When does Hanukkah begin this year? Key holiday dates to know.

This holiday's are in full swing and before you know it, Hanukkah will be here.

The eight day "festival of lights" commemorates when Jews rose against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.

However you spell it, Hanukkah -- or Chanukah -- will start the evening of Dec. 24 and last until the night of Jan. 1. 

Dec. 24: The first lighting of the menorah. The menorah is lit after Shabbat ends and the Havdalah is recited. The Havdalah is when the holiness of the day is pronounced over a cup of wine. 

Dec. 25: The second candle is placed on the menorah and both are lit after the reciting of blessings. 

Dec. 26: The third candle is placed on the menorah and all are lit after the reciting of blessings. 

Dec. 27: The fourth candle is placed on the menorah and all are lit after the reciting of blessings.

Dec. 28: The fifth candle is placed on the menorah and all are lit after the reciting of blessings.

Dec. 29: The sixth candle is placed on the menorah and all are lit after the reciting of blessings.

Dec. 30:  The seventh candle is placed and lit on the menorah after night fall. The menorah should be lit before lighting the Shabbat candles, 18 minutes before sunset. 

Dec. 31: The eighth, and final, candle is placed and lit on the menorah after night fall. The menorah should be lit after Shabbat ends and the Havdalah is recited.