Hanukkah 2024: Start Date & Complete Calendar
Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a joyous eight-day Jewish holiday celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot, and the giving of gifts. Planning ahead for Hanukkah celebrations ensures you can fully enjoy this special time. This article provides the precise start date for Hanukkah 2024 and a complete calendar to help you plan your festivities.
When Does Hanukkah 2024 Begin?
Hanukkah 2024 begins at sundown on December 11th and ends at sundown on December 19th. Mark your calendars! This is a key date to remember for all your Hanukkah preparations.
The Hanukkah 2024 Calendar: A Day-by-Day Guide
Here's a day-by-day breakdown of Hanukkah 2024, helping you track the lighting of the menorah and plan your celebrations:
Day | Date | Day of the Week | Candles Lit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Dec 11, 2024 | Wednesday | 1 | First night of Hanukkah; lighting the shamash |
Day 2 | Dec 12, 2024 | Thursday | 2 | |
Day 3 | Dec 13, 2024 | Friday | 3 | |
Day 4 | Dec 14, 2024 | Saturday | 4 | Shabbat, often combined with Hanukkah celebrations |
Day 5 | Dec 15, 2024 | Sunday | 5 | |
Day 6 | Dec 16, 2024 | Monday | 6 | |
Day 7 | Dec 17, 2024 | Tuesday | 7 | |
Day 8 | Dec 18, 2024 | Wednesday | 8 | Last night of Hanukkah |
Planning Your Hanukkah 2024 Celebrations
Knowing the dates allows you to plan ahead for a memorable Hanukkah:
Menorah Lighting:
- Purchase or prepare your menorah: Ensure you have a menorah ready for the first night.
- Gather your supplies: You'll need Hanukkah candles (or oil), a shamash (the helper candle), and a stable surface for your menorah.
- Plan your lighting ceremonies: Consider family traditions and any special rituals you wish to include.
Traditional Foods:
- Latkes: Prepare your potato pancakes – a Hanukkah staple!
- Sufganiyot: Don't forget the jelly doughnuts!
- Other festive foods: Consider other traditional foods like brisket, challah, and other celebratory dishes.
Gifts & Activities:
- Gift-giving: Hanukkah is a time for giving gifts – plan your shopping in advance!
- Family Gatherings: Schedule family gatherings and celebrations around the eight nights of Hanukkah.
- Hanukkah Games: Consider playing traditional Hanukkah games like dreidel.
Why Hanukkah Dates Vary
The start date of Hanukkah varies each year because it follows the Hebrew calendar, a lunisolar calendar. This means it's based on both the cycles of the moon and the sun, resulting in a shifting date on the Gregorian calendar.
Embrace the Light!
Hanukkah is a time for joy, family, and celebrating miracles. Use this 2024 calendar as a guide to make this year's Hanukkah truly special and memorable. Chag Hanukkah Sameach! (Happy Hanukkah!)