We fulfill the mitzvah of Hanukkah by lighting a hanukkiyah (the menorah specifically for Hanukkah) with candles. Some hanukkiyot (plural of hanukkiyah) use actual oil to even more closely replicate the miracle in the Hanukkah story. We use electricity for illumination during the year. We mark sacred and special occasions, such as Shabbat and holidays, by lighting candles. Of course, there are certain places that do not permit open flames, including hospitals and nursing homes. In these cases, some will opt to use an electric menorah.