Hanukkah vs. Kwanzaa — What's the Difference?

The menorah used during Hanukkah holds eight candles plus a shamash (helper) candle.

The kinara during Kwanzaa holds one black, three red, and three green candles.

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

Gifts given during Kwanzaa focus on cultural enrichment.

The dreidel game played during Hanukkah has Hebrew letters that stand for "A great miracle happened there."

Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday that celebrates African-American cultural heritage and values.

Traditional Hanukkah foods are fried in oil, symbolizing the miracle of the oil.

The Karamu feast on December 31st is a major part of Kwanzaa celebrations.

Hanukkah gifts often include money or small presents each night.

Kwanzaa emphasizes seven core principles known as Nguzo Saba.

Hanukkah (; Hebrew: חֲנֻכָּה‎, Modern: Ḥanukkáh, Tiberian: Ḥanukkāh; usually spelled חֲנוּכָּה‎, pronounced [χanuˈka] in Modern Hebrew, [ˈχanukə] or [ˈχanikə] in Yiddish; a transliteration also romanized as Chanukah, Ḥanukah, Chanuka, Chanukkah, Hanuka) is a Jewish festival commemorating the recovery of Jerusalem and subsequent rededication of the Second Temple at the beginning of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. It is also known as the Festival of Lights (Hebrew: חַג הַאוּרִים‎, ḥag ha'urim). Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.

Kwanzaa () is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day. It was created by activist Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of Africa, including West and Southeast Africa.

An eight-day festival beginning on the 25th day of Kislev, commemorating the victory in 165 BC of the Maccabees over Antiochus Epiphanes (c. 215-164 BC) and the rededication of the Temple at Jerusalem. Also called Feast of Dedication, Feast of Lights, Festival of Lights.

An African American cultural festival, celebrated from December 26 to January 1.

(Judaism) an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem in 165 BC

A festival featuring African-American culture; celebrated between Christmas and New Years

The menorah symbolizes the miracle of the Temple oil burning for eight days, far beyond its natural capacity.

The Karamu feast is a celebratory gathering that reinforces community bonds and celebrates African culture through food and performance.

Foods are fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of the temple oil lasting eight days.

The seven principles are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).

Yes, Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday open to anyone who wants to celebrate African heritage and values.

Activities include lighting the kinara, discussing African values each night, and the Karamu feast.

Hanukkah is a well-known and widely celebrated holiday, though it is less significant in religious terms compared to high holidays like Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah.

Hanukkah provides a period of family togetherness and public celebration of Jewish identity and history.

Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a way to bring African-Americans together and celebrate their heritage.

The black candle represents the people, the red candles represent their struggles, and the green candles symbolize hope and the future.