Dreidel Game
The dreidel is a traditional Hanukkah game that kids love to play. It's easy to learn and can be enjoyed by all ages.
What You Need:
A dreidel (a four-sided spinning top)
Chocolate coins or small treats as prizes
How to Play:
Each player starts with an equal number of coins or treats. Players take turns spinning the dreidel, and depending on which side it lands, they either win or lose pieces from the central pile. The letters on the dreidel—Nun, Gimel, Hei, and Shin—stand for the phrase "A great miracle happened there."
Hanukkah Candle Crafts
Making menorah or candle crafts is a fun way to teach kids about the symbolism of the Hanukkah candles.
Materials Needed:
Craft sticks
Paint or markers
Glue
Glitter, paper, or gems for decoration
Instructions:
Kids can create their own mini-menorah using craft sticks. Paint or decorate the sticks and arrange them to resemble the eight candles of Hanukkah, with a ninth one in the center for the Shamash (helper candle). This simple craft can be used as a decoration or keepsake.
Latke Making
Let kids join in the fun of making delicious latkes, the traditional potato pancakes served during Hanukkah.
Ingredients Needed:
Potatoes
Onion
Eggs
Flour or matzo meal
Oil for frying
Instructions:
With adult supervision, kids can help peel, grate, and mix the ingredients for latkes. After frying, enjoy the latkes with applesauce or sour cream! This hands-on activity also gives kids an opportunity to learn the significance of oil in the Hanukkah story.
Hanukkah Storytime
Gather the kids for a storytime focused on Hanukkah books or retell the story of the Maccabees.
What You Need:
A Hanukkah-themed book or picture book
Comfortable reading area
Suggestions for Books:
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel
The Story of Hanukkah by David A. Adler
How to Organize:
Choose a quiet spot, light a menorah, and read a story that explains the history of Hanukkah or tells a fun Hanukkah tale. You can even let the kids take turns reading aloud!
Hanukkah Bingo
Create a Hanukkah-themed bingo game to entertain kids while teaching them more about the holiday.
Materials Needed:
Bingo cards with Hanukkah symbols (menorah, dreidel, latkes, candles, etc.)
Markers or stickers
How to Play:
Distribute the Hanukkah-themed bingo cards to the kids. Call out symbols or show pictures, and kids can mark them on their cards. The first to get a row or column wins a Hanukkah-themed prize!
Decorate a Hanukkah Gift Box
Gift-giving is a fun part of Hanukkah, and kids will love decorating their own gift boxes.
Materials Needed:
Plain gift boxes or bags
Markers, stickers, glitter, and other decorations
Instructions:
Set up a craft station with plain gift boxes or bags and a variety of decorating supplies. Kids can personalize their boxes to give small Hanukkah gifts or treats to family members.
Hanukkah Word Search
Create a Hanukkah-themed word search puzzle for a fun, educational activity that helps kids learn more about holiday traditions.
How to Make:
You can either create your own word search using words like “menorah,” “dreidel,” “latkes,” “Maccabees,” and “festival,” or find printable Hanukkah word search puzzles online. This activity is a great way to reinforce vocabulary and knowledge about the holiday.
Hanukkah offers a perfect opportunity to engage kids with meaningful and enjoyable activities that celebrate the traditions and stories of the Festival of Lights. From crafting menorahs to playing dreidel, these activities are sure to bring joy and deepen kids’ understanding of the holiday. Let the games, crafts, and stories bring the warmth of Hanukkah into your home!