An alert for the first candle
Set an alert for sundown on the first night, plus one a few days earlier to pick up candles and gelt.
Hanukkah countdown
How many days until Hanukkah 2026?
54 days
until Hanukkah on
Hanukkah begins tonight at sundown. Happy Hanukkah!
- Weeks
- 7 weeks, 5 days
- Sleeps
- 55
- Weekdays
- 39
- Hours
- 1,299
Days are complete 24-hour periods. Sleeps count the nights before the holiday.
When is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah follows the Hebrew calendar, so its date moves every year. The first candle is lit on the evening of:
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 4 | Friday |
| 2027 | December 24 | Friday |
| 2028 | December 12 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | December 1 | Saturday |
| 2030 | December 20 | Friday |
| 2031 | December 9 | Tuesday |
The countdown runs to the start of the day the first candle is lit. Hanukkah itself begins at sundown and lasts eight nights.
Days Since for iPhone, iPad & Apple Watch
Why count down with Days Since
Shared with family
Invite family to the countdown so everyone knows which night you’re getting together.
On your Home Screen
A widget shows the days left every time you unlock your phone, no app needed.
On your Apple Watch
Add a complication to your watch face and see the days left at a glance.
Put Hanukkah on your Home Screen
Add a Days Since widget and it counts down to the first night of Hanukkah on its own, every day.
Get Days Since freeQuestions
Why is Hanukkah on a different date every year?
Hanukkah begins on 25 Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, which follows the moon as well as the sun. On the everyday calendar that lands anywhere from late November to late December.
How long does Hanukkah last?
Eight nights. One more candle is lit each night, starting with one candle on the first evening.