Hanukkah starts at sunset on Wednesday, December 25th this year (and if you’re like my family, that also celebrates Christmas, you’re in for a busy day and night!). From dreidel making to menorah lightings, get your family together for festive and kid-friendly celebrations around Bucks County.

What Is Hanukkah?

Also known as the Festival of Lights, it’s an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The holiday celebrates a powerful story of faith, resilience, and miraculous survival against overwhelming odds.

Families celebrate by lighting one candle each night, adding a new candle each night, and many families now exchange small presents, especially for children. Some give a gift each night, while others focus on one significant present.

Teaching Children About Hanukkah’s Meaning

Hanukkah provides an opportunity to teach children about:

• Religious freedom
• Cultural resilience
• The importance of faith
• Appreciating miracles in everyday life

A Celebration of Hope and Light

Beyond the candles, gifts, and delicious foods, Hanukkah represents hope, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness. It’s a time for families to come together, share stories, and create lasting memories.

Tip for Families: Each family celebrates uniquely. Embrace your own traditions, create new ones, and focus on the joy of being together.