Hanukkah. The Jewish Festival of Lights.

 Hanukkah is the Jewish word for 'dedication'. It is the Jewish Festival of Lights and it remembers the rededication of the second Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. This happened in the 160s BC (before Jesus was born).
 Hanukkah last for eight days. It can happen from late November to late December.During Hanukkah, on each of the eight nights, a candle is lit in a special menorah (candelabra) called a 'hanukkiyah'.There is a special  candle called the 'shammash'  which is used to light the other candles. The shammash is often in the  center of the other candles and has a higher position.  A special blessing, thanking God, is said before or after lighting the candles and a special Jewish hymn is often sung. 
 The menorah is put in the front window of houses so people passing can see the lights and remember the story of Hanukkah. Most Jewish family and households have a special menorah and celebrate Hanukkah.
 Hanukkah is also a time for giving and receiving presents and gifts are often given on each night. Lots of games are played during the time of Hanukkah.