ML Interest Tag: hanukkah-crafts

31 Festive Hanukkah Celebrations & Menorah Lightings in San Francisco

by Nicole Findlay

The first night of Hanukkah begins on December 18th and we’ve got a great list of how families can celebrate in San Francisco this year

While we love celebrating the Festival of Lights at home with creative Hanukkah crafts  and our favorite Hanukkah books, this year we’ve compiled a list of in-person Bay Area Hanukkah celebrations you and your little ones are sure to enjoy! From LEGO-built menorahs to live music, hot latkes and sweet sufganiyot, these Hanukkah events and menorah lightings nearby promise to generate warmth, togetherness, and lots of fun for the entire family. Good to know: This year, the last night of Hanukkah coincides with Dec. 25—so if you’re looking for things to do on that day, don’t miss our list of family-friendly activities that are open in the Bay Area.

Hanukkah Celebrations in San Francisco

1. Hanukkah Pop-Up Party at Ghirardelli Square

Dec. 18: JCCSF’s Glowing Hanukkah Party returns to Ghirardelli Square this holiday season! This free, family-friendly event will see the lighting of candles, live (glowing!) music, Hanukkah crafts, games and tasty treats from the merchants at Ghirardelli Square. Event details.

2. Sherith Littles Happy Hanukkah Celebration

Dec. 11: Designed for parents and children 6 and under, this free event is filled with music, puppets, Hanukkah crafts and stories, a menorah lighting, and yummy latkes and sufganiyot. Event details.

3. Community Hanukkah Party (CBS Koret Hall and Eva Gunther Plaza)

Dec. 18: The party begins at 5pm with dinner and libations! Stay for a communal candle lighting, children’s activities, a Hanukkah game show, and a special music appearance by Hip Hop Hanukkah with Assist & The Scrappy Maccabee. Event details.

4. Union Square Menorah Lighting

Dec. 18-Dec. 25: Join Bill Graham Menorah Events every night during Hanukkah. The first lighting ceremony starts on Dec. 18 with dreidel house crafts for kids and children’s entertainment. From Dec. 19-Dec. 25, enjoy evening lighting ceremonies and music. Event details.

5. 11th Annual Chanukah Street Festival in Cole Valley

Dec. 18: Something fun for everyone! This annual event offers menorah lighting, children’s entertainment (including a bouncy house!), latkes, a hot drinks bar, live music, and a San Francisco Fire Department gelt parachute drop! Event details.

6. Hanukkah Candle Lighting in the JCCSF Atrium

Dec. 19-23: Stop by this free event for one night or celebrate Hanukkah at the JCCSF throughout the week. The menorah will be lit in the atrium every evening, accompanied by live music from Jonathan Bayer, family crafts, and traditional fried treats. Event details.

Hanukkah Celebrations on the Peninsula

hanukkah celebrations around SF
Elisheva Gohar via Unsplash

7. Latkepalooza (PJCC Community Center)

Dec. 10: Start the celebrations early with dancing and family activities, like blacklight face painting and Hanukkah-themed crafts! Light Hanukkah candles and sing family favorite Hanukkah songs! And keep your energy up with latkes, pizza, and other tasty treats! And a fun bonus—kids get to wear their pajamas and participate in a kid’s PJ fashion show! Event details.

8. Festival of Lights Hanukkah Party (Los Altos Hills)

Dec. 11: Join this Peninsula community for a special free Hanukkah celebration and early menorah lighting. Invite grandparents, friends, and anyone at all—everyone is welcome to this multigenerational party! Event details.

9. Chanukah in Burlingame

Dec. 18: This free event features a Lego menorah! And better yet—you can help build it! And you can also create your own lego-like dreidel and make other Hanukkah-themed crafts. Make sure to refuel with hot latkes and jelly donuts and stay for the firetruck gelt drop and live music by Saul Kaye band. Event details.

10. Hanukkah Celebration (Oshman Family JCC, Palo Alto)

Dec. 18: Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with the entire family. From craft making to candle lighting, games, and live music from the Capriccio Chamber Orchestra—there’s something for everyone! Event details.

