Whether your family celebrates Hanukkah or your class is learning about it, here's a simple, accurate guide for children, with free printables from our Hanukkah page.

The story of Hanukkah, for kids

More than 2,000 years ago, the king who ruled the land of Judea would not let Jewish people practise their religion. A small group called the Maccabees fought back and won. They cleaned the Temple in Jerusalem and dedicated it again. The word Hanukkah means “dedication.” The story is told that they found only enough pure oil to light the Temple lamp for one day, but it burned for eight. That's why Hanukkah lasts eight nights.

The menorah and the shamash

The Hanukkah menorah (also called a hanukkiah) holds nine lights: one for each night, plus the shamash, the helper candle used to light the others. On the first night one candle is lit; each night one more is added until all eight glow. Many families place the menorah in a window so its light can be seen outside.

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How to play dreidel

Everyone puts a token (a coin, a raisin or a piece of chocolate gelt) in the middle. Take turns spinning: Nun, nothing happens; Gimel, take the whole pot; Hei, take half; Shin, put one in. The letters stand for “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham”, “A great miracle happened there.” Print the rules on our Hanukkah traditions & words sheet.

The best Hanukkah books for kids

  • Ages 2–5: Sammy Spider’s First Hanukkah (Sylvia A. Rouss), Light the Menorah! (Jacqueline Jules), The Night Before Hanukkah (Natasha Wing)
  • Ages 4–8: Latkes and Applesauce (Fran Manushkin), The Runaway Latkes (Leslie Kimmelman), Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins (Eric A. Kimmel)
  • Ages 7–11: The Story of Hanukkah (David A. Adler), All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah (Emily Jenkins)

Many can be borrowed free from your library or Open Library. Find them, plus Jewish Fairy Tales and Legends to read free, on our Hanukkah page and printable Hanukkah reading list.

Hanukkah activities and worksheets

Read one book each night after lighting the candles. Eight nights, eight stories.

Find Hanukkah books, worksheets and Jewish folk tales on Pagine.

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