Hanukkah

Popular Judaica items for Hanukkah include menorahs, Hanukkah candles, and dreidels. Many also like to use Hanukkah decorations - like glittering dreidel garlands or menorah table runners - to create a festive atmosphere.

Hanukkah 2026 begins at sundown on Friday, December 4th, and lasts until sundown on Saturday, December 12th.

Each night, an additional candle is lit on the menorah, culminating in eight candles (plus the shamash) on the final night.

Gelt is the most traditional Hanukkah gift, and who doesn't like chocolate?! Other nice gifts for Hanukkah could be a new menorah, dreidel, Jewish jewelry or other Jewish ritual objects. And who wouldn't want a giant plate of latkes?

Our Wooden Block Name Menorahs are very popular for kids! Or try a fun Hanukkah toy like a plush dreidel or a craft like our Hanukkah in a Box kit!

For kids, it's fun to open a small gift each night, but you do you! They don't have to be anything crazy, a pair of Hanukkah socks or a fun toy make great Hanukkah gifts. Then the last night can be a larger gift. Maybe a 4 foot tall inflatable Baby Dinokkah?

Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greek army and the miracle of one day of oil for the Temple's rededication lasting 8 full days. The holiday is a time to remember religious freedom, the triumph of light over darkness, and the persistence of faith, observed with lighting the menorah, eating oil-fried foods, and playing dreidel.

Hanukkah is a time to remember religious freedom, the triumph of light over darkness, and the persistence of faith, observed with lighting the menorah, eating oil-fried foods, and playing dreidel.

The miracle of Hanukkah occurred where a single jar of oil, meant to last for one day, miraculously burned for eight days. So we celebrate Hanukkah aka the Festival of Lights for the eight days and nights.

While giving gifts for Hanukkah has not always been traditional, today it is a common and welcome practice. Some exchanging small presents over several nights (or all eight), others giving one larger gift, and some focusing on traditional practices like giving gelt (money) or donations to charity instead of gifts. You do what works for you! You can't go wrong with a ModernTribe gift card either!

Hanukkah colors are usually blue and white, often with silver or gold for a holiday sparkly touch!

For a Hanukkah party, you could bring a fun traditional items like a dreidel or chocolate gelt, Hanukkah food like latkes or sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). Or a Hanukkah book for a child or fun Hanukkah decor to help set the scene. You can't go wrong with a ModernTribe gift card either! Have fun!