Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival also known as the Festival of Lights. Jews celebrate the holiday by lighting one candle each day, on a nine-branched menorah.
The holiday begins on the 25th day of Kislev, the ninth month of the ecclesiastical year on the Hebrew calendar. So the date for Hanukkah varies year by year on the western calendar, usually falling in November or December.
This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Saturday, December 24 and end on the evening of Sunday, January 1.
Is Hanukkah A Federal Holiday?
Nope, Hanukkah is not a federal holiday in the United States. Although that would be great. Hello, eight straight days of paid holidays.
What Is Open And Closed On Hanukkah?
Because this year’s Hanukkah happens to fall on Christmas and New Year, so a lot of stores will be closed on those days. But a few will remain open for your business.
Restaurants open on December 25, 2016:
Stores open on December 25, 2016:
In terms of groceries, while most major chains will be closed, these will probably be open for your last minute milk-and-egg-needs:
Stores open on New Year’s Day
Restaurants open on New Year’s Day
Hours of operation will vary by location. So definitely give your local McDee a ring before heading out.
Happy Hanukkah!