Hanukkah is a wonderful time to slow down, spend time together, and enjoy simple activities as a family. While there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday, making crafts with children at home can be especially fun because it gives everyone something creative to do together.
You don’t need expensive supplies or complicated craft skills to make beautiful Hanukkah decorations. Many of these projects can be made with things you may already have around the house, such as paper, cardboard, paint, glue, craft sticks, and markers.
These Hanukkah crafts are also easy to adapt for different ages. Younger children can focus on coloring, gluing, and decorating, while older children can take on more detailed cutting and designing. You can even turn some of the finished crafts into decorations for a bedroom, dining table, doorway, or family celebration area.
If you’re looking for easy Hanukkah crafts to make with children at home, here are 20 simple ideas that are fun, creative, and perfect for a cozy family afternoon.
1. Paper Plate Menorah
Turn an ordinary paper plate into a simple Hanukkah craft by creating a colorful menorah.
Have children paint or color the plate and then add a menorah design using paper cutouts, craft sticks, or markers. You can use different shades of blue, white, yellow, and silver to decorate it.
For younger children, prepare the pieces ahead of time so they can concentrate on arranging and gluing everything together.
2. Hanukkah Star of David Craft
The Star of David is an easy shape for children to recreate using paper or craft sticks.
Cut two triangles from blue paper and overlap them to create the six-pointed star. Older children can cut their own shapes, while younger children can decorate pre-cut triangles.
Add glitter, stickers, small paper dots, or silver accents around the finished star.
3. DIY Hanukkah Garland
Create a festive garland to hang across a wall, mantel, doorway, or window.
Cut out simple shapes such as Stars of David, dreidels, menorahs, and circles from blue and white paper. Let children decorate each piece before attaching them to string or ribbon.
You can make the pieces all one color or create a blue-and-white pattern for a classic Hanukkah look.
4. Paper Dreidel Craft
Dreidels are perfect for a simple paper craft.
Draw or print a basic dreidel shape and have children color it with crayons or markers. They can add patterns, stars, dots, or their own creative designs.
For an extra activity, older children can carefully cut out the shape and fold it if you’re using a printable template.
5. Popsicle Stick Star of David
Craft sticks can be turned into a simple Star of David decoration.
Use six craft sticks to create two triangles, then layer the triangles to form the star. Children can paint the sticks blue, white, silver, or another color they like.
Once dry, glue a small piece of ribbon to the back so the finished star can be hung as a decoration.
6. Hanukkah Paper Lanterns
Make simple paper lanterns using blue and white construction paper.
Fold a sheet of paper in half, make evenly spaced cuts along the folded side, and then open and roll the paper into a lantern shape. Children can decorate the outside with stars, dots, or other Hanukkah designs.
For safety, use battery-operated lights rather than real candles if you want to place a light inside.
7. Handprint Menorah Craft
A handprint craft makes a fun keepsake, especially for younger children.
Use washable paint to create a handprint on paper and turn the fingers into the candles of a menorah. Add a menorah base underneath the handprint and decorate the background.
You can write the child’s name and the year on the finished craft so it becomes a little holiday memory to keep.
8. Hanukkah Candle Craft
Create colorful paper candles using construction paper.
Cut rectangles for the candle bodies and small flame shapes from yellow or orange paper. Children can decorate each candle with blue patterns, stars, stripes, or dots.
Arrange the finished candles on a larger piece of paper to create a festive Hanukkah display.
9. Paper Bag Hanukkah Puppet
Turn a plain paper lunch bag into a cute Hanukkah puppet.
Children can decorate the bag with a Star of David, dreidel, menorah, or other holiday designs. Add paper eyes and other details to create a character.
Once the puppets are finished, children can use them to create their own little holiday stories or put on a family puppet show.
10. Hanukkah Suncatcher
Make a colorful Hanukkah-inspired decoration for a sunny window.
Use clear contact paper or another child-safe transparent craft material and add pieces of blue, white, and silver tissue paper. Cut the finished project into a Star of David or another simple shape.
Hang it near a window where sunlight can shine through the colors.
11. DIY Dreidel Decoration
Create a larger dreidel decoration using cardboard.
Cut a dreidel shape from a piece of recycled cardboard and cover it with colored paper. Children can then decorate it with markers, paint, glitter, or paper shapes.
Make several different sizes and display them together for a playful holiday decoration.
12. Hanukkah Card Making
Making homemade Hanukkah cards is a great craft that also gives children an opportunity to create something for someone else.
Give them folded pieces of cardstock and let them decorate the front with Stars of David, menorahs, dreidels, candles, or simple patterns.
Inside, children can write a short holiday message for grandparents, relatives, friends, or neighbors.
