Concise Bible Dictionary:
An annual Feast to celebrate the dedication of the Temple by Judas Maccabeus after it had been polluted by Antiochus Epiphanes (B.C. 165) (John 10:22). It commenced on the 25th of the month Chisleu, and lasted eight days. The dedication of the Temple under Ezra was on the 3rd of Adar (Ezra 6:15-16); but this was not made an annual feast. The dedication of the Temple under Solomon was at the Feast of Tabernacles (1 Kings 8:2; 2 Chron. 5:3).