Hanukkah candles are sold at major retailers, Jewish specialty stores, and dozens of online shops. Whether you need a simple box of 44 standard-fit candles or hand-dipped beeswax sets in custom colors, the options below cover every budget and style. Here is where to find them locally and online.
Where to Buy Hanukkah Candles at Local Stores
Target
Target stocks close to twenty different hanukkah candle options each holiday season. You can order directly from the website and ship to your door, or check your local Target for in-store availability. The online selection tends to be bigger. You will find traditional candles alongside sets designed for kids, including ones shaped like animals or printed with bright patterns.
Walmart
Walmart carries a wide collection of hanukkah candles at competitive prices. Children’s sets, premium beeswax options, and basic colored taper packs are all available. Select your local Walmart on the website to confirm in-store stock before driving over. Their online inventory is especially useful if your nearest store has limited shelf space for seasonal Judaica items.
Party City
Party City sells menorah candles and other Hanukkah supplies at stores across the United States and Canada. Prices are competitive with the big-box retailers. While you are there, pick up dreidels, decorations, and gift wrap for the eight nights of celebration. It is a one-stop shop for the entire Festival of Lights.
Christmas Tree Shops and Seasonal Retailers
Temporary holiday shops pop up each fall in malls and strip centers. Some carry a small Hanukkah section. The Christmas Tree Shop, a permanent chain, lists a few candle sets online, though the selection is limited. Call ahead before visiting any seasonal retailer so you don’t waste a trip.
Local Judaica Stores
Most larger cities in the United States and Canada have at least one shop specializing in Jewish religious items. These stores stock a broader range of menorah candles than any big-box chain, including hand-rolled beeswax tapers, olive oil wicks, and artisan sets imported from Israel. In Los Angeles, for example, Brenco Judaica is a well-known option. Search “{your city} Judaica store” or “{your city} Jewish bookstore” to find one near you. Synagogue gift shops are another reliable source, particularly during the weeks leading up to holiday party supply season.
Where to Buy Hanukkah Candles Online
Amazon
Amazon #ad has one of the largest online selections. Sellers from around the world list everything from budget packs of 44 standard tapers to premium hand-dipped sets. Check seller reviews carefully before placing an order. If you have Amazon Prime, shipping takes just a couple of days, which is a lifesaver for last-minute purchases right before the first night.
Etsy
Etsy is the best marketplace for one-of-a-kind, handmade sets. Small artisans sell beeswax tapers in custom color palettes, soy wax options with botanical scents, and novelty shapes you won’t find anywhere else. Read buyer reviews for quality and shipping reliability. If you want items that double as a seasonal gift, Etsy sellers often offer gift-wrapped packaging at checkout.
Specialty Judaica Websites
Dedicated online Judaica retailers like Avi Chai, ModernTribe, and the Chabad online store carry curated collections of menorah candles alongside menorahs, dreidels, and other supplies. These shops are run by people who understand Jewish traditions, so product descriptions tend to be more detailed about burn time, fit size, and kosher certification. One mistake I see repeatedly is buying tapers that are too wide for a standard hanukkiah; specialty shops list exact diameters, which saves frustration.
How to Choose the Right Candles for Your Menorah
Standard Hanukkah candles are thin tapers, roughly 4 inches tall. They fit the small cups on most menorahs (also called a hanukkiah, the nine-branched candelabrum used specifically during the holiday). Before buying, measure the cup opening on yours. A taper that is even slightly too thick won’t sit straight.
Beeswax burns longer and cleaner than paraffin, but it costs more. For families with young kids who may only watch for a few minutes, inexpensive paraffin sets work fine. If you plan to let them burn down fully each night, as Jewish tradition recommends, beeswax or a high-quality paraffin blend will give you the 30-plus minute burn time the later nights require. The shamash, the helper used to light the others, should be the same type or taller so it doesn’t burn out first.
You need a total of 44 for all eight nights (including the shamash each night). Most retail boxes come in packs of 44 or 45 for exactly this reason. Grab two boxes if your household lights more than one menorah, which is common in observant families where each person lights their own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hanukkah Candles
How many candles do you need for Hanukkah?
You need 44 total. On the first night you light one plus the shamash (two total). Each night adds one more, so by the eighth night you light nine. The math works out to 44 across all eight nights.
What is the difference between a menorah and a hanukkiah?
A menorah has seven branches and is a symbol of Judaism dating back to the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. A hanukkiah has nine branches (eight for each night plus one for the shamash) and is the specific candelabrum used during the Festival of Lights. Most people use “menorah” casually for both, and retailers label their products the same way.
Can you use any candles for Hanukkah?
Technically, any flame source works, including olive oil lamps. Traditional practice calls for wax tapers or olive oil, and many families prefer kosher-certified options. The key requirement is that each flame burns for at least 30 minutes after nightfall.
Where can I find bulk hanukkah candles at a discount?
Amazon, Walmart, and wholesale Judaica websites offer bulk packs of 200 or more at lower per-unit prices. Synagogues and Jewish community centers sometimes organize group purchases before the holiday season, which can cut costs further. Stock up early because prices tend to rise in the last two weeks before the first night.
Finding the right hanukkah candles comes down to knowing your menorah size, preferred material, and budget. Retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon cover the basics, while Judaica shops and Etsy sellers offer holiday specialty items you won’t see on mainstream shelves. Order early if you want a specific style, and always double-check diameter before buying.