Hanukkah is a time of joy, celebration, and family togetherness. While it’s not a major holiday in Judaism, it does tend to receive a lot of attention given the time of year in which it falls. Whether you're a Jewish parent celebrating with your children or a grandparent, teacher, or friend supporting Jewish kids, this guide is packed with fun, kid-friendly Hanukkah activities to help you teach kids about the meaning of the holiday while also making it memorable and fun!

1. Spend Quality Time Together With our Hanukkah Coloring Book

Being together and celebrating Jewish joy and resilience is what Hanukkah is all about. Spend time as a family coloring and talking about the meaning of the holiday with our Hanukkah Coloring Book. It also serves as a guide to the Hanukkah blessings and popular traditions. Download it here.

2. Learn How to Play Dreidel Together

Playing dreidel is a Hanukkah favorite and a fun way for kids to participate in a holiday tradition. Up the ante a little bit by swapping out your dreidel betting items. Some ideas include candy, chocolate gelt, money, mini toys, and coupons for fun activities or outings. Learn how to play dreidel with these instructions by PJ Library.

3. Get Crafty With Some DIY Hanukkah Craft Projects

Spend one night of Hanukkah doing a craft together. Find a craft that embraces the Hanukkah theme of light and miracles. This fun Hanukkah lantern project by our partners at the Union for Reform Judaism is a great way to get started!  

4. Host a Latke Cooking Party With New Recipes

Latkes (potato pancakes) are a must-have at any Hanukkah celebration. Kids love getting involved in the cooking process, whether it’s grating the potatoes, mixing the ingredients, or shaping the latkes. Make it even more fun by turning it into a friendly competition! Use this latke recipe book for inspiration and ideas. 

5. Have a Light-Up-The-Night Hanukkah Dance Party

Music and dancing are fun additions to any celebration, and Hanukkah is no exception! Have your kids help to create a playlist with both traditional Hanukkah songs and modern holiday tunes, or find one on Spotify. Then shut off all the lights, pass out flashlights and glow sticks, consider dusting off the disco ball, turn on the music, and bust out those dance moves! 

6. Make an Edible Menorah

Making an edible menorah is a great way to engage kids in the kitchen in a safe but interactive way. Great for the kids who like to get messy, the kids who like to build things, and the kids who like to get creative and cook! See how many different edible menorah ideas you can come up with, or split the family into two and make it a competition. Let the kids come up with their own creations, or use one of these ideas.

7. Have a Hanukkah Comedy Night

It’s a celebration–so make some time to get silly! Make a list of Hanukkah-themed jokes, or invite your kids to create their own comedy routines. Spend time performing them together or simply incorporate them into your Hanukkah dinner that night. Here are a few Hanukkah jokes to get you started!

Making Hanukkah Special for Kids

Hanukkah is a time for celebration and joy. Whether you're celebrating as a Jewish family or introducing Hanukkah traditions to kids in your life, Hanukkah is a great opportunity to educate about Jewish joy and the resilience of the Jewish people. From crafting and cooking to games and music, each activity offers a way to share the light, joy, and meaning of Hanukkah.

Have other ideas? Be sure to share them on social media and then tag us at @recustomrituals on Instagram or Facebook so we can amplify them! You can also always create your own Hanukkah book or upload your own content on Recustom.com for free.