As the days grow shorter and winter settles in, Hanukkah arrives as a celebration of light, resilience, and togetherness. Known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is an eight-night Jewish holiday filled with traditions like lighting the menorah, sharing delicious food, spinning dreidels, and exchanging thoughtful gifts. It’s a time for families and friends to gather, reflect, and create new memories while honoring a story that has been passed down for generations.
Whether Hanukkah has always been part of your holiday season or you’re learning about it for the first time, this guide is here to help you feel more connected to the occasion. We’ll cover when Hanukkah 2025 starts, why it lasts eight nights, the meaning behind the holiday, and how you can join in—whether that’s by lighting candles or simply sending a heartfelt Hanukkah card. However you celebrate, Hanukkah is about bringing a little more warmth and light into your world.
When Does Hanukkah Start in 2025?
Hanukkah 2025 begins at sundown on Sunday, December 14, 2025. That first evening is when families around the world will light the first candle on the menorah, marking the start of eight nights of celebration.
If you’re planning gatherings or sending holiday cards, it’s good to remember: Hanukkah is based on the Hebrew calendar, so the date shifts from year to year. But no matter the exact date, the rhythm is always the same—light one candle on the first night, then add another each evening until all eight candles glow brightly on the final night.
It’s a small tradition that holds a lot of meaning: adding light as the days get darker, one evening at a time.
How Many Days Is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah always lasts for eight nights and eight days. This tradition ties back to the Hanukkah story: when a small amount of oil—just enough for one night—miraculously lasted for eight in the ancient temple.
That’s why the menorah used during Hanukkah, called a hanukkiah, holds nine candles: one for each night plus a special “helper” candle called the shamash that’s used to light the others.
From the first flicker of light on night one to all the candles glowing together on night eight, each evening is a chance to slow down, share a meal, and reflect on the small but meaningful moments that make life bright.
What is the Meaning of Hanukkah?
At its heart, Hanukkah is about more than lighting candles or giving gifts—it’s about hope, resilience, and celebrating miracles, big or small.
The story goes back over 2,000 years, when a small group reclaimed their temple and found only a tiny bit of oil left to keep its eternal flame burning. That oil lasted eight full nights, reminding people then—and now—that perseverance and faith can lead to unexpected light in even the darkest moments.
Today, Hanukkah is celebrated as both a religious and cultural tradition. Whether you observe it strictly or celebrate casually, it’s about gathering with loved ones, sharing traditions, and bringing more warmth into the season.
Hanukkah Traditions to Celebrate
While every family celebrates Hanukkah in their own way, here are some beloved traditions that many people share:
- Lighting the Menorah: Each night, one more candle is lit while blessings are recited. Many families place their menorah in a window to share the light with their community.
- Spinning the Dreidel: This small four-sided top is part of a simple, fun game often played for chocolate gelt (coins) or other small treats.
- Eating Fried Foods: Latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are Hanukkah staples, symbolizing the miracle of the oil.
- Exchanging Gifts: Some families give small gifts each night, while others focus more on quality time and shared meals. Either way, it’s the thought that counts.
- Singing Songs and Sharing Stories: Whether it’s a traditional Hebrew song or telling the Hanukkah story to children, passing down these traditions is part of what keeps the holiday alive.
Hanukkah traditions can be as simple or elaborate as you want them to be. The key is celebrating together, in whatever way feels meaningful to you.
Send Happy Hanukkah Greetings with Holiday Cards
One thoughtful way to celebrate Hanukkah—whether or not you’re lighting candles yourself—is by sending personalized Hanukkah cards to friends and family.
A custom card can share warm “Happy Hanukkah” wishes paired with family photos or a favorite memory from the year. At Shutterfly, you can create Hanukkah cards with elegant menorah designs, Star of David patterns, or simply cheerful colors like blue, silver, and gold.
You don’t have to stop at Hanukkah-specific cards, either. General holiday cards are a great option for sending season’s greetings if you want to include all your loved ones, regardless of what they celebrate. A heartfelt message always matters more than getting the wording exactly right.
Related Resources on Hanukkah 2025
Hanukkah isn’t just about traditions or dates on the calendar—it’s about pausing to appreciate light, resilience, and the people we share it with. However you spend Hanukkah 2025, whether surrounded by family or sending a quiet greeting from afar, it’s those small, thoughtful moments that make the season meaningful.
From all of us at Shutterfly, we wish you a bright, joyful, and peaceful Festival of Lights.
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