As the Festival of Lights approaches, I keep coming back to how much music carries a holiday like this. There’s something about the songs of Hanukkah that manage to be both playful and deeply meaningful at the same time, and that felt like exactly the kind of thing worth pulling together for your family.
So here’s a little round-up, some mine and some just favorites I’ve found, that might add something special to your celebration this year.
Busy Kids Love Music Podcast: Hanukkah Harmony
I recorded a whole episode on Hanukkah music because once I started researching the history behind these melodies, I couldn’t stop (this happens to me more often than I’d like to admit). It’s full of stories and tunes that make a great starting point if you want to introduce your kids to the “why” behind the music, not just the songs themselves.
Piano Tutorial: Learn to Play “Dreidel”
If your kid has ever wanted to actually play a Hanukkah song instead of just listening to one, this tutorial walks through “Dreidel” step by step. It’s simple enough for a true beginner but still satisfying enough that older kids won’t feel like it’s beneath them. Worth pulling up on the piano bench this week.
Instagram Carousel: 3 Well-Known Hanukkah Songs
I put together a quick carousel on three of the most familiar Hanukkah songs, with a bit of the story behind each one. It’s a two-minute scroll, perfect for when you want a little cultural context without committing to a whole podcast episode.
Curated YouTube Playlist: Hanukkah Songs for Every Celebration
And if you just want music playing in the background while everyone’s cooking latkes or lighting candles, this playlist mixes traditional favorites with newer versions. I’ve had it on in my own kitchen more than once.
However you end up using these, whether it’s actually sitting down at the piano together or just letting the playlist run in the background, I hope music finds its way into your Hanukkah this year. Happy Hanukkah, friends.
