Hanukkah 2026: dates and candle-lighting times

Sunset and nightfall on the first night of Hanukkah 2026. Many light at nightfall, others at sunset; the candles must burn at least half an hour after nightfall. Open a city for all eight nights.

Times are calculated for the city centre at sea level (nightfall: sun 8.5° below the horizon; Shabbat candles 18 minutes before sunset abroad).

• The complete Hanukkah guide: how to light, blessings, dreidel
• Chanukah Candle Blessings
• Jewish holidays 2026

Hanukkah in other years

• Hanukkah 2025
• Hanukkah 2027
• Hanukkah 2028

When is Hanukkah in 2026?

In 2026 the first Hanukkah candle is lit on the evening of Friday, December 4, 2026 (25 Kislev 5787); the eighth candle is lit on the evening of Friday, December 11, 2026, and Hanukkah ends at nightfall on Saturday, December 12, 2026.

Why is Hanukkah eight days?

Because the single jar of pure oil found in the Temple burned for eight days, the time needed to prepare new pure oil (Talmud Shabbat 21b). Some commentators add that the Maccabees celebrated eight days in place of the festival of Sukkot, which they could not keep during the war.

What is the difference between a menorah and a hanukkiah?

The menorah of the Temple had seven branches. The Hanukkah lamp has eight lights plus the shamash; in Israel it is called a hanukkiah, while in English both words are used for it.

Can I light Hanukkah candles with an electric menorah?

Most authorities rule that an electric menorah does not fulfil the mitzvah, because the light must come from a flame with fuel. In hospitals or where a flame is forbidden, ask a rabbi; an electric menorah may be displayed in addition to real candles.

Is work allowed on Hanukkah?

Yes. Hanukkah is not a Yom Tov, so work, travel and the use of electricity are permitted (except on Shabbat). It is customary for women not to do housework while the candles burn in the first half hour.