, resilience, and the fight for freedom. So, when is Hanukkah in 2024, and how is it celebrated?

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When Is Hanukkah in 2024?

Find out when Hanukkah begins in 2024, why it’s celebrated, and what traditions accompany it in this article.

In 2024, Hanukkah will begin on the evening of December 25, when the first candle is lit, and will end on the evening of January 2, 2025. This holiday follows the Jewish calendar, starting on the 25th day of the month of Kislev*, which explains why its date changes each year in the Gregorian calendar.

*The month of Kislev is the ninth month of the Jewish calendar, usually falling in November or December in the Gregorian calendar. Since the Jewish calendar is lunar-solar, dates shift each year.

Thus, the date of Hanukkah changes, leading to the question: when is Hanukkah in 2024?

What Is Hanukkah, and What Is Its History?

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, lasts eight days and celebrates the victory of the Jews over the Greco-Syrian oppressors and the miracle of the Temple’s rededication. The central symbol of the holiday is the menorah (or hanukkiah) – a special nine-branched candelabrum, where one candle is used to light the other eight. The history of Hanukkah dates back to ancient times.

It originates in the 2nd century BCE, during the rule of the Seleucid Empire, when the Jewish people were under the control of the Greco-Syrian ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes. He sought to impose Hellenistic culture, banning Jewish traditions and defiling the Temple in Jerusalem.

The Jewish response was a revolt led by Judah Maccabee. After the Maccabees’ victory, the Jews rededicated the Temple but found only one small jar of pure oil – enough for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, the time needed to prepare new sacred oil. This miracle became the foundation of the Hanukkah celebration.

Hanukkah is a reminder that God always protects the Jewish people from darkness.

When Is Hanukkah in 2024, and What Are the Holiday Traditions?

As mentioned earlier, Hanukkah begins on December 25 in 2024. On this day, Jews will light the first candle of the hanukkiah.

The hanukkiah is a special candelabrum used during Hanukkah. It has nine branches: eight for each night of the holiday and one extra, called the shamash (helper), used to light the other candles. The hanukkiah symbolizes light and the miracle of the Temple’s rededication. Modern hanukkiahs come in various shapes and styles, but their main purpose is to remind people of the Hanukkah miracle.

Other Hanukkah traditions include:

• Lighting the hanukkiah: One candle is lit each day with accompanying prayers, so by the eighth night, all candles are burning.
• Festive family meals: Families gather together to celebrate.
• Giving gifts to children: Presents are exchanged during the holiday.
• Eating fried foods: Traditional dishes like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) honor the miracle of the oil.
• Playing dreidel: This is a traditional spinning-top game with four Hebrew letters that represent “A Great Miracle Happened Here” (or “There,” depending on the location).
• Singing songs and offering prayers of gratitude: Songs and blessings are an essential part of the celebration.
• Performing good deeds: Helping others and showing kindness is encouraged during Hanukkah.

There are no specific greetings for Hanukkah; people often say, “Happy Hanukkah!” or “Hanukkah Sameach!”

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What Should You Avoid Doing on Hanukkah?

We’ve covered Hanukkah traditions, but what should you avoid during the holiday?

• Lighting hanukkiah candles too early or after the holiday ends.
• Using hanukkiah candles for practical purposes, like lighting a room. These candles are meant to honor the Hanukkah miracle only.
• Forgetting the shamash. This candle is essential for lighting the others during the ritual.