Hanukkah Games for Kids Besides Dreidel
Dreidel is the classic, but eight nights is a lot of dreidel. A few simple games keep kids busy between candle lighting and dinner. A gelt hunt hides chocolate coins around one room, with a set number per child so nobody hoards. A latke relay has kids carry a paper latke on a spatula across the room and back. Menorah counting asks younger kids to count candles each night, which matches how one more candle is added each night of Hanukkah. Hanukkah trivia covers the story of the Maccabees, the oil that lasted eight days, and the foods fried in oil such as latkes and sufganiyot. A drawing game asks kids to sketch a Hanukkah word while others guess. Rotate one new game each night so the week has something to look forward to. The Hanukkah Kids Party Games Pack has printable versions.
Practical tips
- Plan one short game per night so the eight nights stay fresh.
- Set gelt hunt limits per child before the hunt starts.
- Use paper latkes for relays to avoid frying oil near kids.
- Let older kids read trivia questions to younger ones.
- Keep games under 15 minutes so they fit between candle lighting and dinner.
Frequently asked questions
What games are played on Hanukkah?
Dreidel is traditional; families also play gelt hunts, trivia, relays and drawing games.
Are these games good for a classroom?
Yes, the relay, trivia and drawing games work for groups of 10 to 30.
Do I need to be Jewish to use these?
No, they are simple, respectful activities for families and classrooms learning about Hanukkah.
How long is Hanukkah?
Eight nights.