Hosting for Hanukkah: The Festival of Light

Hanukkah falls in December, lasts 8 nights, and is more inclusive than most other Jewish holidays. No complicated rules about who can light the candles (the whole family, non-Jewish friends included), no fasting, plenty of food, and gifts for the kids. It’s the holiday people invite most widely for — here’s how to word the invitation so it works for everyone.

Which night should you pick?

Hanukkah lasts 8 nights. For one big family gathering, many people pick the 1st or the 8th night (the most symbolic one — the fully lit menorah). If you’re hosting more than one evening, state clearly which night it is. The 1st night falls on a different date every year — Tov.events automatically shows the correct Hebrew date once you enter the Gregorian one.

State the exact lighting time

Candle lighting happens at sundown (or shortly after). It’s a central moment — not a logistical detail. Put the precise time on the invitation: "Lighting at 5:32 PM" rather than "starting around 5 PM." Your non-Jewish guests will appreciate knowing exactly when to arrive so they don’t miss the highlight of the evening.

Latkes, sufganiyot, or both?

The Hanukkah menu centers on fried foods — a symbol of the miraculous oil. Latkes (potato pancakes, an Ashkenazi tradition), sufganiyot (filled doughnuts, an Israeli tradition), or both. Mention on the invitation what will be served — curious guests will love the detail.

Dreidel games (for the kids)

If you’re expecting children, the dreidel game (a four-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters) is traditional. Have Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins) or candy ready as the stakes. Mention "family evening, kids welcome" if that’s the case — otherwise your friends will hesitate about bringing theirs.

Gifts: yes or no?

Modern American Ashkenazi tradition: a small gift per child on each of the 8 nights. Sephardic tradition: no specific gift tradition, mostly Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins). If you’re expecting non-Jewish guests who aren’t sure what to bring, spell it out on the invitation: "Just come as you are," "A small gift for the kids is appreciated," or "A bottle of wine if you’d like."

What if Hanukkah overlaps with Christmas?

About one year in three, Hanukkah overlaps with the Christmas holidays. As a result, your Christian friends have family commitments. Plan ahead: send the invitation 4-6 weeks out (not 2 weeks), so they can fit it into their calendar. If possible, pick a Hanukkah night that doesn’t fall on December 24th or 25th.

To announce your Hanukkah gathering with an automatic Hebrew calendar plus lighting times, build your invitation on Tov.events — free, in English + Hebrew.