Dreidel is a Hanukkah game. Most families play during the eight nights of Hanukkah, usually after lighting the menorah. In 2026, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Friday, December 4, and ends at nightfall on Saturday, December 12.
During Hanukkah
Hanukkah lasts eight nights, and dreidel is the traditional game for all of them. The usual rhythm goes like this: light the menorah, sing, eat something fried, and get the dreidel out.
There's a practical reason it fits right after candle lighting. Many families have a custom of not doing work while the Hanukkah lights are burning. That leaves the first half hour or so of the evening open, and a game everyone can play, from toddlers to great-grandparents, fills that time well.
Dreidel also shows up at Hanukkah parties, synagogue events and school celebrations all through the holiday.
Hanukkah dates
Hanukkah starts at sundown, so the first candle is lit the evening before the first full day.
| Year | First candle (at sundown) | Hanukkah ends (nightfall) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday, December 4, 2026 | Saturday, December 12, 2026 |
| 2027 | Friday, December 24, 2027 | Saturday, January 1, 2028 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, December 12, 2028 | Wednesday, December 20, 2028 |
| 2029 | Saturday, December 1, 2029 | Sunday, December 9, 2029 |
| 2030 | Friday, December 20, 2030 | Saturday, December 28, 2030 |
| 2031 | Tuesday, December 9, 2031 | Wednesday, December 17, 2031 |
Dates from the Hebcal Jewish calendar.
Why the dates move around
Hanukkah always starts on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar. The Hebrew calendar follows the moon and adjusts to the sun with an extra month in some years, so the date lands somewhere between late November and late December on the regular calendar.
Can you play dreidel the rest of the year?
Of course. It's a spinning top and a pile of snacks. Teachers use it for probability lessons any time of year, and you can play our online game whenever you want. You just won't have latkes to go with it.
Updated October 2026