Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a joyous celebration that holds great significance for Jewish families around the world. This year, Hanukkah starts at sundown on Thursday, December 7, 2023, and concludes on Friday, December 15, 2023. Hanukkah’s timing is determined by the Hebrew calendar, which adheres to a lunar cycle, consistently starting on the 25th day of the month of Kislev. As a result, its occurrence varies within the Gregorian calendar, which follows a solar cycle.
From songs and stories to gifts and gelt, we’ve put together a list of fun ways to celebrate Hanukkah with your kids that will guarantee that your Jewish Festival of Lights is truly lit.
For more ways to celebrate this holiday season with your family, explore our Holiday Fun Guide. Discover new traditions and festive activities that will bring joy and warmth to your family during this special time of the year.
Here’s eight ways to celebrate Hanukkah with your kids:
1. Share the Hanukkah Story
Start the celebration by sharing the beautiful story of Hanukkah with your children. Gather around and read a children’s book that recounts the miraculous events of Hanukkah. Discuss the importance of the menorah, the Maccabees’ bravery, and the significance of the eight nights of celebration.
The Yiddish Book Center has a great list of Hanukkah books listed here.
2. Savor Delicious Hanukkah Delicacies
Explore the rich culinary traditions of Hanukkah by involving your kids in the kitchen. Fry classic potato latkes together, or try your hand at making sufganiyot, delightful jelly-filled doughnuts. Both of which are made in oil as a reminder of the oil that lasted in the temple. Cooking together not only creates delicious treats but also provides an opportunity to share stories and pass down family recipes.
Find a Latke recipe by The Jewish Kitchen here.
Find a Sufganiyot recipe by the Jewish Food Society here.
3. Light the Menorah Together
One of the central rituals of Hanukkah is lighting the menorah. Involve your children in this tradition by allowing them to take turns lighting the candles each night. Use this time to discuss the symbolic meaning behind each candle and the importance of spreading light in times of darkness.
Learn the proper way to light the hanukkiyah candles from the PJ Library here.
4. Spin the Dreidel
Introduce the timeless game of spinning the dreidel to your kids. Teach them the rules and symbols associated with this spinning top game. Consider using chocolate gelt as game pieces, making it a sweet and enjoyable experience for the entire family.
Get your dreidel game on with instructions from chadbad.org here.
5. Get Creative with Hanukkah Crafts
Get your kids’ creative juices flowing with Hanukkah-themed crafts. Whether it’s making paper menorahs, decorating dreidels, or crafting Hanukkah-themed ornaments, these activities provide an opportunity for artistic expression and family bonding.
Jewish Moms & Crafters have ideas for 50+ Crafts for Hanukkah for Toddler through Adult.
6. Exchange Thoughtful Gifts
While Hanukkah is not traditionally a gift-centric holiday, exchanging small, thoughtful gifts can add an extra layer of excitement for kids. Encourage them to create handmade gifts or participate in a family gift exchange, emphasizing the joy of giving rather than receiving.
Find some gift ideas by Traditions Jewish Gifts here.
7. Infuse your Hanukkah Celebration with Music
Create a playlist of traditional Hanukkah songs or explore contemporary Jewish music. Singing together as a family can be a delightful way to celebrate the festive atmosphere of Hanukkah.
Check out Spotify’s Hanukkah playlist here.
8. Attend a Local Service or Celebration
Explore the local Jewish community in Des Moines by attending a Hanukkah service or celebration. Many synagogues and community centers host special events during the holiday season, providing an opportunity for your family to connect with others and share in the collective joy of Hanukkah.
Visit Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines’ website here.
Visit Temple B’nai Jeshurun website here.
Visit Lubavitch of Iowa’s website here.
Visit Maccabees Kosher Deli website here.
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