Recommended Free Tools
Hanukkah moves on the Gregorian calendar, but not on the Hebrew calendar: it begins on 25 Kislev every year. Because the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar and the Gregorian calendar is solar, that Hebrew date falls on different Gregorian dates. The holiday begins at sundown, so its first night can start on the evening before the Gregorian daytime date shown on a calendar.
Hanukkah has a fixed Hebrew date
The first day of Hanukkah is 25 Kislev. Its place in the Hebrew calendar stays the same; what changes is the date that corresponds to it on the Gregorian calendar used for civil dates in much of the world. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights, beginning on the evening that starts 25 Kislev. Hebcal’s explanation of the Hebrew calendar describes the calendar’s dates and day boundaries.
Why that date shifts on the Gregorian calendar
The Hebrew calendar is lunisolar: its months follow lunar cycles, while its rules keep the calendar aligned with the solar year. The Gregorian calendar, by contrast, is solar. As a result, a Hebrew date such as 25 Kislev does not correspond to one fixed Gregorian date. The U.S. Naval Observatory describes the contemporary Jewish calendar as a computed lunisolar calendar and notes its official status in Israel alongside the Gregorian calendar: U.S. Naval Observatory calendar overview.
Leap months help keep the holidays in season
A lunar year is shorter than a solar year. The Hebrew calendar inserts an additional month in some years to keep its months and holidays aligned with the seasons. Hanukkah therefore moves across Gregorian dates, but its variation is bounded: reference sources place it in late November through late December, rather than anywhere in the Gregorian year. Encyclopaedia Britannica’s Hanukkah overview.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- JERUSALEM MULTICOLORED TWISTED CANDLES: These Classic Multicolored Candles will really brighten your Chanukah experience.
- STANDARD SIZE AND QUANTITY: These 3.5" H x 5/16” W standard size candles perfectly fit most menorahs. Our 44 count box lasts through all 8 nights of Hanukkah. Sized to fit most candle menorahs.
- CERTIFIED KOSHER: These candles meet all Jewish law requirements to be lit in a menorah, and are designed to burn for more than 30 minutes.
- PACKAGING: You can Choose between our Single-Pack, 2-Pack, 5-Pack, 20-Pack, & 40-Pack!
Why calendars may show different first-night dates
Hebrew dates begin at sundown. That means the start of 25 Kislev—and Hanukkah’s first candle-lighting—falls on the Gregorian evening before the daytime date commonly printed for 25 Kislev. A calendar listing the first night and one listing the Gregorian daytime date may therefore appear to differ by a day; they are reflecting different day boundaries, not different Hebrew dates. Chabad’s Hanukkah date guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Finding Hanukkah’s date in a particular year
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a reliable Jewish calendar for the specific year rather than assuming a date based on the previous year. Pay attention to whether the listing gives the first evening or the Gregorian daytime date: the observance starts at sundown on 25 Kislev.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- These 5/16” diameter standard size candles perfectly fit any menorah. Our 45 count box lasts through all 8 nights of Hanukkah, including the shamash
- Certified Kosher: These candles meet all Jewish law requirements to be lit in a menorah, and are designed to burn for more than 60 minutes.
- Quality Ceafted: Expect nothing less than the best from The Dreidel Company. Our Chanukah Candles burn clear & bright with no double wicks and minimal wax drippings to keep your Menorah clean
- Best Hanukkah Present: A great Jewish and Judaica gift, these candles make the perfect chanukah gift for kids and adults, and they can be use all year long for all kinds of occasions and parties
Rank #3
- Beautiful, traditional Hanukkah candles. Celebrate the light of freedom during the festival of lights with Winter colored candles.
- Decorative and beautiful - The candles are colored in spectacular Multi blue tone colors with a frosted finish. Each candle is neatly hand dipped.
- This set includes 45 deluxe tapered candles, enough for all of the eight nights of Chanukah, including the Shamash (servant) lecht.
- Complete Candle Lighting Set - We added to the candle bundle a Prayer card which includes the 3 Blessings recited when lighting the Chanukah Lecht and a unique DIY Dreidel that can spin!
- The candles measure 5.75" inch long (14.6 cm) and 0.36" Diameter (9 cm) The candles fit most menorahs. Burns approximately 1 Hour enough time to fulfill the Mitzvah.
Rank #2
- MULTICOLORED DECORATED: These Classic Three-Toned Candles will really brighten your Chanukah experience. A clean white top shades into a Bright Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, or Green Bottom.
- GOOD FOR MENORAHS FOR 8 NIGHTS: The Candles are sized 3/8” diameter at the bottom to accommodate most Candle Menorahs with ease. Candles are 5 1/2” long for an elegant slender display. 45 Candles Enough for all 8 nights including the Shamash Candle.
- CERTIFIED KOSHER: These candles meet all Jewish law requirements to be lit in a menorah, and are designed to burn for more than 60 minutes.
- QUALITY CRAFTED: Expect nothing less than the best from The Dreidel Company. Our Chanukah Candles burn clear & bright with no double wicks and minimal wax drippings to keep your Menorah clean.
- BEST CHANUKAH PRESENT: A great Jewish and Judaica gift, these candles make the perfect Chanukah gift for kids and adults, and they can be used all year long for all kinds of occasions and parties.
