Hanukkah Wishes: What to Write in a Hanukkah Card
Hanukkah is a lighthearted festival filled with rich traditions, many of which include food, fun, family and friends. One of the best ways to welcome the holiday and connect with those who celebrate is by sending a gift or greeting card. Below, we’re sharing some fitting ideas of what to write in a Hanukkah card. These messages are organized by category, but you can mix and match to create one that feels just right.
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @Hallmark.
What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah, meaning “dedication,” is an eight-day wintertime celebration during which Jews commemorate a miracle that occurred more than 2,000 years ago.
At that time, Syrian-Greek leaders had banned the practice of Judaism and subsequently destroyed the Jews’ temples. A group of 40 Jews known as the Maccabees decided to rebel and rose up to defeat a Syrian army of 40,000. After the dust settled, the Jews rushed to rededicate their ruined temple in Jerusalem by lighting a menorah, or candelabrum. In the vast destruction, however, they found only enough oil to last one day. The miracle of Hanukkah is that the oil burned brightly not for one night, but eight full days—exactly the length of time necessary to produce more oil. Hanukkah primarily celebrates the miracle of the burning oil, not the act of war.
During this Festival of Lights, families light the menorah, recite blessings and enjoy symbolic games like dreidel (a spinning top) and foods like latkes (potato pancakes) or sufganiyah (jelly-filled donuts).
Although gifts are often exchanged, Hanukkah is not “the Jewish Christmas.” It’s also not the most important holiday on the Jewish calendar: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Passover are among the more significant Jewish holidays.
Today Hanukkah is a reminder that it’s up to each of us to be a light in the darkness, and even a little light can go a long way.
Find more ideas for celebrating Hanukkah here.
General and Traditional Hanukkah Wishes
Share these expressions, whether as a main message or closing signoff, with anyone who celebrates Hanukkah. You’re sure to earn bonus points if you include a traditional Hebrew greeting!
- “Wishing your family peace and light this holiday season.”
- “Thinking of you during this season of miracles.”
- “Here’s to a bright and meaningful Hanukkah.”
- “Sending love your way during the Festival of Lights.”
- “Happy Hanukkah!”
- “Hanukkah Sameach!” (meaning, “Happy Hanukkah!”)
- “Chag Sameach!” (meaning, “Happy Holiday!”)
- “Chag Urim Sameach!” (meaning, “Happy Festival of Lights!”)
Hanukkah Wishes for Parents and Grandparents
At Hanukkah, families are reminded of where they first learned the traditions of their faith and the significance of carrying these customs forward. Here are some meaningful ways to share gratitude and joy with the ones who raised us.
- “Hanukkah reminds us where we came from. What a blessing it is to call you ‘family.’”
- “Thank you for teaching us the meaning of Hanukkah.”
- “Of all you’ve passed down to our family, love is my favorite tradition.”
- “At Hanukkah, we’re reminded of what matters most, and in our family, that’s you.”
- “Dreidel champions run in our family! Have a fun Hanukkah.”
- “Parents/Grandparents are a light that keeps their families shining bright.”
Hanukkah Wishes for Children
For many children, the first time lighting the menorah is a very special experience. Kids are also introduced to the holiday with symbolic games, foods and stories. Lighthearted humor makes it easy to connect with a child who’s learning the traditions of Hanukkah.
- “Wishing eight special nights for one very special kid.”
- “Your awesomeness shines as brightly as a menorah!”
- “Have so much fun that the season leaves your head spinning like a dreidel!”
- “Dreidel champions, unite! Wishing you fun this Hanukkah.”
- “Festive and fun? Sounds like Hanukkah…and you!”
Hanukkah Wishes for Families
Whether playful or heartfelt, these are some easy phrases that share Hanukkah love with the whole family.
- “Hope your Hanukkah’s great…times eight!”
- “Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy Hanukkah and new year.”
- “Thinking of you as we celebrate a season of miracles.”
Funny Hanukkah Wishes
There’s lots of room for whimsy when it comes to celebrating Hanukkah. Bring on the “pun” and share some fun with these smile-making sentiments.
- “Here’s to winning every game of dreidel and eating the last latke.”
- “Wishing you a LATKE fun this Hanukkah!”
- “Wishing you lots of love, hugs…and gelt!” (Gelt means chocolate coins!)
Messages for Interfaith Families
For families who share multiple traditions, the expressions below celebrate and honor the inclusive home they’ve created.
- “Thinking of your family as you celebrate a season full of traditions!”
- “Wishing you a season full of light and love.”
- “Sending holiday hugs during this meaningful time of year.”
- “So many holidays, so little time! Wishing your family a beautiful season of celebration.”