13. Blue and White Paper Chain
A paper chain is one of the easiest crafts for children and can become a pretty holiday decoration.
Cut blue and white construction paper into strips. Children can alternate the colors as they connect the strips into a chain.
Hang the finished chain across a wall, doorway, or table area. You can also add silver strips for a little extra sparkle.
14. Hanukkah Star Wand
Let children create their own festive star wands.
Cut a Star of David from cardstock and attach it to a craft stick. Children can decorate the star with crayons, paint, paper pieces, or glitter.
Add ribbons to the bottom of the stick for a fun finishing touch.
15. DIY Hanukkah Placemat
Create personalized placemats for the family Hanukkah table.
Give each child a large sheet of paper and let them decorate it with blue-and-white patterns, stars, menorahs, dreidels, or their names.
Once finished, cover the placemat with clear contact paper if you want it to last through several family meals.
16. Cotton Ball Menorah Craft
Cotton balls can be used to create soft-looking candle flames or decorative details.
Draw a simple menorah on paper and let children glue cotton balls onto the flames or around the design. They can use yellow or orange paper for the actual flames and add blue decorations around the menorah.
This craft is particularly suitable for younger children because it focuses on simple gluing and decorating.
17. Hanukkah Window Decorations
Make easy paper decorations to brighten up your windows.
Children can cut out stars, dreidels, menorahs, and other simple shapes from colored paper. Decorate them with markers or crayons before attaching them to the window.
Arrange several shapes together to create a small Hanukkah display.
18. Paper Towel Roll Menorah
Save a few cardboard paper towel or toilet paper rolls and turn them into a creative menorah craft.
Use one larger piece for the base and smaller cardboard pieces for the candle holders. Paint everything before assembling the pieces.
Children can decorate the finished menorah with blue paper, stars, stickers, or other craft materials.
For safety, keep this project decorative rather than using real flames.
19. Hanukkah Confetti Art
Create colorful Hanukkah artwork using small pieces of paper.
Cut blue, white, yellow, and silver construction paper into tiny pieces. Draw a large Star of David, menorah, or dreidel outline on paper and let children fill the shape with the paper pieces.
This is a great way to let children practice fine-motor skills while creating a colorful holiday picture.
20. Hanukkah Memory Keepsake Craft
Finish your craft day with a keepsake that you can save for years.
Have children create a simple Hanukkah picture and write their name, age, and the year somewhere on the page. They can draw their favorite part of the celebration, decorate a menorah, or create their own holiday scene.
Keep the finished artwork in a folder or memory box and bring it out during future Hanukkah celebrations.
Simple Supplies to Keep on Hand
You don’t need a huge craft collection to make these projects. A small supply box can give children plenty of options for creating Hanukkah decorations.
Some useful supplies include:
- Blue and white construction paper
- Cardstock
- Paper plates
- Craft sticks
- Markers and crayons
- Washable paint
- Child-safe scissors
- Glue
- Ribbon or string
- Cotton balls
- Tissue paper
- Cardboard tubes
- Stickers
- Washable glitter or glitter paper
- Aluminum foil or silver craft paper
You can also reuse cardboard packaging, paper bags, and other clean household materials for some of the projects.
Tips for Making Hanukkah Crafts With Children
Keep the Projects Age-Appropriate
Not every craft needs to be completed the same way by every child. Younger children may enjoy coloring and gluing, while older children can help with measuring, cutting, and assembling.
Prepare Materials Ahead of Time
If you’re crafting with several children, prepare the paper pieces and supplies before you begin. This keeps everyone involved instead of spending most of the activity looking for materials.
Don’t Worry About Perfect Results
Children’s crafts don’t need to look perfect. Give them room to choose their own colors, patterns, and decorations.
The creative process is often more important than the finished product.
Make It a Family Activity
You can turn a simple craft afternoon into part of your Hanukkah celebration. Put on some music, prepare a few snacks, and let everyone choose a project to work on.
How to Display the Finished Crafts
Once the crafts are finished, don’t put them away immediately. Use them to decorate your home for Hanukkah.
Hang paper stars and garlands on the wall, place handmade placemats on the dining table, display children’s artwork on the refrigerator, or create a small holiday craft corner.
You can also take a photo of each child’s favorite creation and save it with your holiday memories.
Final Thoughts
Making Hanukkah crafts with children at home is a simple way to spend meaningful time together during the holiday season. You don’t need expensive supplies or complicated projects to create something special.
From paper menorahs and Star of David decorations to homemade cards, garlands, puppets, and keepsakes, these crafts give children plenty of opportunities to be creative while enjoying time with family.
Choose a few projects that suit your children’s ages and interests, gather your supplies, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of crafting together. The finished decorations are lovely, but the memories made while creating them can be even more special.
Leave a Reply