חֲנֻכָּה

English translation: "Establishing/Dedication" (of the Temple in Jerusalem)
Also called Festival of Lights, Festival of Dedication
Observed by Jews
Type Jewish
Significance The Maccabees successfully rebelled against Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The Temple was purified and the wicks of the menorah miraculously burned for eight days.
2008 date sunset, December 21 to sunset, December 29 The first Day of Hanukkah is December 22.
Celebrations Lighting candles each night. Singing special songs, such as Ma'oz Tzur. Reciting Hallel prayer. Eating festive meals and foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot. Playing the dreidel game, and giving Hanukkah gelt