Helpful Tip: Each family is different. Some interfaith families delight in the merging of their respective holidays with fun references to “Chrismukkah” or a “Hanukkah bush.” Other families prefer to separate the traditions. If you don’t know the family’s particular approach, there are some easy ways to share your holiday joy without getting too specific.
Hanukkah Blessings
Hanukkah is a season of miracles, after all, and speaking to the blessings received and to come is a lovely way to honor the holiday.
- “May your Hanukkah be filled with unexpected blessings.”
- “Wishing you a season of peace.”
- “This time of hope reminds us of our resilience. Wishing you blessings in the year ahead.”
- “In a season of blessings, you’re one of mine.”
Warm Hanukkah Wishes
Sometimes we want to add a more personal touch. These notes offer a stronger connection between the meaning of Hanukkah and your relationship with the recipient.
- “As you light the menorah, know that your friendship is a light to our family, too.”
- “Wishing you a meaningful Hanukkah and a peaceful new year. You mean so much to me.”
- “During this season of remembrance, I hope you never forget how much you’re loved.”
If you’d like to craft your own message, consider including one of these meaningful phrases:
- Peace
- Hope
- Light in the darkness
- Blessings
- Miracles
- Reflection
- Fun
- Festival of Lights
- Commemorate
- Remembrance
- Meaning
- Connection
- Happy
- Resilience
- Courage
- Rededication
Helpful Tip: You’ve likely seen up to 20 variations of the spelling of the holiday. This is because there’s no simple transliteration from Hebrew to English. The most common spelling is “Hanukkah,” and the most traditional spelling is “Chanukah.” Both are correct.
Shop Hanukkah Cards
See allYou may also like
See more-
Friends Friendship messages: What to write in a friendship card
Whether it’s your friend’s birthday or just any old day, sending a card is a great way to bring a smile and nurture ...
-
Graduation What to write in a graduation card
Hats off to graduates! Whether they’re earning a diploma, a program certificate, a degree or even a cool new professi...
-
Valentine's Day 100+ kids valentine messages: From kid-to-kid, for teacher and more
Refrigerator doors everywhere will soon be covered with valentines from kids. The right message added inside can make...
-
Christmas Christmas wishes: What to write in a Christmas card
Get sample messages, tips and watch our new video guide to write the perfect Christmas card.
-
Mother's Day What to write in a Mother's Day card
Chances are you know at least a few moms who deserve a shout-out on Mother’s Day. If you’d like some creative ideas f...
-
Valentine's Day Valentine messages: What to write in a Valentine's Day card
Back in the day, when you had to come up with a valentine for everyone in your class, it was enough just to sign your...
-
Father's Day Father's Day messages: What to write in a Father's Day card
Find just the right Father's Day message to tell Dad just how much you appreciate him.
-
Card Ideas Card messages for kids: What to write in a kid’s birthday card
After the birthday party, when the calm has returned, is when my kids come back to their birthday cards. The cards ar...
-
Card Ideas Card messages for kids: What to write in a kid’s holiday card and more
My 3-year-old was having a hard time at preschool drop-off. Dragging his feet. Asking to stay home. This went on a fe...
-
Birthday What to write in a birthday card
Some people have no problem coming up with what to write in a birthday card. Just hand them a pen and they’ll effortl...
-
Card Ideas What to write: Message ideas for Administrative Professionals Day
Everyone knows that behind every well-run office is a great administrative assistant, and Administrative Professional...
-
Care & Concern What to Write When Trying to Reconcile With a Loved One
Being estranged from someone hurts, plain and simple. And in today’s society, it’s increasingly common. According to ...
-
Card Ideas What to Say When Someone Loses a Pet
My first cat died when I was 8 years old. His name was Barnabus—after the soap opera vampire—and he was a handsome bl...
-
Card Ideas What to Write: Birthday Messages for Your Wife
No matter how long you’ve been married, you know that words mean a lot. And sometimes, the right words at the right t...
-
Encouragement Encouragement Messages: What to Write in an Encouragement Card
Everyone can use a little encouragement now and then. Sadly, both inner struggles and external setbacks are an una...
-
Card Ideas What to write: Messages for grandparents
Nana, Bumpa, Gam, Pop…such short names for people who hold such a big part of your heart! Maybe it’s because they spo...
-
Card Ideas What to Write: Birthday Wishes for Sisters
Our relationships with our sisters can be beautiful, fun and funny, complex and complicated, and even messy things. S...
-
Card Ideas What to write: 238 short, sweet and funny gift card message ideas
There are some people who are inclined to say that gift cards are impersonal. But we’re here to offer the opinion tha...
-
Sympathy What to Write in a Sympathy Card
Signing a sympathy card isn’t easy. We search for words. We wonder what would be comforting to hear. We worry abou...
-
Thank You What to write in a thank-you card
Express your gratitude with these thank you messages and ideas from Hallmark card writers.