Dr. Emily AronoffChanukah Songs for Kiddos
Shalom and welcome this carefully curated collection of Chanukah songs for children, perfect for connecting communities. Whether you spell it ‘Hanukkah,’ ‘Chanukah,’ or another variation, these melodies capture the essence of the holiday’s joy and tradition. Ideal for educators, parents, and anyone seeking to introduce children to the cultural richness of Chanukah, our handpicked selection ranges from interactive tunes to heartwarming classics. Join us as we illuminate each song with insights and activities to make your Chanukah celebration unforgettable.
Engaging Choices for Hanukkah Music
1) It’s Chanukah Today by Andi Joseph
This song is enormously engaging as its’ lyrics are the directions!
“Clap your hands, clap your hands and shout hooray (HOORAY)! Clap your hands and sing along with me, cuz’ its Hanukkah today!”
I love this song for its flexibility and simplicity. It is a zipper movement song- so the leader can swap out the action verb for any movement they see fit.
2) Chanukah Lights Counting Song- Miss Emily
3) The Dreidel Song
This is the ultimate classic Chanukah song- but the brain responds to novelty, so while I definitely want to share this familiar song, I like to do it in a new way! This song offers a simple rhyme scheme, so I’ll often make up new verses with kids in prek + to practice finding rhyming words.
I share this song as a section on spinning, I’ll often pair this with ‘s’vivon’ and ‘nes gadol haya sham’ for context.
4) 5 Little Latkes by Jackie Cytrynbaum
Worried about including two counting songs? Don’t be—toddlers thrive on repetition and routine, which are gifts to their rapidly developing brains. 5 Little Latkes is a fun and playful counting song that can be enhanced with printable latke counting props or five yellow bean bags to make the counting experience more tangible and engaging . By connecting their learning to hands-on activities and the enjoyable act of singing, your toddlers will not only have fun but will also develop a strong foundation for their cognitive growth.
5) Night by Night by Beth Schafer
This warm, sweet Chanukah song for kiddos beautifully highlights spreading your light to make the world brighter. Since littles are literal, I briefly explain this idea to young children, inviting them to share simple ways they can brighten the world—like helping a friend or showing kindness. To bring the song to life, we use glowing props like light-up bouncing balls or glow sticks, turning off the lights to gently tap along, creating a magical, hands-on Chanukah experience.
6) Maccabee March by Shira Kline
This simple, upbeat marching song is perfect for engaging children after high-energy activities (like Erran Baron Cohen’s lively track). I use the recording rather than singing it live, giving myself a chance to catch my breath while the kids enjoy a focused group activity. Marching to a steady beat helps children develop rhythm, coordination, and teamwork as they practice moving with “high knees” and counting in intervals of four. Before we start, I invite them to warm up their muscles, stretch their bodies, and put on their “listening ears” for a musical game of pretend!
7) Chanukah Upmix by DJ Farbreng and Thank You HaShem
This high-energy dance track is a mash-up of several Chanukah favorites that guaranteed to get everyone up on their feet and grooving to the music! With party lights on, we sing and dance together, creating a fun and festive atmosphere for the holiday.
8) I am a Latke by Debbie Friedlman Z"L
This song brings me so much joy—I still remember watching Debbie Friedman (z”l) perform it live. To share this song I use the recording with a special collection of kitchen items to make a rhythm band! I bring out the materials and model how to keep the beat using a collection of kitchen items like pots, pans, wooden spoons, and bowls. Though it gets a bit noisy, the fun atmosphere is absolutely worth it! With clear cues for stopping the sound and a simple clean-up plan, this activity becomes a highlight of any Chanukah celebration.
9) Puppy for Chanukah by Daveed Digs
Who hasn’t wanted a puppy for Chanukah?
This song is silly, my favorite feature is that it is by Daveed Diggs (known for his role in Hamilton) and the kids go bananas for it, plus their musical theater grown ups enjoy.
10) Chanukah Oh Chanukah
I love the diversity of styles in the many recordings available, which allows for so much creativity in how it’s shared. Over the 3-4 weeks of singing Chanukah songs in an early childhood learning center, I like to explore it in different ways. I often start by introducing an illustrated version of the lyrics, such as the Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah Kindle book. Sometimes, I’ll project it like a slide deck and invite participants to sing along. My favorite rendition is by Erran Baron Cohen (yes, Borat’s brother!), which I save as the grand finale to this list.
Thanks for sharing song with kiddos that spark joy and illuminate the essence of Chanukah! Immerse yourself in the festivities and melodies of Chanukah with this specially curated playlist- Chanukah songs for kiddos. Unleash the magic of the festival as you share heartwarming tunes, fostering a sense of warmth and togetherness as you celebrate this cherished holiday with your little ones.