11. Hanukkah Concert at the Wornick Jewish Day School (Foster City)

Dec. 18: For ages three to five and their families, this party includes Hanukkah-themed activities and music by Isaac Jones. Advanced registration is required by Dec. 14.  Event details.

Hanukkah Celebrations in the East Bay

12. Hanukkah Family Farm Festival (Berkeley)

Dec. 11: For families with kids 7 & under, join Wilderness Torah, PJ Library Bay Area, Urban Amadah, and members of Octopretzel for this interactive celebration. There will be Hanukkah-themed performances with music and puppets, menorah making, cookie decorating and story time. Bring a blanket and a picnic lunch. Your kiddos will love the playground as much as you’ll love mingling with the community. Event details.

13. Shine Your Light: Beth El’s Chanukah Festival (Berkeley)

Dec. 10: For all ages, this Hanukkah event includes dinner, latkes, a performance by Beth El’s Chorus, a concert and puppet show by the Banana Slug Band (aimed at children 8 & under and those young at heart!) and a Maccabean race (for teens only). Event details.

14. Hanukkah Candle Making for Families with Young Children (El Sobrante)

Dec. 10: Candle-making and Hanukkah-themed stories, food, and crafts! Aimed at kids 7 & under, but all ages are welcome! And if you’re able to, please join #PJGIVESBACK by bringing nonperishable food items to the event. PJ Library will deliver them to the Berkeley Food Pantry to help feed neighbors this holiday season. Event details.

15. A Tie-Dye Chanukah (Oakland)

Dec. 11: This workshop at Chabod Center for Jewish Life is geared at ages five to twelve. Whether your kiddos tie-dye winter beanies or compete in a rainbow menorah making challenge—this event is sure to add a splash of color to your Hanukkah celebrations! Event details.

16. The Home Depot Menorah Workshop (El Cerrito)

Dec. 11: This special menorah workshop lets kids build, paint, and decorate their very own menorah! RSVP required. Event details.

17. Chanukahfest at the JCC East Bay (Berkeley)

Dec. 11: Celebrate the festival of lights with candle rolling, menorah creating, dreidel spinning, latke tossing, doughnut filling, potato science exploration, LEGO menorah construction & more! Event details.

18. The Alameda Can-Orah

Dec. 18: At this year’s 6th annual public menorah lighting, a huge menorah will be lit made entirely out of cans collected by the Alameda community. After the menorah is lit, all cans will be donated to the Alameda County food bank. Event details.

19. Hanukkahpalooza at the Temple Beth Torah (Fremont)

Dec. 18: A celebration for all ages, this event features the San Francisco Yiddish Combo-Klezmer Band! Come for the music and dancing and stay for the latkes and the jelly doughnuts. Please bring your Hanukkah menorah and two candles. Event details.

20. Grand Chanukah Celebration on Lake Merritt (Oakland)

Dec 18: Light up the darkness with Oakland’s largest menorah! Presented by Chabot of Oakland, this free event includes a mesmerizing fire performance, live music, balloon twisting, Hanukkah crafts, and of course, latkes, sufganiyot, hot drinks and matza ball soup. Event details.

21. Hanukkah Celebration with Kehilla (Oakland)

Dec. 18: The Jewish Baby Network and Kehilla Community Synagogue offer this free and fun event for your kiddos to decorate a card, sing Hanukkah songs and learn the blessings. Event details.

22. Hanukah Community Celebration in Downtown Martinez

Dec. 18 - Dec. 26: Every evening at dusk, check out the traditional lighting of the menorah at the Main Street Plaza! On Dec. 18, celebrate the first lighting with music, sufganiyot, and more family fun! Event details.

23. Urban Adamah Hanukkah (Berkeley)

Dec. 18: Welcome the first light of Hanukkah with a joyful Simcha on the farm! Fry up some latkes in the community kitchen or enjoy treats on the farm with friends. Snacks and drinks will be provided, but your favorite potluck dishes are also welcome. Decorate a dreidel or maybe make a Hanukkah card—all ages will enjoy the crafts! Bring your dancing shoes and move to the beat of live Klezmer music. Event details.

