Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration honouring the rededication of the Holy Temple after Israel’s liberation from the Grecian army in the second century BCE. The Jewish “Festival of Lights” is celebrated in the wintertime with eight days of Menorah lighting, prayers, and fried foods.
Hanukkah is a time for joy and celebration. Looking to host an event? Keep reading for 15 creative Hanukkah party ideas.
Why plan a Hanukkah party
Planning a Hanukkah party lets you celebrate an important holiday, learn more about history, and unite individuals of varying faiths. During the eight-day holiday, families share gifts and unique traditions. Others are encouraged to learn more about the Jewish faith.
Fun Hanukkah party ideas
Here are 15 Hanukkah celebration ideas to make your event a success:
1. Host an ugly jumper contest
Fun Hanukkah traditions include ugly jumper contests – similar to an ugly Christmas jumper competition. Find the cheesiest, most colourful jumper with a Hanukkah or Jewish theme; think of ones covered in Menorahs and twinkling lights. To encourage attendees to wear their jumpers, offer prizes in categories: ugliest, brightest, and most creative.
2. Organise a latke cook-off
A latke is a potato pancake typically prepared during Hanukkah. Why not host a latke cook-off? Set up a latke station with traditional toppings like yoghurt and sour cream, or modern spins like crème fraîche and smoked salmon or caviar. Encourage attendees to be creative and discover who makes the best potato pancakes.
3. Hold a dance party
Get attendees on the dance floor and hire a Jewish DJ. Add a light show and DJ-led dance choreography, and your event is bound to be a success.
4. A mindful party
A mindful party is a relaxed event for guests of all ages, offering participants a break from the busy holiday season. Mindfulness can be as simple as teaching relaxation techniques, listening to soothing music, or creating lists of things attendees are thankful for. Hanukkah parties are not always limited to adults, so include activities for children or families.
5. Film time
Make a Hanukkah film the centre of your event – something entertaining or educational. Have a group discussion about the film after the closing credits.
6. Bring on the crafts
Make recycled Menorahs while explaining the candle holder’s significance over the eight-day holiday. Or paint dreidels: these spinning toys are fun for both kids and adults!
Hanukkah party ideas for adults
Children and adults celebrate Hanukkah, but if you’re planning an event for attendees eighteen and older, explore these Hanukkah activity ideas:
1. Celebrate Jewish comedy
Hanukkah is a celebration, and you want your attendees to rejoice. Book Jewish comedians for your comedy show and ensure they have an audience by listing your event online and in print.
2. Make it a wine-tasting party
A Hanukkah wine-tasting event encourages attendees to broaden their palates by trying kosher, organic, and natural wines. It’s also easy for guests to mix and mingle. Unless you’re familiar with appropriate wines, discuss your selections with a knowledgeable sommelier.
3. Hanukkah club night
Book your event at a club and light a Menorah. You can even host aerial performers!
Hanukkah party ideas for kids
These ideas show that throwing a Hanukkah event for kids doesn’t need to be complicated.
1. Host a craft party
Hanukkah is associated with several images that are easy to turn into fun crafts for children. Set up the supplies on a table and encourage kids to get creative. Paint Menorahs and dreidels or create simplified versions out of paper. How about using glitter glue and pipe cleaners to create Menorahs?
2. Traditional baking party
Kids of all ages can enjoy a traditional Hanukkah baking party. Children too young to use the oven can decorate biscuits with the Star of David and other traditional symbols. Rugelach and Hamentashen (triangle-shaped pastry pockets, filled with jam) are easy recipes to follow.
3. Kids’ games evening
Organise traditional Hanukkah games like spinning the dreidel and gelt checkers using chocolate coins. Or, have a Menorah ring toss.
Virtual Hanukkah party ideas
Not everyone can gather in person, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out. Here are some fun virtual Hanukkah party ideas.
1. Organise a Hanukkah-themed quiz
Create a fun and informative quiz based on Hanukkah, encouraging attendees to brush up on their knowledge and including a mix of challenging and easy questions. Remember to offer prizes to the winner!
2. Plan a virtual live band
You have several options: A Klezmer band or violinist is ideal for a Hanukkah celebration, as attendees can experience traditional music. Or, host a dance party with a modern pop artist. Holding a virtual event doesn’t mean attendees can’t dance the night away!
Fun Hanukkah activity ideas
Hanukkah celebrates an important event in Jewish history and culture, but attendees of all faiths can have fun and enjoy themselves.
1. Mix up the games
Mixing traditional Hanukkah games with fresh ones keeps your attendees engaged and laughing. Play Spin the Dreidel using gelt as prizes instead of pennies, or incorporate board and video games.
2. Keep the doughnuts coming
Sufganiyot (jam doughnuts) are a tradition at Hanukkah. Why not create a wall or stack of them? Don’t forget to set up a topping station so guests can create their favourite flavours.
3. Light the Menorah
Even if your event only lasts a day or evening, attendees can still light the eight candles! Offer attendees Menorahs so they can light the candles from left to right, each time saying a fact about the meaning of Hanukkah. Or do it as a group.
What do I need for a Hanukkah party?
Throwing a Hanukkah event takes planning and preparation, but by following these suggestions, you’ll keep everything streamlined.
Choose a suitable venue
You want your venue to be memorable, but the location also matters. Explore parking options if many guests are driving, and make sure it’s age-appropriate – you don’t want to host a child-friendly Hanukkah event at a bar!
Decorations
Decorating the venue and having a colour theme gets everyone in the mood. Remember: blue, white, and silver represent Hanukkah.
Serve traditional food
Traditional Hanukkah foods are kosher; think Challah, beef brisket, Matzo ball soup, and latkes.
Create a Hannukah playlist or book live entertainment
Games and conversation only keep guests entertained for a while – how about music? Create a playlist for the DJ to simplify things. When booking artists or entertainment, ensure it’s appropriate for the event.
Let Eventbrite help you plan your Hanukkah event
Time to plan your memorable Hannukah event! But why not simplify the process with tools from Eventbrite? Create a free event listing and learn how we can help make your event a success.
