Your Local Hanukkah Guide

"Hanukkah to me has always been a feeling, as most holidays are. As a child, I remember the excitement of the presents and now the act of giving presents is unmatched. The light behind the candles adds beauty to our homes and this year the light takes on a special meaning. My kid's preschool helped each of them make their own menorahs while in school and every year families come together for one night to light all of their menorahs together. We spin dreidels, and eat gelt chocolate, and doughnuts. My kids don't like latkes but we make them anyway, too!" -Jessica, Mom of 3, Verona

“When my daughter was young (and naive) we told her that Hanukkah Harry brought the gifts and he hid one every night, so after we ate dinner and lit the candles, she would search the house for her gift. 🙂. I always make latkes and deliver them to close non-Jewish friends who love them. I’m the Latke Fairy 🙂.” -Betty, mom of 1, Montclair

Chanukah means love and light and warm in the cold dark days of winter. I love the excitement of my kids and the way the candlelight reflects against the dark windows. And of course the latkes and donuts." -Mara, mom of 3, Montclair

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"We make a HUGE deal about Hannukah in our house. I never wanted my kids to feel left out and so I wanted to make Hannukah just as fun and shiny as Christmas. So I started with decorating the house. Then buying a gazillion presents. As the kids got older we started to open our house to share Hannukah with our friends. Then it became about food, friends, and family. We love sharing the week with our friends from different religions and cultures. I make a ridiculous amount of food (especially Kugel), we overeat, drink wine, share our traditions, and watch our kids play. I know it’s not Judaism’s most important holiday, but I love the excuse it brings to gather together." -Allison, mom of 2, Montclair

"To me, Chanukah means the ability to create light even in the darkest of times…like what we are experiencing right now. I am a Stay-at-home to two truly amazing kids and truly believe that it’s important to make children understand patience as it’s something I’ve tried to teach my oldest from waiting in line at school to waiting for the slide at the playground when other kids are using it, etc. We give small presents every single night of Chanukah until we get to the last night which I tend to give the biggest present. We also take turns with my family hosting or visiting my youngest sister and making latkes and homemade gluten-free sufganiyot plus a Chanukah craft for the kids so they can learn something about the holiday no matter their age. This year my youngest (20 months) will be coloring while my oldest (6 years old) learns about the dreidel." - Lynn, mom of 2, Montclair

“Chanukah is always full of fun with family and friends being together. It can be a very simple get-together or a big meal with lots of donuts and chocolate. We try to do something special every night don’t forget the fried food. Yum latkes are my fav. 💗” - Michelle, mom of 2, Montclair

"Channukah is not only about presents but spending time and having fun with the family." -Dylan, age 10, Montclair

"My favorite tradition is making latkes and lighting candles with my girls. I also love lighting menorahs with other families in our temple or with the community. It’s so beautiful to see all the lights and everyone coming together." - Jamie, mom of 2, Montclair

"My college girl will miss Chanukah at home this year! We sent her off before she caught her train with an early Chanukah breakfast of homemade latkes and Montclair Bread Company doughnuts. She loved it! Those 8 nights of gifts will be strategically mailed to campus. "-Jennifer, mom of 1, Montclair

“We have a Hanukkah olive tree that we decorate to celebrate the miracle of the eight days. Each family member has their own menorah, which we light each night. We make gluten free sufignyot, latkes, and play dreidel. We also exchange one gift each night, taking the time to savor the sentiments of the season.” -Natanya, mom of 1, Montclair

"Latkes, vodkas, and 8 nights of presents, what could be better" -Lori, mom of 1, Montclair

If you celebrate Hanukkah and would like to be included, we would love to hear about what Hanukkah means to you and your family. Email us at JessicaKline@macaronikid.com.

Local Hanukkah Events