24. Piedmont Chanukah Celebration

Dec. 20: Outside the Piedmont Community Hall, celebrations will ensue! From a drone gelt drop and a giant menorah lighting to hot latkes, jelly donuts, dreidels, crafts, music & more—this free event is sure to delight every age. Event details.

25. Oakland Car Menorah Parade

Dec. 22: Starting at Chabad of Oakland, drive through the streets of Oakland with a menorah on top of your car! Every car receives a party box to enjoy during the parade. After the parade, head back to Chabad of Oakland for refreshments and music. To join the party and reserve a menorah for your car, email info@JewishOakland.org by Dec. 15. Event details.

Hanukkah Celebrations in the North Bay

26. Hanukkah Inside Out (San Rafael)

Dec. 11: Bring the entire family to the Osher Marin JCC! This FREE fun Hanukkah event includes music from Jonathan Bayer and latkes from Wise Guys. Learn Hanukkah yoga moves and hear creative retellings of the Hanukkah story. Don’t miss this fun Hanukkah holiday event! Event details.

27. Hanukkah Concert & Café (Napa)

Dec. 11: With children’s Hanukkah activities, a community sing-along, and a café offering breakfast bites and holiday treats, this event promises and fun and tasty morning for the entire family. Event details.

28. Giant Menorah Lighting (Downtown San Rafael Plaza)

Dec. 18: Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with Chabot of Marin in downtown San Rafael. In addition to the giant menorah lighting, there’ll be music, dancing, hot chocolate, chocolate gelt drop & more! You won’t want to miss this free event! Event details.

29. Chanukah Celebration & Drone Gelt Drop (Petaluma Fairgrounds)

Dec. 18: This 8th annual celebration promises to celebrate the power of light over darkness with a marvelous community. Check out the world’s largest dreidel and enjoy a drone gelt drop, 9-foot menorah, fire juggling, latkes, jelly doughnuts, DJ, crafts, face painting & more. Event details.

30. Hanukkah Menorah Lighting (City Hall, Novato)

Dec. 18: Come for the menorah lighting and stay for more Hanukkah fun! With a grand gelt drop, craft for kids, a raffle, entertainment (like a fire juggling show by Frisco Fred!), music, donuts, and hot latkes—this is an event your entire family will enjoy. Event details.

31. Chabad of Larkspur Hanukkah Events

Dec. 18–Dec. 22: On Dec. 18 join Chabad of Larkspur at Menke Parke for a grand gumball menorah, gelt drop, inflatable gym and slide, latkes, hot soup, crafts for the kiddos and a dreidel contest! Then, on Dec. 22, celebrate again at the Corte Madera Town Center. All are welcome to the public menorah lighting, latkes, gelt, giant light-up dreidel, and Hanukkah music! Event details.

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21 Can’t Miss Holiday Events Happening in the Bay Area

by Sarah McDonald
Partner Content

The best holiday events taking place in San Francisco, the Bay Area, and beyond

Santa’s not the only one with a list this year—we’ve made our own nice list, full of our favorite family holiday activities around the Bay Area for the 2022. And while we may be missing snow and ice in the Bay Area (although you can get your fill of nearby snow play if you know where to look), we’re ready to celebrate with fun holiday events nearby, many of them free! This year, return to beloved traditions, like seeing a performance of The Velveteen Rabbit, or strolling down brightly-decorated Christmas Tree Lane with a hot chocolate in hand (see if your favorite hot chocolate spot made our list of best hot cocoa in the Bay Area). Or embrace a new holiday activity, like watching the lighted boat parade and fabulous fireworks display on Sausalito’s beautiful waterfront. From live musical productions and city-wide light shows, to cheerful holiday trains and outdoor ice skating, get ready to fill up your calendar with joy this holiday season.

