There’s something special about the glow of a Hanukkah candle, the scent of latkes in the kitchen, and the sound of a familiar Hanukkah song filling the room. For families with a little one at home, these traditions become even more meaningful when paired with hands-on fun. From playful games to adorable crafts for toddlers, it’s the perfect time of year to slow down and make memories together.
Celebrating Hanukkah doesn’t need to be elaborate. With a few basic craft supplies, a simple Hanukkah treat, and a little imagination, kids of all ages can get involved. These fun and easy activities are a great way to honor tradition, keep younger children engaged, and bring a little Hanukkah fun into each night of the celebration.
Easy & Fun Hanukkah Activities for Kids, Toddlers & Preschoolers
These Hanukkah activity ideas are simple, mess-free, and full of energy. Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and even older kids, they bring families together for fun, connection, and a little laughter. Whether it’s a silly game, a flashlight scavenger hunt, or a meaningful moment like writing in a gratitude jar, these are some of the best ways to create lasting memories without pulling out every craft supply in the closet.
1. Festival of Flashlights
Turn off the lights and let the fun begin. Kids can use flashlights to search for small, Hanukkah themed items hidden around the house — dreidels, gelt, mini candles, or blue and silver stars. This activity works as a low-key party game for the whole family, even the younger children.
2. Latke Flip Game
This fun game has blindfolded players try to flip a cork coaster into a frying pan using a spatula. Each successful flip earns a yellow pom-pom (aka oil drip). The player with the most wins. Simple supplies, big laughs!
3. Song and Dance Night
Play a favorite Hanukkah playlist, teach a traditional circle dance, or make up silly moves to a classic Hanukkah song. Toddlers love repetition, and this is a perfect indoor movement activity for cold evenings.
4. Cookie Night
Break out the blue and white sprinkles, cookie cutters in Star of David shapes, and a batch of sugar dough. Kids can help with mixing, rolling, and decorating. It’s one of those great Hanukkah traditions that combines creativity with a sweet Hanukkah treat.
5. Gratitude Jar (8 Days)
Have each family member write (or draw) something they’re thankful for on a slip of paper each night. Place them into a decorated jar to read aloud on the last night. It’s simple, meaningful, and works well as a quiet moment after the candles are lit.
6. Kindness Card Activity
Get the kids involved in making cards for neighbors, teachers, or family. Use construction paper, markers, and glitter to decorate. Add in a personal note or drawing from your little one. This activity teaches the value of giving during a time of celebration.
7. Family Time Capsule
Have each child (and adult) add something small to a jar or box: a drawing, a wish for next year, or even a photo. Seal it and save it to open the next Hanukkah. It’s a simple tradition that brings reflection and excitement year after year.
DIY Hanukkah Crafts with Art, Tissue Paper, and Garland Ideas
There’s something magical about crafting during Hanukkah. These projects let kids slow down, get creative, and bring a little sparkle to the festivities. Many of them are easy enough for a toddler but still fun for older kids and even a helpful adult. Expect gluey fingers, giggles, and maybe a little glitter on the floor. These Hanukkah crafts and activities also double as decorations or sweet keepsakes, making them feel extra special year after year.
8. Tissue Paper Menorah
All you need is a sheet of construction paper, craft glue, and squares of blue and yellow tissue paper. Kids can tear, crumple, and stick tissue pieces to create a glowing menorah design. It’s a fun way to introduce a traditional Hanukkah symbol through art activities.
9. Recycled Menorah Craft
Use toilet paper rolls, paint, and a little imagination to build a menorah with your little one. Add glitter or stickers for extra flair. It’s a great way to reuse supplies while teaching about a traditional Hanukkah object in a hands-on way.
10. Star of David Ornament
Cut out two triangles from sturdy paper or craft sticks and glue them together to make a Star of David. Kids can decorate with markers, glitter, or string to hang it on a door or window. This is an ideal craft idea for preschoolers or kindergarten classrooms.
11. 3D Star of David Project
Fold and glue blue and silver cardstock into dimensional stars. This activity works best with older kiddos who enjoy more detailed cutting and folding. It’s a great opportunity to tie in a lesson on the meaning behind this beloved symbol.
12. Paper Dreidel Hanukkah Garland
Cut out dreidel shapes using a template or trace cookie cutters for consistency. Have kids decorate each one with the four Hebrew letters (nun, gimel, hei, and shin). String them together to create an adorable Hanukkah garland that’s full of personality.
13. Light-Up Garland Table
Wrap battery-powered string lights around a simple garland made from paper stars or dreidels. Place it on a kid-sized table for a cozy glow during storytime or snack time. Younger children especially love the sensory aspect of the twinkling lights.
14. Secret Message Hanukkah Candle Art
Using white crayons, kids draw a message or Star of David shape on white paper. Then they paint over it with watercolor to reveal the “secret.” It’s a simple Hanukkah crafts and activities combo that mixes drawing with surprise.
Hanukkah Sensory Play with Candles & Hands-On Projects
Sensory activities offer a different kind of Hanukkah fun — ones that let younger kids explore through touch, scent, and play. They’re also a great way to help a little one stay calm and focused during the more active parts of the celebration. These ideas for kids are simple to set up and perfect for an afternoon of quiet discovery, even if you’re short on time or space.
15. Hanukkah Sensory Bin
Fill a shallow container with blue rice, plastic dreidels, mini gelt, and soft pom-poms. Hide a few letters from the Hanukkah story or small items related to the menorah inside. Kids can dig, sort, and scoop while retelling parts of the story of Hanukkah in their own words.
16. Playdough Menorah Mats
Print out a menorah mat and let kids use playdough to shape candles and flames. This activity introduces candle placement and order in a way that’s fun and easy to grasp. For even more fun, add some scent to the dough like cinnamon or vanilla.
