By Arielle Weg-Zager
While I love celebrating the festival of lights in all of the traditional ways—lighting candles every night and playing dreidel—there’s nothing I love more during the holiday season than a big Hanukkah party. I love gathering with friends and family over festive tunes, delicious latkes (I can’t eat them all myself), games, and usually a few presents. But a Hanukkah party doesn’t need to feel overwhelming or hard! After attending and hosting many of my own Hanukkah soirees over the years, I’ve found the perfect plan to follow for a festive evening everyone will enjoy—even the host! Try these tips, recipes, and ideas for your next Hanukkah get-together.
Set the mood
Make it feel like Hanukkah in your home. I love to break out some Hanukkah decor, like blue plates, pillows, or tablecloths. Make sure your menorah is out and ready for lighting, and lay out some chocolate gelt along the tables or buffet area. Then, plan for a small activity. Whether that’s opening presents all together, a game of white elephant, a round of dreidel, or other non-holiday games. This keeps the party fun and guests entertained. And, of course, don’t forget to hit play on that holiday playlist!
Sip on something
I always like to have a designated drinks station with an array of options. Stock up on soda, seltzer, lemonade, iced tea, and water. If you plan to serve alcohol, have a few different varieties of wine and beer available, plus a signature cocktail or mocktail. Be sure to keep cups and ice available, too!
Serve latkes
This is nearly non-negotiable—it’s not a Hanukkah party without latkes (have you tried these new Leek and Potato Latkes?)! When planning, choose what works best for you when it comes to this essential Hanukkah food. You can easily buy them frozen for stress-free serving, make a boxed mix for a nice middle ground (we love this easy latke recipe), bake them all on one sheet pan to avoid frying, or spend an afternoon making them the old-fashioned way (I’m partial to these latkes with smoked salmon dip, which make for the crispiest latkes ever). Whatever you choose will be great, because a fried potato is delicious any way you make it.
The key to latkes, no matter how you make them, is serving them warm. I like to make mine a day ahead and reheat them on a sheet pan set with a wire rack for about 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Plate the hot latkes, sprinkle them with salt, and set up a toppings bar. Go with classics, like applesauce and sour cream, and consider additions like smoked salmon, dill, red onions, scallions, capers, and more. These elevate your latke spread and ensure your party will be delicious!
Lean into the small bites
My personal preference for a Hanukkah party is a big latke bar (see above) paired with enough appetizers and snacks to fill your plate instead of a sit-down feast. I do a mix of prepared options for ease, balanced with a few easy-to-prepare “homemade” bites that are filling enough to ensure everyone leaves satisfied.
Start with a tray of chips and veggies alongside dips, either store-bought or an easy DIY like Herb Cheese Spread or Herby White Bean Dip. Next come the more filling bites. If I’m doing all apps, I’ll choose around four or five to serve alongside my latkes and dips.
I turn to these Raspberry and Brie Bites and Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms for a quick homemade snack. Other options include homemade savory pastries, like Spinach and Cheese Pies or Spinach and Potato Knishes. Alternatively, I may buy a few pre-made appetizers and set out an appetizer grazing board straight from the freezer aisle for the quickest party.
Mains, if you must
While I love a casual appetizer Hanukkah party, for those who don’t think a party is complete without a main (I get it!), I’d serve this Salmon with Mustard-Dill Sauce. It pairs really nicely with all of the festive dishes. Plus, if you or anyone at your gathering follows strict kosher rules (not mixing dairy and meat in a meal), this allows for your gathering to be meat-free so you can enjoy your latkes dolloped with sour cream.
If your crowd doesn’t require kosher rules, or you’re going dairy-free with everything else, our Pomegranate-Braised Short Ribs or Sheet Pan Chicken Legs with Fennel, Dates, and Olives are real showstoppers. For something filling that still leans into the casual vibes but is filling like a main, these Instant Pot Brisket Sliders are exceptional to add to an appetizer spread.
Balance the meal
Whether I’m doing all appetizers or a full sit-down feast, Hanukkah food can be notoriously heavy (we’re celebrating oil, after all!) So I like to balance out the meal with a fresh side. Something like a crisp Fennel, Apple, and Celery Salad is ideal, but a grain salad, like Quinoa Salad with Tahini Dressing or Couscous and Chickpea Salad with Zaatar would be a lovely addition as well.
Finish with desserts
The traditional Hanukkah desserts are sufganiyot, or jelly donuts. You can absolutely buy these straight from the bakery section of your local store, but I love to hack the store-bought kind with this fun trick. You can also, of course, make your own, like our Easy Strawberry Orange Jelly Donuts. If donuts aren’t your thing, or you’re looking to add to the dessert spread, try these Blue and White Cookies or Olive Oil Dreidel Cookies for some festive treats.
Arielle Weg-Zager is the digital editor of SavoryOnline and has been writing about food, nutrition, and health for over 9 years. She collects cookbooks and loves nothing more than cooking elaborate meals for her friends or exploring the local restaurant scene.