Can't Miss Holiday Events in San Francisco

1. SF Symphony Plays Christmas Classics

Nov-Dec.: Remember Disney’s Fantasia, the spectacular animation that introduced a generation of kids to classical music? SF Symphony is producing a live version of the groundbreaking film in Nov., perfect for all ages. More Christmas-themed productions are scheduled for Dec., including Deck the Halls and The Colors of Christmas, performed by the SF Symphony Orchestra. Event details.

2. The Velveteen Rabbit

Various Dates Nov. 26-Dec. 12: This beloved Bay Area holiday tradition returns with a tattered nursery animal becoming real in a show that brings the perfect amount of holiday cheer. Also available on-demand. Event details.

Related: Here Is a Full List of Holiday Performances That Kids Will Love

3. Illuminate SF Festival of Lights

Nov. 9-Jan 31: This urban lights festival is in its 10th year and offers 62 eco-friendly displays in 17 neighborhoods, all accessible by public transportation within San Francisco's 49 square miles. Take the free guided tour to learn more about the artists that have brought these installations to life. Event details.

4. Presidio Christmas Tree Lighting

Dec. 2: Since 1991, the now 55-foot-tall Norfolk Island pine in the Presidio has glowed with lights starting on the first Friday evening in December. The tradition of tree lighting at the former US Army base began even earlier, in 1957, when families who lived and worked in the Presidio came by to light the tree and kick off the holiday season. Holiday Lights continued when the Presidio opened its gates to all as a national park 27 years ago. Event details.

5. Civic Center Tree Lighting 

Dec. 7: The annual Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting event returns December 7, 4-7pm! Add this fun, free, family-friendly event to your holiday calendar! Featuring festive holiday performances, food, music, a toy giveaway for children, and Makers Village DIY activities for kids and adults, you won’t want to miss it! The event takes place across from an illuminated City Hall in Civic Center Plaza, a wonderful backdrop for a photo. The evening also includes “snow” flurries and Christmas VIPs such as elves, and the man-of-the-hour: Santa! Event details.

6. Hanukkah Pop-Up Party at Ghirardelli Square

Dec. 18: JCCSF’s Glowing Hanukkah Party returns to Ghirardelli Square this holiday season! This free, family-friendly event will see the lighting of candles, live (glowing!) music, Hanukkah crafts, games and  tasty treats from the merchants at Ghirardelli Square. Event details.

7. Holiday Afternoon Tea

Dec. 17 & 18: Dollie & Me Tea at the Westin St. Francis at Union Square introduces a whimsical and magical holiday afternoon tea party for young children and their dolls. Event details.

Related: Discover More Holiday Teas in the Bay Area

 

Can't Miss Holiday Events on the Peninsula

8. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Weekends Starting Nov. 19-Dec. 19: Journey to this one-of-a-kind immersive adventure into Victorian London—an elaborate holiday party with hundreds of costumed players performing and interacting with patrons in over 140,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, and festive shops. It's a twilight evening in Charles Dickens' London Town—a city of winding lanes filled with colorful characters from both literature and history. Enticing aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty foods fill the air. Cries of street vendors hawking their wares ring out above the bustling crowd. Dozens of lamplit shops are filled to overflowing with handmade gifts. The Dickens Christmas Fair is a treasured Bay Area tradition since 1970 and a splendid way to celebrate the holidays. Event details.

9. Holidays at Filoli

Nov. 19-Jan. 8: The holidays at Filoli are simply magical with the gardens decked out in all their dazzling holiday splendor. Choose from a daytime or evening visit, or a themed night visit but either way, definitely make sure the kids visit Santa on the weekends! Pre-book before opening day for a discount, or visit during the week for cheaper admission. Event details.

10. Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Drive-Through

Nov. 25-Dec. 25: This half a mile drive-through experience at the Fairgrounds with spectacular lighted giant Christmas trees, Santa, reindeer, snowmen, lighted tunnels and many more magical moments will delight all. Holiday Food Stands are available at the end of your drive-thru where you can purchase your favorites for the drive home. Event details. 

11. Half Moon Bay’s Nights of Lights

Nov. 25 & Every Fri. until Dec. 16: This year’s Nights of Lights extends to four Fridays as downtown welcomes your family for holiday spirit, fun activities, music and more. Each Friday night is themed differently with a tree lighting, holiday market, parade and caroling. Event details.

