Hanukkah, one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays, begins Sunday, Dec. 14.
Known as thefestival of lights, Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday in the Jewish faith marked by the nightly lighting of candles.
Hanukkah commemorates the victory of the Maccabees, a group of Jewish rebel fighters, in recapturing Jerusalem's Holy Temple in 165 BCE, according toChabad.organdReformJudaism.org.
During Hanukkah, fried foods, such as latkes (potato pancakes), are served, and the traditional game dreidel is played.
Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is one of the most well-known Jewish holidays because of its timing around Christmas, but it is not the most significant holiday in Judaism.Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, is considered the holiest day of the Jewish year and is one of two High Holy Days, along withRosh Hashanah, according to theUniversity of Southern CaliforniaandHenry Ford College.
Here's what to know about Hanukkah 2025.
More:December 2025 celebrates winter solstice, religious holidays and more
When is the first night of Hanukkah 2025?
This year, the first night of Hanukkah is Sunday, Dec. 14.
The dates are determined based on the Hebrew calendar.
Hanukkah 2025 dates
This year, Hanukkah falls from Dec. 14-22.
How long does Hanukkah last?
Hanukkah is eight days long.
The holiday lasts eight days because, after being recaptured, the Temple's menorah miraculously burned for eight days, even though there was only enough oil for one day, according toHistory.comandChabad.org.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached atmelina.khan@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:When is Hanukkah 2025? First night, dates of observance
