This year, Hanukkah begins on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, and runs until Thursday, January 2, 2025. You can see why it gets confused as a Jewish version of Christmas—the dates are very similar, and even overlap during some years.
How Long Does Hanukkah Last?
Hanukkah lasts for eight days and is based on the rededication of the second temple in Jerusalem, which follows the victory of the Maccabees over their oppressors. At the time of the rededication, Judah Maccabee and some other Jews witnessed what they believed to be a miracle. They only had enough olive oil to keep the menorah's candles burning for a single day. However, the flames continued to flicker for eight straight days. Because of this amazing event, the Jews decided to proclaim a yearly eight-day festival.Related: Celebrate the Festival of Lights With the 25 Catchiest Hanukkah Songs
It is and it isn't. Hanukkah does fall on the same exact date according to the lunar Hebrew calendar. The date always starts on the 25th day of Kislev. Kislev is the ninth month of the Hebrew Calendar. It ends on the second day of the tenth month, Tevet. The Hebrew calendar is based on the moon's cycles, which differs from our calendar.Our calendar is based on the Gregorian, or solar calendar, which means that it is based on the Earth's rotation around the sun. Since the Hebrew and Gregorian calendars have different cycles from each other, the date on the Hebrew calendar will coincide with a different date on the Gregorian calendar.Since the Hebrew calendar includes about twelve and a half lunar months, they incorporate a leap month every few years to keep the calendar consistent with the seasons. So, Hanukkah will always start on the 25th day of Kislev which can fall on any date between late November and December on the Gregorian calendar.Related: Get Lit with These 25 Bright DIY Hanukkah Candle & Menorah Ideas Seen on InstagramWhat Happens on Each Night of Hanukkah?
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