Hanukkah is a beautiful time to come together with friends and family to honor tradition, enjoy delicious food, and have a whole lot of fun. While lighting the menorah and eating latkes are staples of the celebration, adding a variety of Hanukkah-themed games can make each night even more memorable. From classic dreidel games to creative modern twists, there are plenty of options to keep guests of all ages entertained.
If you’re ready to mix things up this year, we’ve got you covered with a list of classic, modern, and hilarious games to add excitement to your Hanukkah celebrations. These games will get everyone involved, from kids to adults, with activities for every skill level. Let the fun begin as you fill each night of Hanukkah with energy and friendly competition.
Dreidel Games (With a Twist!)
The classic dreidel game is a must-have during Hanukkah, but why not put a twist on tradition? Here are a few ideas to breathe new life into the dreidel game:
Classic Dreidel Game: Spin the dreidel and follow the instructions of each Hebrew letter. Win gelt, lose gelt, or stay put it’s all luck.
Drinking Dreidel: For adults looking for extra fun, you can spice up the game with a drinking version. Each Hebrew letter corresponds to a sip, shot, or task. It’s the grown-up version of the childhood classic.
Speed Dreidel: Compete to see who can spin their dreidel the longest. This one is great for kids and adults alike.
Have plenty of dreidels on hand in case of intense competition or accidental “spinning too hard” moments.
Hanukkah Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are a great way to get everyone moving and thinking. Create a Hanukkah-themed scavenger hunt where players search for items like mini menorahs, small candles, chocolate gelt, or Hanukkah symbols like the Star of David. Leave clever clues around the house that lead to a grand prize at the end.
How to Play:
- Write down 8 to 10 Hanukkah-related riddles or clues.
- Hide small items around the house.
- The first player to find all the items wins a prize (perhaps a bag of gelt or a cool Hanukkah-themed toy).
This game is a hit with kids, but teens and adults love it too.
Hanukkah Bingo
Bingo is a timeless party game that never gets old. For Hanukkah, switch up the traditional bingo numbers with Hanukkah-themed symbols like menorahs, dreidels, candles, and latkes.
How to Play:
- Create or download Hanukkah-themed bingo cards.
- Use small pieces of gelt or other small tokens as markers.
- The first to fill a row, column, or diagonal wins!
Offer simple but fun prizes like Hanukkah-themed treats, mini dreidels, or party favors.
Hanukkah Charades
Charades is a classic game, but for Hanukkah, you can make it even more festive. Write down Hanukkah-related topics, symbols, and phrases, and challenge friends and family to act them out. No words allowed!
Ideas to Act Out:
- "Lighting the menorah"
- "Spinning a dreidel"
- "Eating latkes"
- "Singing Hanukkah songs"
- "Maccabees fighting"
Watching friends try to act out "potato pancake" without words is guaranteed to be a highlight of the night.
Hanukkah Memory Game
This game is a great way to challenge your memory while also celebrating Hanukkah symbols. You can create your own cards with matching pairs of Hanukkah-themed items like menorahs, gelt, dreidels, and candles.
How to Play:
- Lay the cards face down in a grid.
- Each player takes turns flipping over two cards.
- If they match, the player keeps the cards. If not, they flip them back.
- The player with the most pairs at the end wins!
You can make the cards yourself or print them out for a personalized experience. Kids will especially love this one.
Latke Flip
Who doesn’t love latkes? Take this love to the next level with the "Latke Flip" game. No, you’re not using real latkes (unless you want to).
How to Play:
- Use small felt or paper "latkes."
- Players must use a spatula to flip and catch the latkes in the air.
- See who can flip their latke the most times in a row or flip it the highest.
This game is guaranteed to get competitive, especially with a time limit.
Find the Gelt
This game is like a Hanukkah version of "hide and seek" except players are hunting for chocolate coins! Hide the gelt in tricky spots around your house and watch as the search begins.
How to Play:
- Hide several pieces of chocolate gelt in different locations.
- Give players a time limit to find as many pieces as they can.
- Whoever finds the most gelt wins a small prize or a bonus piece of gelt!
Make it harder for older players and easier for younger kids by adjusting the difficulty of the hiding spots.
Hanukkah Cookie Decorating Contest
Cookies, frosting, sprinkles what’s not to love? Turn this sweet activity into a competition for the most creative or festive Hanukkah-themed cookie designs.
How to Play:
- Bake Hanukkah-shaped sugar cookies (menorahs, dreidels, stars, etc.).
- Provide frosting, sprinkles, and edible decorations.
- Each participant designs their cookie, and a "judge" picks the best one.
It’s a sweet treat and a creative activity wrapped into one. Plus, everyone gets to eat the results!
Hanukards - A Hanukkah-Themed Card Game
Hanukards is a fast-paced card game that keeps guests entertained and on their toes. Players face off in a battle of wits, strategy, and quick thinking all with a Hanukkah twist.
If you’re looking for a game that guarantees laughter and memorable moments, Pick Me Up Game is another great option. It’s a party game filled with humor and cheeky fun, perfect for adults looking to keep the energy high at any celebration, including Hanukkah. With hilarious pick-up line battles and fast-paced rounds, it’s a party favorite.
Paper Plate and Clothespin Menorah
This one is a creative DIY game and activity rolled into one. Players work together to build a menorah out of paper plates and clothespins, using craft supplies like paint, glue, and glitter.
How to Play:
- Each player gets a paper plate, clothespins, and art supplies.
- Their challenge is to design the most creative, colorful menorah.
- The “most creative” design wins a prize.
This activity is great for kids who love crafting. Display the finished menorahs as decorations during Hanukkah.
The 8 Drinking Games of Hanukkah (For Adults Only)
If you’re looking for a little friendly competition (and maybe some mischief), bring in adult-friendly drinking games. From “Find the Gelt” to “Speed Dreidel,” you can give each of the 8 nights of Hanukkah its own special game.
Games to Include:
- "Drink on Nun" (based on the dreidel game)
- "Latke Flip Shots" (miss the flip, take a sip)
- "Spinning Shot Dreidel" (spin the dreidel to see who drinks)
Please drink responsibly and keep it fun for everyone involved.
Why These Games Are Perfect for Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a time to create memories with family and friends. Playing games adds friendly competition and a chance for everyone to come together. Whether it’s classics like "Find the Gelt" or modern picks like the Pick Me Up Game, these activities guarantee 8 nights of non-stop fun.
This year, instead of sticking to the same old routine, consider adding a few of these games to your Hanukkah celebration. With so many options, every guest can find a game they’ll love. Whether you’re playing classic games like dreidel or getting creative with modern favorites like Pick Me Up Game, the result is the same unforgettable fun with the people you love.
With activities for kids, teens, and adults, your Hanukkah celebration will be anything but ordinary. Enjoy the light, love, and good vibes this Hanukkah season!
