You need 44 Hanukkah candles for all eight nights: 36 for the nightly lights plus 8 for the shamash, the helper candle used to light the others. Each night you add one more candle, placing new candles from right to left and lighting them from left to right, newest first. In 2026, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Friday, 4 December, so the first candle is lit that evening. This guide covers the candle count, the lighting order, the blessings and safety tips.
In this article
Hanukkah Candles at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Total candles for 8 nights | 44 (36 + 8 shamash) |
| Candles on night 1 | 2 (1 + shamash) |
| Candles on night 8 | 9 (8 + shamash) |
| Placing order | Right to left, one new candle each night |
| Lighting order | Left to right: newest candle first |
| How long they should burn | At least 30 minutes after nightfall |
| Hanukkah 2026 | Begins at sundown Fri 4 Dec; 8th candle lit Fri 11 Dec; ends at nightfall Sat 12 Dec |
2026 dates: 101 Planners Hanukkah countdown. Always check your local candle-lighting times, especially for Friday night.
How Many Candles Each Night?
| Night | Hanukkah candles | With shamash | Running total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 9 |
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 14 |
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 20 |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 27 |
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 35 |
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 44 |
Most boxes of Hanukkah candles contain 44 or 45 candles, so one box usually covers the whole holiday with one spare.
How to Light the Menorah Step by Step
- Place the candles. Face the menorah (hanukkiah). On the first night, put one candle in the far right holder. Each night, add the new candle to the left of the previous one.
- Set the shamash. Put the helper candle in its special holder, which is usually higher, lower or set apart from the others.
- Light the shamash first. Use a match or lighter to light it.
- Say the blessings. Recite the blessings while holding the shamash (see below).
- Light from left to right. Use the shamash to light the newest candle (the leftmost) first, then move right.
- Return the shamash. Place it back in its holder.
- Enjoy the lights. Many families sing “Maoz Tzur” (Rock of Ages), play dreidel and eat latkes or sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts).
The Hanukkah Blessings
Three blessings are said on the first night and two on every other night:
- Lehadlik ner shel Hanukkah: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Hanukkah light.”
- She’asah nisim: “…who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time.”
- Shehecheyanu (first night only): “…who has kept us alive, sustained us and brought us to this season.”
Why Hanukkah Has Eight Nights
Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, remembers the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE after the Maccabean revolt. According to tradition, there was only enough pure oil to keep the Temple menorah lit for one day, but it burned for eight. Lighting one more candle each night recalls that growing miracle.
Choosing Hanukkah Candles
- Standard colored candles: small, inexpensive and sized for most menorahs; burn about 30–45 minutes.
- Beeswax candles: burn cleaner and longer, often hand-rolled.
- Oil menorahs: some families use olive oil cups instead of candles, closer to the original tradition.
- Electric menorahs: useful for hospitals, dorms and care homes where open flames are not allowed.
- Check the fit: measure your menorah’s holders; some designer menorahs need specific candle sizes.
Friday Night and Shabbat
On Friday, Hanukkah candles are lit before the Shabbat candles, before sundown, and should be long enough to burn until at least 30 minutes after nightfall. On Saturday night, many families light Hanukkah candles after Shabbat ends with Havdalah. In 2026, both the first night (Fri 4 Dec) and the eighth night (Fri 11 Dec) fall on a Friday.
Menorah Safety Tips
- Place the menorah on a stable, heat-proof surface away from curtains and decorations.
- Use a tray or foil underneath to catch dripping wax.
- Never leave burning candles unattended, and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
- If displaying in a window, keep a safe gap from blinds and glass.
- Let candles burn out on their own or snuff them carefully if you must leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many candles do you need for Hanukkah?
44 in total: 36 for the eight nights plus 8 for the shamash.
Which side do you start lighting the menorah?
Place candles from right to left, but light them from left to right so the newest candle is lit first.
What is the ninth candle on a menorah called?
It is the shamash, the “helper” candle used to light the others.
When is Hanukkah 2026?
Hanukkah 2026 begins at sundown on Friday, 4 December and ends at nightfall on Saturday, 12 December.
The Bottom Line
Get one box of 44 Hanukkah candles, add one candle each night from right to left, and light from left to right with the shamash. Say the blessings, keep safety in mind and enjoy eight nights of light. For more holiday guides, visit The Urban Splatter.
