When Is Hanukkah 2025? Dates, Traditions, and What the Holiday Celebrates

Hanukkah is one of the most widely recognized Jewish holidays, and millions of people are getting ready to celebrate as the season approaches. 

Even if you’re not part of the tradition, you’re probably seeing its symbols pop up, from glowing menorahs to beautiful bags of chocolate gelt.

Here’s a simple guide to what the holiday represents and what to expect from Hanukkah 2025.

What Is Hanukkah About?

Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the victory of the Maccabees when they reclaimed Jerusalem’s Holy Temple in 165 BCE.

According to Jewish tradition, the Temple’s menorah burned for eight days, even though there was only enough oil to last one. That story of resilience and renewal is at the heart of the celebration.

Because it often lands close to Christmas on the calendar, Hanukkah is widely recognized, but it’s not considered one of Judaism’s most significant holidays. Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah hold that distinction.

How Long Is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah lasts for eight nights, marking the length of the miracle of the oil.

Every evening, families light candles on a menorah, adding one candle per night until all eight are glowing. That’s why Hanukkah is often called the Festival of Lights.

When Is Hanukkah 2025?

If you’re wondering when Hanukkah 2025 begins, this year’s celebration will start on December 14th.

The dates shift from year to year because the holiday follows the Hebrew calendar, rather than the Gregorian one.

These are the Hanukkah 2025 Dates: December 14 - 22, 2025

Hanukkah Traditions Explained

Hanukkah comes with a warm collection of customs that bring families and communities together.

Some of the most familiar Hanukkah traditions explained include:

• Lighting the menorah each night

• Eating foods fried in oil, like latkes (potato pancakes) or sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts)

• Playing dreidel, a traditional spinning-top game

• Sharing gifts or gelt, often chocolate coins for children

These rituals vary across households, but they all trace back to celebrating light, resilience, and cultural heritage.

Easy Hanukkah Latkes Recipe

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah yourself or simply enjoy learning about the traditions that shape the season, food is one of the most inviting ways to understand the holiday. And latkes, or potato pancakes, are one of the most recognizable Hanukkah foods.

They’re crisp on the outside, comforting in the middle, and surprisingly easy to make at home. If you’d like to bring a little of that tradition into your kitchen this season, this simple latke recipe is a great place to start.

Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled

• 1 small onion

• 2 large eggs

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or matzo meal

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

Directions

• Grate the potatoes and onion using a box grater or food processor.

• Place the grated mixture into a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This helps the latkes crisp up.

• Transfer the drained potatoes and onion to a large bowl.

• Add the eggs, flour (or matzo meal), salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

• Heat about ¼ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per latke into the pan, flattening gently with a spatula.

• Fry for 3 - 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.

• Transfer cooked latkes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

• Serve warm, traditionally with applesauce, sour cream, or both.

Latkes are best enjoyed fresh from the pan, but they can also be kept warm in a low oven if you’re cooking in batches. 

Whether you’re celebrating all eight nights or simply sharing a meal with loved ones, this simple recipe will bring a little extra warmth to the season.

A Season of Light and Connection

As Hanukkah approaches, homes will soon glow with candlelight, familiar recipes, and the quiet joy of gathering together. Across generations, families will light their menorahs, share meals, and pass down stories that give the season its meaning.

As the eight nights of Hanukkah 2025 begin, they offer a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate resilience and connection. For those observing, we wish you a Hanukkah filled with warmth, peace, good company, and plenty of light.

Did you find this information useful? Feel free to bookmark or to post to your timeline to share with your friends.