12. IlluminOdyssey Lights

Nov. 4-Jan. 16: Be dazzled by this winter light experience which is included in admission and don’t forget to go play at the nearby Magical Bridges Playground after for the ultimate day trip out! Event details. 

13. Gamble Garden’s Festival of Trees Family Night

Dec 2: Escape to a winter wonderland at Gamble Garden’s Festival of Trees for one night only where there will be arts & crafts for kids, free ice cream, holiday treats, Santa, the Grinch and more! Return the following day for the holiday market to get a head start on your shopping. Event details.

14. Winter Wonderland at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk

Nov. 24-Jan. 1: A winter wonderland at the beach is true California dreamin', right?! Rides, games, arcades, pedal karts, photos with Santa, s'mores and other holiday treats are all here under the bright illumination of festive lights—don't forget to take in the beach views! Event details.

 

Can't Miss Holiday Events in the East Bay

15. Glowfari at Oakland Zoo

Fri.-Sun. Starting Nov. 11 & Then Every Night Dec. 1-23: Walk through a mile-long journey and be dazzled by hundreds of larger-than-life animals lit up by lanterns in this unforgettable holiday lights display! Ride the gondola to the Land of Bugs, hop on the Express Train through Winter Wonderland and finish the evening with a visit to Santa! Event details.

16. Garden of D'Lights

Fri.-Sun. Nov. 25-Jan. 8: Experience the Ruth Bancroft Garden at Walnut Creek in a whole new way at this year’s Garden of d’Lights. With more lights and more lasers, this year’s Garden of d’Lights is set to be better than ever. Guests of all ages are in for a holiday treat as they stroll through the Garden’s 3.5 acres of mature cacti, succulents and trees that are transformed into magical colorful botanical sculptures by thousands of lights. Event details.

Related: Discover More Bay Area Holiday Light Displays 

17. Ride the Train of Lights

Nov. 18-Dec. 28 (Weekends): With two locations to choose from (Sunol or Niles), your train-lover will be enthralled with this holiday train complete with refreshments, music and cheer aboard antique coaches and open cars that feature holiday lights and decorations. Editors note: This is already sold out for the 2022 season, but cancellations do happen, so keep checking the calendar for availability if you want to attend. Alternatively, check out our other suggestions for Bay Area holiday trains below. Event details.

Related: Our Full List of Fun Holiday Trains in the Bay Area

18. Christmas Tree Lane, Alameda

Early Dec.-New Year: The best-lit neighborhood in the Bay is in Alameda, on the 3200 block of Thompson Ave. Every year, the street puts on a dazzling display that plugs directly into the spirit of the season. Affectionately known as Christmas Tree Lane, this has been an annual tradition since 1938. Event details.

Can't Miss Holiday Events in the North Bay

19. Ice Skate While it Snows

Nov. 11-Jan. 8: The brand new ice rink at Vista Collina features a winter wonderland with special events and theme nights plus 100% chance of snow every night at 6 p.m. Keep minis warm by the toasty fire pits while beer and wine (obviously) keeps the adults happy in a brand new Napa holiday tradition! Event details. Related: More Bay Area Ice Rinks to Skate Your Days Away 

20. Mill Valley Winterfest

Nov. 26-Dec. 16: Winterfest is back for 2022 with a giant rainbow slide, a jump house, games, and of course, Santa. The festivities kick off Friday, Nov. 26th with the Winterfest Holiday Hunt, a three-week, scavenger hunt-style contest at more than 30 businesses throughout Mill Valley. The contest centers around Blue Stars, which business owners will place in storefront windows or inside their businesses. Kids accompanied by a parent will take photos of blue stars of at least eight participating businesses and  will be entered in a raffle for one of 20 $40 gift cards to participating businesses. The Holiday Hunt runs through Dec. 16. Event details.  

21. Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks

Dec. 10: Watch a magical parade of lighted boats float by the Sausalito waterfront in this free annual event. Come for the festive flotilla, but stay for the fireworks, which start once all the boats have begun their journey. Parking can be tricky, so consider public transport, and get there early for a good spot. Event details.

