Which candle do you light first on Hanukkah?

On the first night, light only the rightmost candle (plus the shamash). Each subsequent night, add a candle to the left, but always light the newest (leftmost) candle first.

How many blessings do you say on Hanukkah?

Three blessings on the first night, two on every subsequent night. The 'Shehechiyanu' is only said on night one.

When should you light Hanukkah candles?

After nightfall, ideally within 30 minutes after dark. On Friday, light before Shabbat candles (about 18 minutes before sunset).

How long do Hanukkah candles need to burn?

At least 30 minutes after nightfall. Most standard Hanukkah candles burn 45 minutes to an hour.

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How to Light the Hanukkah Candles

The blessings, the order, and the timing — for all 8 nights.

Lighting the chanukiah is the central mitzvah of Hanukkah. The structure is simple, but a few details matter — which candle is first, which blessings to say tonight, and when to light. Here is the complete step-by-step.

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Setting up the chanukiah

A chanukiah (Hanukkah menorah) has 9 candle holders — 8 in a row and 1 (the shamash) raised or set apart.
Place the chanukiah near a window or doorway so the light is visible to passersby — this is part of the mitzvah of 'pirsumei nisa,' publicizing the miracle.
Add candles from right to left (the same direction Hebrew is read).
Light from left to right — the newest candle (the one you just added) is always lit first.

The 3 blessings (first night)

1. Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik 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 candle.
2. Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha'olam, she'asah nisim la'avoteinu bayamim hahem baz'man hazeh. — Blessed are You... who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this season.
3. (First night only) Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha'olam, shehecheyanu v'kiyemanu v'higi'anu laz'man hazeh. — Blessed are You... who has given us life, sustained us, and brought us to this season.

Nights 2–8

Say blessings 1 and 2 only. The Shehechiyanu (#3) is only said the first night, because it's the first time this year you're performing the mitzvah.

After lighting

Sing 'Hanerot Halalu' and then 'Maoz Tzur' (Rock of Ages).
Stay near the candles for the first 30 minutes — don't use the light for any practical purpose; it is only for looking at and remembering.

Special timing notes

Friday night: Light Hanukkah candles BEFORE Shabbat candles (a few minutes before sunset).
Saturday night: Light Hanukkah candles AFTER Havdalah.
If you forget — light any time before dawn.