A Rare Holiday Overlap: Hanukkah and Christmas Coincide

This year marks a special occasion for those celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas: the two holidays coincide on December 25. While Christmas is fixed on the Gregorian calendar, Hanukkah follows the lunisolar Hebrew calendar, meaning its start date shifts each year.

Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar and can fall anywhere from late November to late December on the Gregorian calendar. However, the overlap with Christmas is rare.

In recent history, Hanukkah started on December 25 in 2005 and 2016. After this year, the next time the Festival of Lights will begin on Christmas Day is 2061.

For those celebrating, the alignment offers a unique opportunity to honor traditions from both holidays on the same day, blending the warmth of Hanukkah candles with the festive spirit of Christmas.