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14 Fun Crafts to Help You Celebrate Hanukkah

by Abigail Matsumoto

Try out these 14 simple, family-friendly crafts that are perfect for Hanukkah

There’s only so much “Dreidel, Dreidel” a kid can play to celebrate each Hanukkah season. Make the Festival of Lights a little more fun with these easy Hanukkah crafts for kids. From a gold dinosaur menorah and “Menorahs By Mail” to pop-up cards and kindness chains—here are some creative ways to keep your little artists busy all eight nights.

Star of David Collage

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIhEieOBKuQ/?hidecaption=true

Use all different shades and patterns of blue paper to decorate this Star of David. Take creative license and put your unique flair on this Hanukkah craft! Hang it in a window on a hook or wherever it fits best.

Giant Menorah

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIoO2Uzg7p9/?hidecaption=true

Make this giant menorah to display in a wide window or a big space. Let your kiddos get creative with the decorating. Use any paint colors and even add jewels (or glitter if you are brave) if you'd like.

Dreidel Pop-Up Card

Hanukkah Crafts
MadCrafty on Youtube

Make your holiday cards stand out from the rest with this dreidel pop-up card that's way easier to make than it looks! All you need is cardstock paper, scissors, and watercolor paint. Get the simple instructions at Madcrafty on Youtube. 

Make an 8 Nights of Kindness Paper Chain

CoffeeandCarpool.com

In Judaism, Tikkun Olam means "repairing the world through acts of kindness"—and it's one of the most important Jewish principles. This simple paper chain garland combines Tikkun Olam with the eight nights of Hanukkah—each link of the chain contains a simple act of kindness you and your kids can do each day. Get the instructions (and the free printable) at CoffeeandCarpool.com.

Menorah By Mail

Hanukkah crafts
Melissa Heckscher

Got loved ones who celebrate Hanukkah far, far away? We love this idea from Martha Stewart magazine, which lets you send a mailable "menorah" with gifts for all eight nights of Hanukkah. All you need is a business-sized envelope to decorate as the menorah, with eight smaller envelopes to go inside (or make your own envelopes, as we did!). Your kids can put small gifts or sweet messages inside each little envelope.

Baby Footprint/Handprint Menorah

Hanukkah crafts
ReformJudaism.org

Is it baby's first Hanukkah? Mark the occasion by letting your little one put his foot down... in clay! These baby handprint and footprint menorahs are easy to make and will work as precious holiday decorations for years to come. Get the easy instructions at ReformJudaism.org.

Use LEGO Bricks to Tell the Story of Hanukkah

Hanukkah crafts
Deborah Goldberg

Epic battle scenes! Death-defying miracles! Dramatic endings! There's a lot to the Hanukkah story that makes it a riveting tale. How about giving your kids the challenge of re-enacting the holiday story with LEGO bricks? That's what this family did one year after a Hanukkah gingerbread house led to a family tradition of LEGO holiday retellings. Get the story—and some inspiration—at Reformjudaism.org.

Menorah Flame Headpiece

Melissa Heckscher

Every little person at your Hanukkah gathering absolutely must wear one of these adorable menorah flame headpieces (Bonus points if you've got exactly nine kids). There are no fancy instructions for this Hanukkah craft: Just cut strips of construction paper and affix a paper flame in the middle. Let your kids decorate their flame—glue and glitter make it really sparkle! Then, staple the strips at the ends according to each child's head size. Light the lights!

TP Tube Party Favors

Hanukkah Crafts
Creative Jewish Mom

Let the kids in on the holiday surprises by asking them to help make these fun party favors. Toilet paper tubes, paint, glitter glue, and tissue paper (plus fun treats for stuffing into the tubes) are all that are needed to make these colorful treats that can be used over and over again. Creative Jewish Mom has step-by-step instructions on how to make them.

Hanukkah Wrapping Paper

Tori Avey

What’s better than a Hanukkah gift? One that’s wrapped in special, homemade wrapping paper. Tori Avey has a great idea for a potato-stamped paper that the kids will have as much fun making as they do opening.

