How to Plan Eight Nights of Hanukkah

Hanukkah lasts eight nights, which gives families a lot of room for traditions and also a lot to organize. Customs differ from family to family and community to community, so use this as a framework and fill it in the way your family celebrates. In 2026, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Friday, December 4, according to Hebcal, so there is a good chance your countdown starts in early November.

Start with the dates and the guest list

Write down the eight dates, then mark which nights you are home, which nights you visit family and which night you host. Add the guest list for any party night, with notes on allergies and who is bringing what. One page that holds all of this saves a lot of back and forth.

Set up the menorah

The menorah, or hanukkiah, has eight holders plus a ninth for the shamash, the helper candle. According to Chabad, candles are placed from right to left and lit from left to right, with the newest candle lit first. Check that you have enough candles for all eight nights, a drip tray and a safe, stable spot away from curtains and paper. A box of 44 candles covers eight nights plus a shamash each night.

Give each night a small plan

You do not need a big event every night. Many families choose one simple thing: a game, a story, a meal, a craft or a way to give. Write one line for each night on a single page, then fill in the details when you have time. Planning in advance helps you avoid scrambling at the end of a long day.

Plan the food

Fried foods, such as latkes and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), are traditional because of the oil, and many families also serve dairy dishes. Pick your party night first, then decide what can be made ahead. Write the shopping list by store section so one trip covers it. If you plan to fry, add a safety checklist: a deep heavy pan, a splatter guard, kids kept away from the stove and oil cooled fully before you move it.

Plan gifts and giving

Some families give a small gift each night, some give one larger gift and some focus on giving to charity. Decide what works for your family and write it down. A gift list with budget, bought and wrapped columns keeps things clear, and a short giving plan helps you pick a cause together.

Add games and activities

Dreidel is the classic game. According to Chabad, players put one token in the pot, then spin, and the letter facing up tells them what to do: nun means nothing, gimmel takes the pot, hey takes half and shin means put one in. Keep a small bowl of chocolate coins, nuts or tokens ready, and a score sheet if your group likes to keep track.

Build a simple four week countdown

• **Four weeks out:** dates, budget, guest list and menu ideas.
• **Three weeks out:** buy candles and supplies, send invitations, start the gift list.
• **Two weeks out:** order what needs shipping, confirm guest counts and write the cooking timeline.
• **Final week:** shop for fresh food, set out the menorah and wrap gifts.

Keep a record for next year

After the holiday, write down what worked, what you would change and photos you want to print. Next year's planning will start from this page instead of from scratch.

Start with pages already made

If you would like the countdown, lighting guide, eight nights pages, gift lists, menus and budget laid out for you, the Hanukkah Eight Nights Planner puts all of it in one printable book.