Holiday Gifts

Your Hanukkah 2024 Prep Checklist

Evelina G
December 4, 2024

Hanukkah is less than a month away!

Hanukkah 2024 starts at sundown on Wednesday, December 25, and we know all the holiday prep can get overwhelming. But don’t stress! We’ve prepared a handy checklist below of everything you need to get ready for your Hanukkah festivities and ensure your holiday goes smoothly for all 8 nights.

Happy Hanukkah from Jerusalem, and best of luck preparing for a meaningful Festival of Lights!

Step 1: Preparing for Hanukkah

The most important ritual of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah, so you need to ensure you have everything you need for this and any other traditions you keep in your home.

HANUKKAH MENORAH CHECKLIST:

Do you own a Hanukkah menorah? (If not, shop Hanukkah menorahs from Israel here!)
Do you know how to pick out the right menorah? (If not, see our menorah buying guide here!)
Do you have the appropriate candles or oil cups for your menorah? (If not, shop Israeli-made Hanukkah candles and oil cups here!)
Have you decided where you will place your Hanukkah menorah?
Have you considered getting more than one menorah? Perhaps your children would connect to the holiday more by lighting their own, or maybe you’d like to make a more festive Hanukkah lighting display in your windows. (You can get special children's menorahs from Israel here!)
Do you need or want a Hanukkah menorah for your office, school, or your children's school? If you can, consider spreading the miracle of the Festival of Lights beyond just your home!

Check out our top 10 Hanukkah menorahs from Israel!

If you need some Hanukkah menorah shopping inspiration, we’ve put together a top 10 list of our favorite Israeli-made menorahs, with options for every style and budget.

OTHER HANUKKAH DECORATIONS:

Step 2: Hanukkah Gift Shopping

One of the most beloved Hanukkah traditions is the giving of gifts! Each community and family has its own norms and customs for gift-giving during Hanukkah.

Here is a list of people you may be shopping for:

Your parents, siblings, and grandparents
Your aunts, uncles, and cousins
Your nieces and nephews
Your children and grandchildren
Your friends and their families
Educators and leaders in your Jewish community
Coworkers
Day school or Hebrew school teachers

Also consider:

Any friends or family who are recently newlywed and still building their Judaica collection
Housewarming gifts for anyone who recently moved into a new home (consider giving tableware or a Jewish home blessing!)
Adult children who have recently flown the nest and need Hanukkah essentials for their own holiday (a Hanukkah Judaica gift set or travel menorah with candles makes for a meaningful and helpful gift!)

CHECKLIST:

If you are being hosted for meals, do you have something to bring along as a “thank you”?
Do you know who you need to shop for?
Do you have a budget and/or know how much you want to spend on each gift?
Do you send Hanukkah greeting cards? If so, have you ordered them? (Check out beautifully illustrated Jerusalem cards from Israeli artist Yair Emanuel here and here!)
Do you give out gelt chocolate coins to your children, classmates, coworkers, or neighbors? (You can order packs of gelt from Israel here!)

Step 3: Hosting Essentials for Hanukkah

If you are hosting a Hanukkah dinner or holiday party on any of the 8 nights, it’s important to plan and stay organized so nothing falls through the cracks and you aren’t scrambling at the last moment.

Not only is there food to cook and serve: there is the table to beautify with gorgeous made-in-Israel serving bowls, coasters, salt and pepper shakers, and other tableware.

And if you are hosting a meal during the shabbat of Hanukkah, there are also certain items required for shabbat rituals: a kiddush cup, handwashing cup and towels, a challah board with cover and knife, and Birkonim for grace after meals. And don’t forget a festive tablecloth!

CHECKLIST:

Have you invited your guests and inquired about allergies/dietary restrictions?
Have you planned your menu(s)? (Check out our favorite Hanukkah foods and recipes here!)
Have you made a grocery list?
Do you have wine?
Do you have gelt and other dessert treats?
Do you have all the tableware and ritual items you need?

Browse festive tableware from Israel!

Upgrade your holiday table in style, with beautifully made, Jewish-themed tableware from Israeli artists.

Step 4: Brush up on your Hanukkah knowledge

Your holiday will be extra meaningful if you understand what’s going on and what different traditions and motifs symbolize. Fortunately, we have all the necessary info you need on our site!

Check out our informative posts and guides:

Step 5: During Hanukkah

Now you’re ready to start your Festival of Lights! Don’t forget to keep up with all your planned Hanukkah traditions, keep your menorah and candles safe, and keep your family entertained and engaged for all 8 nights.

CHECKLIST:

Don't forget to light your Hanukkah menorah on each of the 8 nights, and to brush up on the candlelighting order. (We have a full guide on how to light the menorah here!)
Do you know the appropriate blessings?
Do you have a tray to keep your candles from dripping and your menorah from falling over?
Don't forget to keep aluminum foil on hand in case you need to line the candleholders of your menorah for a more snug fit, to keep your candles from falling over.
Try out different traditional Hanukkah foods
Keep your kids engaged with fun Hanukkah games and activities