Hanukkah (חֲנֻכָּה), also known as "The Festival of Lights," means much more than just exchanging Hanukkah gifts and lighting candles eight nights in a row. It's a celebration that brings families together to share and enjoy age-old customs that have been passed down from one generation to the next. So, start some new and exciting traditions with your loved ones this holiday season by trying out these fun family activities for Hanukkah!
1. DIY menorah
Gather everyone around the kitchen table and have each family member create their own menorah out of any supplies you have lying around the house: food (apples are a great option), glass bottles, clay, Play-Doh, or paper towel tubes. It's the perfect opportunity to get your creative juices flowing!
2. Playing dreidel
Play a traditional game of dreidel: The traditional game of dreidel is one of the most well-known Hanukkah activities to play with the family. There are four Hebrew letters on the dreidel to go along with the game: "nun," "gimmel," "hey" and "shin," and each one has a different meaning. Not sure how to play dreidel? My Jewish Learning has a great article on how to play dreidel to help you learn and start having some fun!
Dreidel spinning contest: Add a "spin" to the traditional dreidel game! As a fun change of pace, hold a contest to see who in the family can whirl a dreidel and make it spin the longest.
3. Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coin) scavenger hunt
What is Hanukkah without the gelt? Have fun with Hanukkah chocolates! Before your guests arrive, hide those delicious little chocolate coins throughout the house. After dinner, divide everyone into teams and search for them. Whoever finds the most coins wins a prize, in addition to the chocolate.
4. Hanukkah bake-off
Find some Hanukkah-themed cookie cutters and whip up some yummy holiday desserts with your kids. Put your own personal touch on the cookies by decorating them with blue and white icing and sprinkles.
5. Make-your-own Hanukkah magnets
Hanukkah magnets not only make the perfect kitchen decorations for the holiday season but are fun to make with the family. Set out some wooden craft sticks, children’s paint, glue, and glitter, and have your kids make the Star of David by gluing the sticks together and decorating them. Stick an old magnet behind the star and display the kids’ art on the fridge. Menorah magnets are another fun option, and feel free to be creative with the materials used.
6. Hanukkah garland
Give the little ones some scissors and multicolored construction paper, and ask them to cut out some Stars of David and dreidels. (The adults can help out, too!) When they’re all done, string the shapes together and hang up the garland across the living room window for some festive Hanukkah décor.
7. Festival of Lights potluck
Ask your family members to bring their own traditional Hanukkah food so everyone can join in the deliciousness of the holiday. To spice things up, put a modern twist on classic traditions. Need some inspiration? Try sweet potato latkes this year. For jelly doughnuts, perhaps try using different kinds of jellies.
8. Hanukkah family sing-alongs
Gather everyone around the menorah and sing Hanukkah favorites like "I Have A Little Dreidel" and "Oh Chanukah! Oh Chanukah!" If you have singers or a musician in the group, have them bring their musical instruments to take the lead.
9. Pass the Hanukkah candle
Light a large candle and have the elders of the family pass it among each other, one by one. Each time someone receives the candle, they have to tell their favorite Hanukkah story to the youngsters.