Sparkly Menorah

Creative Jewish Mom

Everything is better with glitter! Kids will love constructing their own sparkly menorahs that use silver glitter, gold sequins, and glitter glue! You might be cleaning up stray glitter until long past Hanukkah, but the beauty of these keepsake menorahs will make it worth the mess. Get the instructions from this Creative Jewish Mom.

 

Candy Dreidels

Tori Avey

It won't take much convincing to get kids on board for this craft, which doubles as a delicious dessert. These Hanukkah-themed treats are as yummy as they are adorable. The bite-sized desserts—they're made of just marshmallows, sprinkles, pretzels, and chocolate—are the perfect treat to bring to any Hanukkah party or to serve after dinner at your own special bash. Food blogger Tori Avey has an easy no-bake recipe.  *Psst: These little edibles take just a few minutes to prepare.

The Menorasaurus

Hanukkah crafts
Melissa Heckscher

Why settle for an ordinary menorah when you can make one that's both a candle holder and a fearsome prehistoric reptile? This DIY "menorasaurus" may look store-bought, but making it is actually easier than you'd think. All you need is some spray paint, a plastic dinosaur, and some hex nuts. Get the instructions (for this and other fun homemade menorahs) here.

Hanukkah Bath Set

Hanukkah crafts
Simple Play Ideas

Why let the Hanukkah fun stop after the dreidels stop spinning? Bring the menorah into the bathtub with this simple DIY foam bath set. Kids can help cut the shapes from foam boards, but the real fun comes in the tub when they can construct and deconstruct their menorahs, over and over again! Get easy instructions for this Hanukkah craft from Simple Play Ideas.

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Put a Spin On It! 6 Creative Ways to Play with Dreidels

by Gabby Cullen

You and your littles look forward to playing Dreidel every year. It’s a blast to watch the piles of gelt grow (or shrink!) with every shin, nun, hey and gimel—the shrieks of glee are an added bonus. But, even go-to holiday traditions can use a little shaking up, once in a while. For Hanukkah 2020 you can get creative with a classic Hanukkah tradition by checking out these six ideas that’ll have you looking at spinning tops in a whole new light.

Related: Totally Unique Menorahs You Can Make at Home

1. Make it a board game.

iStock

We think the idea to create a board game, from Therapy Fun Zone, is pure genius. Instead of collecting goodies and sweets, have each spin represent a move on a gameboard, which has fun activities and simple actions spread out among the game squares. Download the free PDF here, or, create one of your own. Want to know how many moves each symbol represents? Jump over to Therapy Fun Zone for more info, and other clever ways to use dreidels.

2. Stack it up.

Stacabees

Be the first to stack up all your blocks and win! Up to six people can play Staccabees, a twist on the dreidel game that includes the fun of the spin but adds the excitement of stacking pieces higher and higher until it all comes crashing down. Each set includes 36 wood game pieces, one engraved wood dreidel and a canvas tote to keep it all together. Grab your own set here.  Don’t feel like buying the game? DIY a version with Jenga pieces or building blocks and your own set of dreidels.

3. Speed it up.

Keshet via flickr

If you’ve ever played Dreidel, then you’ll remember how long it can take for someone to be declared the champion. For a speedy take on the game, check out a revamped version created by Ben Blatt over at Slate. Speed Dreidel™ calls for players to spin their dreidels together (no more watching your bubbe spin while the kids squirm!), and then wiggles with the rules just a bit (like how much gelt you win or lose with each roll), to make the game more interesting for every player. Trying this version will ensure your latkes don’t get cold while you try to collect everyone else's stash of goodies. Grab the full instructions by clicking here.

Related: 14 Easy Hanukkah Crafts to Try This Year

4. Painting with a spin.

Make an artistic statement instead of playing for gelt, this year. Give your kids a box, a top and drop in paint, then watch them create their own spin art right at home. It’s an easy way to add a new twist to a timeless Festival of Light family activity.

