Breaking: Chanukah is lighting up the calendar, and I have the playbook. The Festival of Lights begins at nightfall on December 14, 2025, and runs through the evening of December 22. Eight nights, eight fresh sparks for home rituals, good food, and simple joy. Here is how to do it well, and why it matters.
When it starts, and what to expect
Chanukah, also spelled Hanukkah, starts the evening of December 14 in 2025. Each night, you add one more light to a hanukkiah, a nine-branch menorah. You cook something crisp. You play a round of dreidel. You keep the mood warm and bright.
Light after sundown. That small detail sets the tone. It turns an ordinary night into a moment you will remember. The holiday lasts eight nights. The last candles burn on the evening of December 22.
Place the hanukkiah by a street-facing window, at about eye level, to share the light with your neighborhood.
How to light like a pro
Lighting is simple, but order matters. Practice once in daylight, then enjoy the nightly rhythm.
- Put candles in from right to left, add one each night.
- Light the shamash, the “helper” candle, first.
- Say the blessings, then use the shamash to light the others.
- Light from left to right, newest candle first.
- Let the candles burn down. Do not blow them out.
On night one, there are three blessings. On the other nights, there are two. Many families print the transliteration and keep it by the window. The names are Lehadlik Ner Chanukah, Sheasa Nissim, and Shehecheyanu on the first night only. Keep your voice steady. The sound becomes part of the ritual.
Never leave burning candles alone. Clear the area of paper, curtains, and stray branches. Keep water or a lid nearby for safety.
A note on meaning while you light
Some focus on a military victory, the Maccabees fighting for freedom. Others center the miracle, one day of oil lasting eight. Both stories live in the flames. You get to choose your emphasis, and you can shift from night to night.
Play, cook, gather
The dreidel is a small top with four letters. Here is the quick rule set. Land on Nun, do nothing. Gimel, take the pot. Hei, take half. Shin, put one in. Use chocolate gelt, nuts, or dried fruit for a lighter table. Keep the rounds short and lively. Cheering allowed.
The kitchen is your other stage. Latkes want hot oil and patience. Squeeze grated potatoes hard, then fry in small batches until the edges sing. Keep them in a warm oven while you finish the rest. Serve with applesauce or sour cream. If you prefer less oil, use a sheet pan with a thin brush of olive oil, flip once. For sufganiyot, try biscuit dough cut into rounds. Fry, dust with sugar, then fill with jam using a squeeze bottle. It is fast and joyful.
Build a simple Chanukah kit so nights flow smoothly:
- Matches or a long lighter
- Extra candles and a drip tray
- Gelt and a dreidel
- Apples, potatoes, oil
Craft a memory
Make a clay hanukkiah with kids. Use air-dry clay and metal candle cups. Decorate with paint on day two, and light it on day three. Or polish a brass menorah you grew up with. The shine is part of the ritual. Put on a playlist that blends classics and new voices. Sing along to the chorus. Quiet ends the noise outside.
Why Chanukah still hits home
This holiday holds two truths. Courage and light. The Maccabees remind us to stand up for what matters. The miracle reminds us that hope can stretch further than we think. Modern homes mix both. Some families read a short story of resistance. Others focus on small acts of kindness, one per night. Both paths feel right. The candles ask only for presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the exact dates for Chanukah 2025?
A: It begins at nightfall on December 14 and ends the evening of December 22.
Q: How many candles do I need?
A: You need 44 candles total, plus the shamash each night. Buy an extra box to be safe.
Q: Which side do I light first?
A: Place candles from right to left, then light from left to right, newest candle first, using the shamash.
Q: Are gifts required?
A: No. Many give small items or experiences. Gelt, chocolate or coins, and shared games keep the focus on light.
Q: Can I use olive oil instead of candles?
A: Yes. Oil cups are traditional and beautiful. Use stable holders and trim wicks to avoid smoke.
Chanukah is not about noise. It is about steady light and simple rituals done well. Set the table, strike the match, and watch the room glow. Eight nights, and a season filled with courage, comfort, and joy.
