Hanukkah Activities for the Entire Family

Hanukkah begins soon, and if your kids are anything like most, they’re very excited for the eight days of the holiday. Hanukkah presents several different opportunities for families to spend some quality time together. Here are a few activities that the entire family can participate in.

The main focus of Hanukkah is on the menorah and the traditions it represents. During Hanukkah, one candle is lit each night during the eight days. Children can get involved by learning the prayers recited over the menorah each day. With help, children can also light a candle. If your kids enjoy arts and crafts, they can create their own menorah out of sculpting clay and make homemade candles out of beeswax or by using candle-making kits. Of course, children should always be supervised when lighting candles.

If you like cooking traditional Hanukkah foods like latkes and donuts, get the entire family involved. While cooking with oil is not an activity for children, they can help prepare the batter, cut out cookies, and decorate desserts.

Kids might also want to make their own Hanukkah cards to give out to their friends and relatives. This is a great way for kids to use their imaginations and art skills, and family members will treasure these created cards so much more than store-bought ones.

Finally, take the time to tell traditional Hanukkah stories, listen to music, and generally get into the spirit of the Festival of Lights. You might even want to go out and enjoy the holiday light displays, many of which are secular and not religious. There are many holidays happening around this time of year, and there’s nothing that says you can’t enjoy a little of what they all have to offer with your family while you celebrate Hanukkah.