5. Have a spin-off. 

Pexels

Instead of waiting for everyone to have a turn with the dreidel and divvying up the goodies accordingly, why not conduct spin-offs? It's fun and easy to grab a timer and see which family member has been perfecting those spinning skills since last Hanukkah. Each time someone out-spins another player, reward the record holder with chocolates and goodies.

6. Dress Up Driedel

We love this idea from A Dime Saved. Every person has to pick 4 things that start with the 4 letters on the dreidel. Take all the items and put them in 4 separate baskets. Each time you land on a letter you have to pick an item from that bag and put it in. Game ends when everyone gets bored or there are no more items in the basket. 

 

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Light the Lights! 8 Reasons Why Hanukkah Rocks Our World

by Melissa Heckscher

With Hanukkah starting on December 24 this year, it may be overshadowed by that other big December holiday. But we think the holiday’s timing gives everyone even more reason to celebrate. From QT with family to tasty food, read on to discover eight reasons why Hanukkah rocks.


photo: Live Eat Learn

1. Potato latkes.
Whether they’re made with Russets, yams, or sweet potatoes, these fried slabs of carbs are dripping with oily goodness. Can’t decide? Take your pick from these eight easy latke recipes to jazz up your Hanukkah dinner table.

photo: Israel_photo_gallery via flickr

2. Light the lights.
Hanukkah’s not Hanukkah without a proper menorah, or chanukia (that’s the proper word for a Hanukkah menorah) to hold those famous lights. Want to get creative with your candelabra? Learn how you can build your own menorah from funky or found items.

photo: Sandor Weisz via flickr

3. Dreidel, dreidel, dreidel.
Sure, dreidels aren’t high tech. They’ve got no buttons, and you can’t play them on your Xbox (though, sadly, there is a dreidel app). But you’d be surprised how entertained kids can be when these small toys start spinning. Want to know the rules? Learn how to properly dreidel at MyJewishLearning.

photo: courtesy ToriAvi

4. Want presents? How about eight nights of them?
Sure, we know it’s not all about the gifts — but try telling that to a five-year-old (whose best friend is broadcasting Santa’s morning delivery). Eight nights of celebration means kids can keep the excitement brewing for more than a week! This year, the celebration begins Dec. 24, which means your kiddos will be rockin’ Hanukkah-style until New Year’s Day.

By the way… Curious why Hanukkah falls on different dates every year? The Jewish calendar is based on the lunar cycle; thus the first day of Hanukkah can fall anywhere between November 28th and December 26th. To find out when it starts from now until 2020, check out the Chabad’s helpful “When is Hannukah” page. 

photo: Avital Pinnick via flickr

5. You kinda have to eat donuts.
Fried foods like latkes and jelly donuts (Sufganiyot) are served during Hanukkah to represent the Maccabees’ small jar of oil that miraculously burned for eight nights. Want to make some donuts yourself? Get Martha Stewart’s perfect jelly donut recipe here, or get a healthier take on the yumminess from Cooking With My Kid. 

photo: Amazon

6. That Adam Sandler song… and other Hanukkah tunes.
Get into the Hanukkah spirit and groove out to our happy Hanukkah playlist that includes Adam Sandler’s famous Chanukah Song, plus modern takes on some classic Hanukkah songs.  

photo: Aaron Goodman via Yelp

7. Quality family time. 
When it comes down to it, Hanukkah is just another reason to get together with family, eat yummy food, and spend get some QT with the people you love. Want to do something different with the kids during the festival of lights? Try our list of easy Hanukkah crafts. 

 photo: Thomas Hawk via flickr

8. The story behind it is pretty cool.
Why does Hanukkah last eight nights? Why do Jews light menorahs? If your tiny tots have questions, head over to Shalom Sesame and watch this really cute video that tells the story of Hanukkah in a way little ones can understand. Older kids will appreciate this video from Howcast on “How to Understand the Hanukkah Story.” 

What’s your favorite thing about Hanukkah? Tell us in the comments section below!

—Melissa Heckscher

Featured photo: Israeli Ministry of Tourism via flickr

 

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