Hanukkah is one of those holidays kids instantly fall in love with — candles, spinning tops, fried foods, chocolate coins, eight nights of fun… what’s not to love? Even if your family doesn't celebrate, Hanukkah is a great chance to teach kids about traditions, miracles, and how different families around the world celebrate light and hope.
Before we jump into games, recipes, and hands-on activities, here’s the Hanukkah story in the fastest, most kid-friendly way possible:
A long time ago, a tiny amount of oil somehow stayed lit for eight whole nights. It shouldn’t have been enough — but it lasted anyway. That surprise glow became the miracle of Hanukkah, and it’s why families light the menorah for eight nights today.
Now onto fun, meaningful ways to celebrate Hanukkah with kids:
🕯️ Lighting the Menorah
Lighting the menorah is at the heart of Hanukkah. Each night you light one more candle, say blessings, and watch the glow grow brighter — a moment of calm and connection during an already busy season.
Kids can help with:
- Placing the candles
- Singing songs
- Turning off the lights for “menorah glow time”
Get a step-by-step tutorial on making your own menorah candles
 Jessica Kline | Macaroni KID |
🎲 Dreidel: The Classic Hanukkah Game
The dreidel is a spinning top with four Hebrew letters:
- נ (Nun) – do nothing
- ג (Gimel) – take the whole pot
- ה (Hei) – take half
- ש (Shin) – put one in
Together, they stand for the phrase “A great miracle happened there.”
How to play (super simple):
- Everyone puts one token (like chocolate gelt, pennies, or candy) into the pot.
- Take turns spinning.
- Follow the symbol.
- Add one token to the pot at the end of each round.
It’s fast, fun, and perfect for all ages — even toddlers can “spin” by gently tossing it like dice.
Get a full, detailed tutorial on playing dreidel
 Pexels | Canva |
🥔 Favorite Hanukkah Foods Kids Love
Latkes
Latkes are crispy fried potato pancakes, usually served with applesauce or sour cream. They're a huge favorite with kids and an easy recipe to get little helpers involved.
Sufganiyot (Jelly Donuts)
Soft, warm donuts filled with jelly or custard. Kids love them because… donuts. Traditionally, they’re fried in oil to remember the miracle of the oil lasting eight nights.
Here’s a simple sufganiyot recipe from King Arthur Baking
 Getty Images | Canva |
🎨 Crafts and Easy Hands-On Activities
DIY Tzedakah Box
Decorate a small container and use it to collect coins to donate. It’s a simple, powerful way to teach the value of giving and helping others.
Simple Paper Menorah
Construction paper, glue, and a different paper flame for each night. It’s easy, colorful, and perfect for classrooms or cozy at-home crafting.
🎁 Nightly Gift Ideas (Simple and Meaningful)
Some families exchange small gifts on each of the eight nights — no need for anything big.
Kid-friendly ideas include:
- A book
- Pajamas
- A small toy
- Chocolate gelt
- A family game
- Craft supplies
✨ Make It a Family Tradition
Here are easy ways to add warmth to your Hanukkah celebration:
- Read Hanukkah stories before bed
- Cook a family recipe together
- Attend a community menorah lighting
- Watch a Hanukkah movie
- Invite friends to celebrate one night with you
 Kameleon007 | Canva |
Hanukkah is all about light, joy, resilience, and time together. No matter how you celebrate, the magic is in the moments your kids will remember long after the candles burn out.
Happy Hanukkah!
