Chanukah, or the Festival of Lights, is an 8-day Jewish holiday celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. In 2026, it begins at sunset on Sunday, 13 December and ends at nightfall on Monday, 21 December. Families observe Chanukah by lighting the menorah, adding one candle each night, reciting prayers, and enjoying traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot. Children often play the dreidel game, and small gifts are exchanged. The holiday symbolizes faith, courage, and the triumph of light over darkness, blending historical remembrance with joyful family celebration.