Hanukkah 2027: Dates, Calendar, Traditions, and Celebrations

Hanukkah 2027 begins at sundown on Friday, December 24, 2027, and ends at nightfall on Saturday, January 1, 2028. Also known as Chanukah or the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.

Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to 25 Kislev 5788 in 2027. During the celebration, Jewish families light a menorah (hanukkiah), recite blessings, enjoy traditional foods, exchange gifts, and spend time together.

If you are planning for Hanukkah 2027, this guide covers the important dates, daily candle-lighting schedule, history, religious significance, traditions, and frequently asked questions.

When Is Hanukkah 2027?

Hanukkah 2027 starts on Friday, December 24, at sundown, and concludes on Saturday, January 1, 2028, at nightfall.

The first candle is traditionally lit on Friday evening, December 24. The celebration continues for eight nights, with an additional candle lit each evening until all eight candles are illuminated on the final night.

Hanukkah follows the Hebrew lunar calendar, so its dates change every year on the Gregorian calendar. It generally falls between late November and late December.

According to Hebcal’s Jewish holiday calendar, Hanukkah 2027 corresponds to 25 Kislev through 2 Tevet 5788.

Hanukkah 2027 Dates at a Glance

Here are the important dates to remember for Hanukkah 2027:

Important: Jewish holidays begin at sundown on the evening before the Gregorian calendar date listed for the first day. Therefore, Hanukkah celebrations begin on Friday evening, December 24, rather than Saturday morning, December 25.

Hanukkah 2027 Candle Lighting Schedule

Lighting the menorah is the central tradition of Hanukkah. Each evening, families light an additional candle to remember the miracle of the oil associated with the rededication of the Second Temple.

A special nine-branched menorah, called a hanukkiah, is used during the festival. Eight branches represent the eight nights of Hanukkah, while the ninth branch holds the shamash, or helper candle, used to light the others.

Here is the 2027 candle-lighting schedule:

The shamash is additional to the candles shown in the table.

Note about Shabbat: Because the first and eighth nights fall on Fridays, Hanukkah candles are lit before sunset and before Shabbat candles. On Saturday evening, December 25, the second night’s candles are lit after Shabbat ends. Exact lighting times depend on the location and local Jewish customs.

What Is Hanukkah and Why Is It Celebrated?

Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that celebrates religious freedom, faith, perseverance, and the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

The holiday commemorates events from the second century BCE, when Jewish rebels known as the Maccabees fought against the Seleucid Greek rulers. Under the leadership of Judah Maccabee, the Jewish forces eventually regained control of Jerusalem and reclaimed the Holy Temple.

After reclaiming the Temple, the Jewish people sought to restore its religious practices. According to traditional Jewish accounts, they found only a small amount of purified oil, enough to keep the Temple menorah burning for one day.

However, the oil miraculously lasted for eight days, allowing enough time to prepare a fresh supply.

This miracle became the foundation of Hanukkah’s eight-night celebration. The festival is also known as the Festival of Lights because of the traditional practice of lighting candles every evening.

For additional historical and religious background, see Chabad’s guide to Hanukkah.

Hanukkah 2027 Traditions and Celebrations

Hanukkah is celebrated through religious observances, family gatherings, traditional foods, games, and community events. Although customs vary among Jewish communities, several traditions are widely practiced.

1. Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah

Lighting the hanukkiah is the most recognizable Hanukkah tradition. Families light one candle on the first night and add another candle each evening.

The candles are traditionally placed from right to left, while they are lit from left to right, beginning with the newest candle.

Blessings are recited during the lighting ceremony. On the first night, an additional blessing, known as Shehecheyanu, is traditionally included.

2. Eating Traditional Hanukkah Foods

Food plays an important role in Hanukkah celebrations. Many traditional dishes are prepared using oil to remember the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days.

Popular Hanukkah foods include:

• Latkes: Fried potato pancakes commonly served with applesauce or sour cream.
• Sufganiyot: Jelly-filled doughnuts traditionally enjoyed during the festival.
• Fried foods: Various oil-fried dishes prepared according to family and regional customs.
• Dairy foods: Some Jewish communities enjoy dairy dishes connected to the story of Judith, a figure in Jewish tradition.

These foods bring families together and help preserve the holiday’s cultural and religious significance.

3. Playing the Dreidel Game

The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top traditionally used in a popular Hanukkah game.

Each side has a Hebrew letter: Nun, Gimel, Hei, and Shin. Together, these letters represent the phrase “A great miracle happened there,” referring to the miracle associated with Hanukkah.

Children and adults play the game using chocolate coins, nuts, candies, or other small objects.

4. Giving Hanukkah Gifts and Gelt

Gift-giving is another popular Hanukkah tradition, particularly among families with children. Some families exchange presents on each of the eight nights, while others give gifts on selected evenings.

Children may also receive Hanukkah gelt, which traditionally refers to money or chocolate coins. This custom encourages generosity and adds excitement to the celebration.

5. Singing Hanukkah Songs and Reciting Prayers

Jewish families gather to sing traditional songs, recite blessings, and share stories about the holiday.

Popular songs include “Maoz Tzur,” traditionally sung after lighting the candles. Families may also recite Hallel prayers during the festival.

6. Attending Public Hanukkah Celebrations

Many Jewish communities organize public menorah-lighting ceremonies, cultural performances, educational activities, and community gatherings.

These events provide opportunities for people to learn about Jewish history, celebrate religious traditions, and share the message of hope and perseverance.

Is Hanukkah 2027 on Christmas?

Yes. Hanukkah 2027 overlaps with Christmas.

The first day of Hanukkah falls on Saturday, December 25, 2027, which is Christmas Day. The festival begins the previous evening, Friday, December 24, and continues through January 1, 2028.

This overlap means that Jewish families celebrating Hanukkah and Christian families celebrating Christmas will observe their respective holidays during the same period.

Although both holidays have different religious origins and meanings, they are often celebrated with family gatherings, special meals, and seasonal traditions.

How Long Does Hanukkah Last in 2027?

Hanukkah lasts eight days and eight nights in 2027. It begins at sundown on December 24, 2027, and ends at nightfall on January 1, 2028.

The eight-day period is connected to the traditional account of the oil that miraculously burned for eight days in the rededicated Temple.

One additional candle is lit each evening, creating a gradual increase in light throughout the festival.

Final Thoughts on Hanukkah 2027

Hanukkah 2027 will be celebrated from sundown on Friday, December 24, through nightfall on Saturday, January 1, 2028. The eight-day Jewish festival commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple and the traditional miracle of the oil.

Whether you are preparing for family celebrations, planning community events, or simply learning about Jewish holidays, knowing the Hanukkah 2027 dates will help you prepare for this meaningful occasion.

As families gather to light the menorah, share traditional meals, play dreidel, and exchange gifts, Hanukkah continues to carry its message of faith, perseverance, religious freedom, and hope.

Also see: Complete List of Jewish Holidays in 2027

Frequently Asked Questions