Do you know which candle to light first on the opening night of Hanukkah 2026? Hanukkah begins at sundown on Friday, December 4, 2026, and ends at nightfall on Saturday, December 12, 2026, after eight nights of candle lighting.
The first night falls on a Friday, so the menorah is lit before the Shabbat candles that evening.
This guide covers the 2026 dates, the lighting order, the blessings, the Friday night rule and gift ideas you can order from The Israel Store in time for the first night.
When is Hanukkah 2026?
Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. Jewish days start at sunset, so the first candle is lit on the evening before the first full day of the holiday.
Some printed calendars list Saturday, December 5 as the first day of Hanukkah. The first candle is still lit on Friday evening, December 4.
- Night 1: Friday, December 4, lit before the Shabbat candles.
- Night 2: Saturday, December 5, lit after Shabbat ends.
- Nights 3 to 7: Sunday, December 6 through Thursday, December 10.
- Night 8: Friday, December 11, lit before the Shabbat candles.
- Hanukkah ends at nightfall on Saturday, December 12.
What do you need to light the menorah?
You need a Hanukkah menorah, called a hanukkiah in Hebrew. It holds eight lights in a straight row at equal height, plus a ninth helper light called the shamash, which stands apart from the row.
The seven branch menorah of the ancient Temple cannot be used for Hanukkah lighting. Our guide on why the Hanukkah menorah has nine branches explains the difference.
Olive oil with cotton wicks is the preferred fuel in Jewish law, and wax candles are fully acceptable. An electric menorah works as a decoration, but it does not fulfill the commandment to light.
The lights must burn for at least 30 minutes after nightfall.
How do you light the menorah step by step?
- Place the candles from right to left. On the first night, put one candle in the holder on the far right. Each night, add one new candle to the left of the previous night's candles.
- Light the shamash first and hold it in your hand.
- Recite the blessings before you light the Hanukkah candles.
- Light the newest candle first. This is the candle on the far left, the one you added that night.
- Continue lighting the remaining candles moving to the right.
- Return the shamash to its own holder, set apart from the row.
- Sing Haneirot Halalu after lighting. Many families also sing Maoz Tzur.
- Let the candles burn for at least 30 minutes after nightfall, and do not use their light for reading or work.
What blessings are said over the Hanukkah candles?
The first blessing is Lehadlik Ner shel Chanukah. It thanks God for the commandment to kindle the Hanukkah light.
The second blessing is She'asah Nissim. It thanks God for the miracles He performed for our ancestors in those days at this season.
The third blessing is Shehecheyanu. It thanks God for keeping us alive to reach this time. It is said only on the first night you light, and on nights two through eight you say the first two blessings.
Some communities, including Chabad and many Sephardi communities, say "lehadlik ner Chanukah" without the word "shel." Follow the wording in your own prayer book.
How do you light Hanukkah candles on Friday night?
On Friday, light the menorah first and the Shabbat candles second. Shabbat candles are traditionally lit 18 minutes before sunset, so the Hanukkah lights go on shortly before that.
Use larger candles or extra oil on Friday. The lights must keep burning until at least 30 minutes after nightfall, and standard Hanukkah candles will burn out too early when lit before sunset.
Once Shabbat begins, do not move or relight the menorah. In 2026 this rule applies twice, on the first night and on the eighth night.
On Saturday night, December 5, light only after Shabbat has ended. Communities differ on whether to light the menorah before or after Havdalah at home, so follow your family or synagogue custom.
Where should you place the menorah?
The purpose of the menorah is to publicize the miracle. Many families place it in a window facing the street. Others, including Chabad communities, place it in a doorway on the side opposite the mezuzah.
Ashkenazi custom is for each member of the household to light a menorah. Sephardi custom is for one menorah per household, lit by the head of the home while the family listens to the blessings.
Set the menorah on a heat resistant surface away from curtains. Keep it out of reach of small children, and never leave lit candles unattended.
What should you give for Hanukkah?
Many families give small gifts on each of the eight nights, along with gelt for children. Gifts connected to Israel and Jewish practice suit the holiday best.
These products from The Israel Store fit the holiday and arrive ready to wrap:
- Traditional Star of David Menorah, $29.50. A gold colored menorah standing 6.7 inches (17 cm) tall with a Star of David at its center. It has seven branches in the style of the Temple menorah, so it is a display piece and cannot be used for Hanukkah lighting.
- Authentic Judaica Menorah in brass, $29.50. A seven branch brass menorah standing 6.7 inches (17 cm) tall. It is a display piece in the style of the Temple menorah and is intended for decoration in the home or office.
- Hanukkah Menorah Acrylic Ornament, $12.50. An acrylic ornament with a lit menorah design, a good small gift for one of the eight nights.
- Hanukkah Star of David gift wrapping paper in blue designs and Holiday Star of David wrapping paper with menorahs and dreidels, $22.99 each. Each is a pack of three sheets for wrapping holiday gifts.
- Handcrafted Olive Wood Hollow Twist Candle Holder, $18. A hand carved olive wood candle holder for the holiday table.
- Shalom Scented Soy Candle, $22.50. A soy candle in a glass jar with the Hebrew word Shalom on the label. It is a home fragrance gift and is not meant for the menorah.
The Israel Store processes orders in 1 to 3 business days. US delivery usually takes 5 to 10 business days, and international delivery takes 7 to 21 business days. To have gifts arrive before the first night on December 4, US customers should order by Friday, November 13, and international customers should order earlier. Every order has 30 day returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date does Hanukkah start in 2026?
Hanukkah 2026 starts at sundown on Friday, December 4. The first candle is lit that evening before the Shabbat candles.
When is the last night of Hanukkah 2026?
The eighth night is Friday, December 11, when all eight candles are lit before Shabbat. The holiday ends at nightfall on Saturday, December 12.
Which Hanukkah candle do you light first?
Light the shamash first. Then use it to light the newest candle on the left and continue to the right.
Do you light Hanukkah candles or Shabbat candles first on Friday?
Light the Hanukkah candles first and the Shabbat candles after them. Use candles large enough to burn until 30 minutes after nightfall.
Can you use an electric menorah for Hanukkah?
An electric menorah does not fulfill the commandment of lighting. Use oil or wax candles for the lighting and keep the electric menorah for decoration.
To learn the story behind the lights, read the Hanukkah miracle explained. For decorative seven branch menorahs, see The Israel Store menorah collection and more ideas in the holiday season collection.
