How many days are candles lit for Hanukkah?

During Hanukkah, candles are traditionally lit for a total of 8 days. The candles are stored in a Menorah, which holds nine candles.

Eight of the candles represent the number of days in Hanukkah. The ninth candle is only used to light the other eight candles. Hanukkah is referred to by some people as "The Festival of Lights." The celebration begins when Kislev 25 comes about on the Jewish calendar. During this time, one candle is lit the first night, two the second night and so forth, until all eight candles are lit when the eighth day comes around. During Hanukkah, friends and family gather to give gifts, sing songs and celebrate.