When to Light the First Candle for Hanukkah 2024: Your Quick Guide to Celebrating Hanukkah This YearSarah ThompsonSep 06, 2025Table of ContentsTips 1:FAQTable of ContentsTips 1FAQFree Smart Home PlannerAI-Powered smart home design software 2025Home Design for FreeHanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday observed by lighting the menorah. In 2024, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 25. This means you should light the first candle after sunset on December 25th. Each subsequent night, an additional candle is added from right to left, with the newest candle lit first, using the shamash (helper candle). With its rituals and symbolic beauty, the menorah becomes a central design element in many Jewish homes during this period. As a designer, I always recommend creating a dedicated, thoughtful display area that not only celebrates tradition but also complements your interior’s aesthetics. Consider strategically placing your menorah, incorporating safe and festive lighting, and perhaps even using digital tools to visualize the perfect setting in advance, ensuring both safety and harmony within your holiday decor scheme. Tools such as a home designer platform can help you experiment with different arrangements, colors, and spatial layouts for your Hanukkah display, blending tradition with modern design sensibilities.Tips 1:Choose a non-flammable, stable surface for your menorah and keep it away from curtains or decorations, especially if you have children or pets. You may also want to use a glass tray or decorative tiles underneath for both aesthetics and safety.FAQQ: When does Hanukkah 2024 start?A: Hanukkah 2024 begins at sundown on December 25.Q: When do you light the first candle for Hanukkah 2024?A: The first candle is lit after sunset on Wednesday, December 25, 2024.Q: How many candles do you light on the first night?A: On the first night, you light one candle plus the shamash (helper candle).Q: Do you add candles from right to left or left to right?A: You place new candles from right to left but light them from left (newest) to right.Q: Can I use electric menorahs for Hanukkah?A: While electric menorahs are popular for public or decorative displays, traditional practice calls for real flames in the home, unless safety or restrictions require otherwise.Home Design for FreePlease check with customer service before testing new feature.