In a rare case, the Jewish Festival of Lights, or Hanukkah, begins on Wednesday – the same day as Christians celebrate Christmas.

This year marks the fifth time in the last 124 years that Hanukkah begins on the same day as Christmas. This won’t happen again until 2035.

According to Hebcal, a website that tracks Jewish holidays and the Hebrew calendar, the holidays have occurred on the same day four times since 1900.

There are Hanukkah events to explore across the state this season.

Here’s what you should know about the Jewish celebration.

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah, often spelled Chanukah and known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish festival.

Hanukkah marks the victory of the Maccabees, Jewish freedom fighters, over the Seleucid Greek occupiers, says Chabad.org.

After retaking Jerusalem’s Holy Temple, which had been converted into a place of idol worship, the Maccabees sought pure oil to light the temple’s menorah, according to the website. They found just enough to burn for a day, but it burned for eight days.

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When is Hanukkah in 2024?

Hanukkah begins on December 25th and lasts until January 2nd, 2025.

What is Christmukkah?

Christmukkah – sometimes spelled Chrismukkah – is a combined festival that occurs when Hanukkah is celebrated in conjunction with Christmas. On rare occasions, it also marks the first day of Hanukkah, which coincides with Christmas.

The term is believed to have been used for centuries, but a 2003 episode of The OC featuring a Christmukkah celebration contributed to its prominence in pop culture in the United States

The last time Christmas and the first day of Hanukkah occurred together was in 2005. Before that, it occurred in 1959 and 1921.

How is Hanukkah celebrated?

Hanukkah celebrations include attending synagogue services; Lighting each of the eight candles on a holder called a menorah, one each night; daily religious readings; playing with a dreidel, a four-sided toy top; To sing songs; and other traditions, according to My Jewish Learning.

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Where to celebrate Hanukkah in Michigan?

Jewish communities across Michigan will celebrate Hanukkah this season. Here are some events to check out:

• Hanukkah Lighting in Grand Rapids: The Hanukkah lighting will take place from December 25 to January 1, 2025 at Calder Plaza in Grand Rapids and will include the daily lighting of an 18-foot-tall menorah.

• Hanukkah on Ice in Rochester: Chabad of Troy and Hebrew Free Loan are hosting Chanukah on Ice on December 29th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Suburban Ice Rochester. The event includes ice skating, an ice menorah lighting, entertainment, Hanukkah food and more.

• Menorah in D: Menorah in the D 2024 will take place on December 25th at 5 p.m. at Campus Martius in downtown Detroit. The event includes the lighting of a 26-foot-long menorah; hot soup, snacks and cider; arts and crafts, games and treats for children; Walking entertainment and more.

• Menorah in the plaza in Traverse City: Chabad Traverse City will host its second Menorah in the Square at Rotary Square downtown on December 26 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. The event includes a menorah lighting, festive music, donuts and raffles.

USA Today’s James Powel and Deena Yellin contributed to this story.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: When is Hanukkah? What you should know about the Jewish celebration in 2024