Jewish festival of lights · December 4 to 12, 2026
Hanukkah
Eight nights of candles, spinning tops and fried food, remembering a light that would not go out.
Say it like a neighbor
Chag Urim Sameach
Say: KHAHG oo-REEM sah-MAY-akh · Hebrew for “happy festival of lights”
The first sound is a soft throat “kh,” but an “h” works fine. “Happy Hanukkah” is always welcome on any of the eight nights.
8 nights
Tap to light one more candle each night.
When is Hanukkah? Key dates and days to know
Main day
Jewish days begin at sunset, so each night’s candles are lit after dark (on Fridays, before Shabbat begins). Hanukkah ends at nightfall on Saturday, December 12.
What is Hanukkah and what does it mean?
Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) remembers a victory and a rededication in the second century BCE, when the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem and lit its lamp again. The name means “dedication.”
The story says there was only enough pure oil for one day, but it burned for eight. Today the holiday celebrates religious freedom, hope and bringing light into the dark of winter. It is a joyful family holiday, though not one of Judaism’s most solemn.
How is Hanukkah celebrated? Customs and traditions
Lighting the menorah
A hanukkiah has eight branches plus a helper candle, the shamash, which lights the others. One candle is added each night. They are placed right to left and lit left to right, newest first, with blessings.
In the window
The menorah goes in a window or doorway so the miracle can be seen from outside.
Dreidel
Children spin a four-sided top whose Hebrew letters stand for “A great miracle happened there.” It is played for chocolate coins called gelt. Try it below.
Fried foods
Foods cooked in oil remember the oil: potato latkes (pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts).
Gelt and gifts
Children often get chocolate gelt, and some families give a small gift each night.
Songs
Families sing blessings after lighting, and songs such as “Maoz Tzur.”
Spin the dreidel
Each side has a Hebrew letter. Spin it and see what you get.
Nun, gimel, hey or shin?
Being a good neighbor during Hanukkah
Tap each one as you go.
Hanukkah in Houston: how neighbors can take part
31st annual City Hall menorah lighting
Hanukkah is very public in Houston. The largest event is the Grand Menorah Lighting at Houston City Hall, hosted by Chabad Outreach of Houston for more than three decades.
This year’s lighting is set for Sunday, December 6, the third night, with a live concert and fireworks. The time and details were still “to be announced” when we checked.
In past years Chabad groups have also held a Galleria menorah lighting, a car menorah parade and neighborhood lightings around the Houston area. Dates for 2026 may be posted soon.
Hanukkah events in Houston
Public events change often. Confirm dates and times with Chabad Outreach of Houston, 713-774-0300, before you go.
Questions neighbors ask about Hanukkah
When is Hanukkah 2026?
Hanukkah 2026 runs from December 4 to December 12, with one more candle lit each night. The first candle is lit on the evening of Friday, December 4.
What do you say on Hanukkah?
“Happy Hanukkah” is a warm greeting. Jewish neighbors may also say “Chag Urim Sameach,” which means “happy festival of lights.”
Is Hanukkah the Jewish Christmas?
No. Hanukkah is a lesser holiday in Jewish tradition that remembers the rededication of the Temple and the miracle of the oil. Gift giving is a more recent custom, especially in the United States, and it is not the heart of the holiday.
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