17. Spice-Scented Candle Jars
This craft combines fine motor work with calming scents. Fill small jars with whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, or dried orange peel, then add a tea light. These jars are safe for display and make a cozy alternative if you celebrate Hanukkah without open flames.
18. Dreidel Gel Bag
Use a plastic zip bag filled with clear hair gel and glitter, then tape it to a window or tray. Draw a dreidel outline on the outside and let your little one trace and squish it. Add in laminated Hebrew letters for matching or spelling practice to help older kids learn to spell Hanukkah in English too.
Classic Hanukkah Games with Dreidels, Gelt & Printables
Game time brings so much joy during the holiday season, especially when it’s simple enough for little hands to join in. These activities for Hanukkah encourage movement, laughter, and just enough competition to keep everyone smiling. From classic spins to fun you can print, these are easy to set up and full of energy for both a quiet night in or a children’s Hanukkah party.
19. Classic Dreidel Game (Age 3+)
A traditional game that never gets old. Use chocolate gelt or buttons as tokens and teach the four Hebrew letters on the dreidel — nun, gimel, hei, and shin. Even toddlers can start learning how to take turns and celebrate the joy of small wins.
20. Dreidel Freeze Dance
Play music and have everyone spin a dreidel. When it stops, freeze! The last one moving is out. This game adds a fun twist to a Hanukkah play activity and gets the wiggles out after sitting for candle lighting.
21. Gelt Stack & Toss
Stack foil-wrapped gelt as high as possible before it tumbles. Or turn it into a target toss using bowls or cups for points. This one is especially fun for younger kids and a creative twist on the usual table game.
22. Spin Art Dreidels
Add drops of paint to paper and spin small tops or dreidels on top to create swirly, colorful patterns. Kids of all ages love this one, and it doubles as a take-home art piece. Use it for handmade cards or gift tags after it dries.
23. Printable Hanukkah Craft Pack
Print and cut out shapes like menorahs, dreidels, and candles for coloring or collaging. These are great for quiet time or travel, and many fun crafts in one spot make it easy to prep ahead. Here’s a great example: Printable Hanukkah Craft Pack from Jewish Moms & Crafters
24. Hanukkah Gelt Treasure Hunt
Hide gelt coins around the house and give kids clues or a simple map to find them. This can be turned into a race or a group search depending on the age group. Bonus points if the older kids help write the clues.
25. Printable Matching Game
Use printable cards with symbols like dreidels, menorahs, latkes, and candles. Flip, match, and play — it’s a fun memory game that can be played solo or as a group. Perfect for kindergarten and up.
26. Hanukkah Bingo Cards
Customize bingo sheets with symbols from the holiday — gelt, stars, menorahs, even latkes. Add small candies or dried beans as markers. It’s a go-to at any children’s party or cozy family night and works well across age groups.
Meaningful Activities to Teach Kids About Hanukkah and the Festival of Lights
These activities slow things down a bit, giving space for thoughtful moments and family connection. They help kids understand the deeper meaning behind the lights, songs, and symbols. Perfect for winding down the evening or building a new Hanukkah tradition, these ideas balance creativity with conversation — no fancy supplies required.
27. Story + Craft Night
Choose a favorite Hanukkah book and pair it with a simple craft. After reading, get out the markers and let kids draw their favorite scene. This pairs beautifully with a mug of cocoa and the glow of the candles. One of the best ways to introduce the meaning behind the holiday without a formal lesson.
28. DIY Storybook Project
Fold a few sheets of paper in half, staple them, and let kids create their own version of the Hanukkah story. Add simple drawings, stickers, or even photo prints. It’s a creative outlet that brings history to life through their eyes and gives older siblings a chance to take the lead.
29. Star of David Window Walk
Make star cutouts from blue and white paper or contact paper and hang them in windows. Then take a family walk through the neighborhood to see if others are doing the same. It’s a subtle way to feel part of something bigger while enjoying the crisp night air.
30. Family Art Gallery
Set up a wall or table to display the crafts made over the 8 days — from menorahs to dreidels and everything in between. This visual reminder of your little one’s creations is a celebration all on its own and lets them show off their favorite Hanukkah crafts proudly.
Bonus: Handprint Art Keepsake
Dip little hands into blue paint and press them onto cardstock in the shape of a menorah or Star of David. Add glitter, names, and the year to turn it into a keepsake. This is one of those crafts that’s extra meaningful as the years go by — especially when the original artist is suddenly not so little anymore.
Preschool Fun & Hanukkah Crafts for Kids to Celebrate All 8 Days
The magic of Hanukkah is in the little things — candlelight, giggles from the kids, and quiet moments at the end of a long day. For families with preschoolers or toddlers, simple routines, low-prep crafts, and playful activities are the sweet spot. It doesn’t take much to make each night feel special. Just a little planning, a flexible attitude, and a cozy space to connect.
- Don’t stress over doing it all. One thoughtful moment each night is more than enough.
- Repeat the favorites. Pre-K students love doing the same craft or game over and over.
- Let them lead. If your little one turns a dreidel coloring page into a puppet show, go with it.
- Capture the memories. Snap a photo of that glitter-covered menorah or their first handprint art.
- Mix tradition with play. A balance of old and new makes the holiday meaningful for everyone.
- End with joy. However you spend the eighth night, pause to celebrate how far you’ve come and say a warm, full-hearted Happy Hanukkah.
There’s no right way to celebrate, only the way that brings your family together. Even if things get messy or plans change, the memories made around the table — or the craft station — will last far beyond the final candle.
Photo Credits: PJ Library
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Ready to fill your 8 nights with giggles? Check out these hilarious Hanukkah jokes.
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