1. There are two customs regarding the time to kindle the Chanukkah lights: Some kindle at sunset while others have the custom to kindle them immediately after the stars appear. In pressing circumstances, such as if you will not have the time to kindle at night, you may do so earlier and kindle frompelag ha-mincha(literally “half the Mincha,” which is one and a quarter Halachic Seasonal Hours before sunset), provided that you fill the cups with enough oil for the lights to last until a half an hour after the stars come out(Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, 139).
2. If one did not kindle the Chanukkah lights at their ideal time, he may-after the fact-kindle them at any time through the night. And if the members of his family are awake he may also recite the blessing. But if they are already asleep, the lights should be kindled without the blessings.(ibid.).
