Hanukkah 2026
When to Order Hanukkah Gifts Online (2026 Timeline)
Updated 24 October 20265 min read
Quick answer
Hanukkah 2026 begins Friday, December 4 at sundown and ends Saturday, December 12. Order anything shipping from Israel or being personalized by mid-November, domestic standard shipping by the week before Thanksgiving (Nov 26), and use expedited shipping only as a backup. Gifts for later nights can arrive later, since the holiday runs eight nights.
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Written by: Judaica Advisor editorial team
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Hanukkah 2026 dates at a glance
The first candle is lit on the evening of Friday, December 4, 2026, and the eighth on Friday, December 11. The holiday ends at nightfall on Saturday, December 12.
The first night falls on a Friday, so many families light the menorah before the Shabbat candles that evening. Shabbat-length Hanukkah candles or oil are needed that night because the lights must keep burning until well after dark.
- First candle: Friday, December 4 (before Shabbat candles)
- Last candle: Friday, December 11
- Holiday ends: Saturday night, December 12
- Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26, a common shipping slowdown
An order-by timeline that works
Shipping times vary by store and carrier, so treat these as safe planning dates rather than guarantees. Always check the shipping estimate at checkout.
Many Judaica stores ship from Israel. International parcels commonly take one to three weeks, and customs can add a few days in December, when volume peaks.
- By Nov 13–16: anything shipping from Israel, engraved, or personalized
- By Nov 20–23: domestic standard shipping, before the Thanksgiving slowdown
- Nov 27–30 (Black Friday to Cyber Monday): good for sales on U.S.-stocked items, but tight for overseas shipping
- By Dec 1: domestic expedited shipping for night-one gifts
Use the eight nights to your advantage
Not every gift has to be there on the first night. Families often give the menorah, candles, and dreidels before night one, then save books, clothing, and bigger gifts for later nights. If an overseas order runs late, plan it as a night-five or night-eight gift instead of paying for rush shipping.
What to order first
Order the items the holiday depends on first: a menorah, enough candles, and gelt or dreidels for kids. A standard box of 44 candles covers all eight nights including the shamash, but the Friday-night lighting needs longer candles. Buy one extra box anyway, since candles break and sell out close to the holiday.
- Menorah (hanukkiah), plus a drip tray if it's a candle model
- Candles: a box of 44 covers eight nights plus the shamash; add longer candles for Friday
- Dreidels and gelt for kids
- Gift wrap and cards if the store doesn't gift-wrap
Where we would order
Judaica Web Store has the widest Hanukkah catalog in our comparison set and ships from Israel, so order there early. Ahuva carries a very large Hanukkah range, and Judaica.city is a U.S.-based option for custom kippot and gifts. The links below open each store's Hanukkah section.
Order your Hanukkah gifts here
Our top three storefronts, in ranking order. Visit store links may earn us a commission; your checkout total stays the same.
Judaica Web Store
One cart for every holiday
Menorahs, mezuzah cases, jewelry, and host gifts share one checkout when you do not want five tabs open.
Judaica.city
Free US shipping over $30
Custom kippahs and simcha sets are the headline, not an afterthought category.
Ahuva
Shul supplies committees actually reorder
Torah mantles, readers, and candles sit beside holiday essentials many gift shops skip.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When does Hanukkah start in 2026?
Hanukkah 2026 begins at sundown on Friday, December 4, and ends at nightfall on Saturday, December 12. The first candle is lit Friday evening, before the Shabbat candles.
What is the last day to order Hanukkah gifts online?
For items shipping from Israel or being personalized, aim for mid-November. For domestic standard shipping, order before Thanksgiving (Nov 26). Domestic expedited shipping can often still make night one if ordered by about December 1. Always confirm the estimate at checkout.
How long does shipping from Israel take?
International parcels from Israel to the U.S. commonly take about one to three weeks, and December volume and customs can add time. Ordering by mid-November leaves a comfortable buffer.
How many Hanukkah candles do I need?
44 candles cover all eight nights including the shamash (36 plus 8). Standard candles burn about 30 minutes, so on Friday night use longer Shabbat-length candles or oil.
What if my gift arrives after the first night?
Hanukkah lasts eight nights, so a late gift can still be given on a later night. Get the menorah and candles early, and save bigger gifts for later in the week.