Dr. Emily Aronoff10 Chanukah Songs for Kiddos
Jewish music educators have an abundance of Chanukah material from which to choose, which is exactly why thoughtful curation matters. This collection highlights ten educator-tested songs that work across toddler, preschool, and early elementary settings. Each selection includes clear notes on why the song works, how to introduce it, and ways it can support meaningful Jewish learning through music.
If you are preparing a classroom session, a family engagement program, or a communal celebration, these songs will help you create joyful, participatory, and well-supported Chanukah experiences for your kiddos. Whether you spell it ‘Hanukkah,’ ‘Chanukah,’ or another variation, these melodies capture the essence of the holiday’s joy and tradition.
Thoughtful Choices for Hanukkah Music
Chanukah is one of the few Jewish holidays in which the challenge is not a lack of repertoire but an overabundance of useful material. Strong educators know that effective songleading begins with intentional selection. The pieces below balance familiarity, novelty, developmental alignment, and Jewish meaning so educators can lead with confidence and clarity.
Song List
1) It’s Chanukah Today by Andi Joseph
This immediately engaging song uses its lyrics as participation cues, which helps participants understand and explore the actions without additional explanation. The structure is intentionally simple: the words tell the people exactly what to do and when to do it. That clarity allows everyone, including groups with mixed ages or developmental profiles, to participate confidently from the start.
This is a classic example of a zipper song, a format in which the leader zips in new action words while keeping the musical framework constant. Zipper songs are especially effective in Jewish early childhood and family music because they create shared rhythm, predictable structure, and a sense of collective success. When the melody stays the same and only the action changes, children can focus on coordinating their bodies and voices rather than trying to track new musical material.
Grounding the group in collective movement at the beginning of a session supports regulation, engagement, and connection. It also sets a collaborative tone that carries through the rest of the musical experience. It is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to help children and caregivers feel oriented, included, and ready to participate together.
2) Chanukah Lights Counting Song by Dr. 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 Cyntrynbaum
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 Friedman 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 Diggs
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) ChanuKPop by the Maccabeats (2025)
The K Pop Demon Hunters craze has hit my home and community- and I decided to embrace it. (Read my article Why Jewish Educators Should Watch K Pop Demon Hunters for more details). The Maccabeats did a fun parody mash up that will be sure to delight your 4ish-11ish year olds.
Conclusion: Elevating Chanukah Music Experiences
Thanks for sharing song with kiddos that spark joy and illuminate the essence of Chanukah!
These ten selections highlight only a fraction of what thoughtful song curation can accomplish. When educators intentionally choose material that blends familiarity, developmental insight, and Jewish meaning, the experience becomes more than a holiday singalong. It becomes an anchor point for identity, connection, and joyful participation across age groups.
This post represents just one small window into the broader curriculum I create for Jewish music educators. The complete Songleading for Kiddos Support Squad membership includes full holiday coverage with structured lesson plans, developmental rationales, teaching strategies, and guidance for leading music in early childhood, family engagement, and religious school settings. Members gain access to seasonal modules, video demonstrations, implementation tools, and community support that help you lead with confidence and clarity.
If you want comprehensive materials for every Jewish holiday, along with a growing library of songs, frameworks, and educator coaching, you are warmly invited to explore the Support Squad. It is designed to help you strengthen your skills, deepen your impact, and bring more intentional Jewish music experiences to the children and families you serve.
