We’ve rounded up what’s open on Christmas Day near Philly for those who don’t celebrate the Christmas holiday or just find themselves getting restless once the gifts are unwrapped. Getting out on Christmas Day in Philly has its perks—traffic is light and spots that are normally crowded are virtually empty. And if you’ve ever been greeted with a ticket on your windshield and wished the Philadelphia Parking Authority would take some time off, guess what? It does exactly that on Christmas. Parking isn’t all that’s free on our list, so keep reading to learn about places that are open on Christmas in Philadelphia near you.

For more ways to keep the kids entertained while school’s out, don’t miss Philly Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Years with Kids, and browse our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events.

For a Christmas day activity visit a light display like Smedley Street Christmas Spectacular. Photo courtesy of the venue

Fun Activities Near Philly That Are Open on Christmas Day 2025

Residential Light Displays –– Multiple Locations

When it comes to getting in a festive mood, nothing beats Christmas lights! Head to South Philly for The Miracle on South 13th Street or the Smedley Street Christmas Spectacular. To see lights in the Philadelphia suburbs, pay a visit to the West Chester Griswolds or find another bedazzled location on this list.

Weitzman Museum Family Festival –– Old City

The Weitzman's annual family program "Being _______ at Christmas" features winter movies, snacks, crafts, percussion performance, art making, a sensory-friendly play zone, and more. 

Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show –– Yardley

Over 3 million lights make up this remarkable Bucks County display, which is open 5pm–10pm. 

Outdoor Ice Skating –– Philadelphia

Lace up your skates and take the kiddos ice skating at an outdoor rink. Both Blue Cross RiverRink and Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink are open with limited hours.

Holiday cheer meets botanical splendor at Longwood Gardens. Photo courtesy of the gardens

A Longwood Christmas –– Kennett Square

Tour Longwood Gardens' beautiful Christmas displays which include an Open Air Theatre Fountain Show, Garden Railway, Organ Sing-a-longs, and a half-million decorative lights. Note that advance tickets are required!

Koziar's Christmas Village –– Bernville

Take a ride to Koziar's Christmas Village to see the spectacular light attraction, train displays, and Winter Wonderland showcase.

Festival of Lights –– Media

From 5pm–10pm, visitors can stroll through the glimmering walkways to view the peaceful beauty of this (free!) annual light display.

Ernie and company help celebrate the holidays at A Very Furry Christmas. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place

A Very Furry Christmas –– ​Langhorne

Come out for a few hours with your favorite furry friends, all decked out for the holidays. Don't miss the 1-2-3 Christmas Tree Show, sing-a-longs, "Elmo's Christmas Wish," Rudolph's Winter Wonderland, holiday photos, a visit with Santa in his Furry Workshop, and much more. On Christmas, the park is open 1-6 pm. 

Adventure Aquarium –– Camden, NJ

Scuba Santa swims back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, but the aquarium and the rest of its sea life are open on Christmas Day from 11am-3pm. Plus, see the world's largest underwater Christmas tree!

Washington Crossing the Delaware –– ​Washington Crossing

Witness the reenactment of George Washington's historic crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Day, 1776, at Washington Crossing Historic Park. The actual crossing begins at 1pm.

Herr's Snack Factory Christmas Lights –– Nottingham

Load up the car and drive through the Herr's Snack Factory property to view the 600,000 twinkling lights on display from dusk until dawn.

The Comcast Holiday Spectacular –– Philadelphia

Stroll through the city and make time for this Philly favorite tradition that brings the magic of the holidays to life for 15 minutes at the top of the hour, 10am–8pm, with sensory-friendly shows daily at 2:30. 

Crayola Experience –– Easton

It will be a "Colorful Christmas" at the Crayola Experience, which is open from 12pm–6pm. A themed adventure, a story-telling snowman and tree friends, a life-sized snowglobe, and gift crafting await visitors. Note that online tickets are less expensive than buying in-person.

Museum of Illusions –– ​Philadelphia

Check out one of Philly's most unique spots for some indoor fun that will boggle the mind!

Local Movie Theaters –– ​Multiple Locations

Visiting the movie theater is often a go-to choice when it comes to things to do on Christmas Day. Start a new family tradition in front of the big screen!

Go out to eat! –– ​Multiple Locations

We've rounded up restaurants open on Christmas all over the area, so make your reservations now. 

Stores Open on Christmas Day 2025 in Philly for Last-Minute Shopping

Pharmacies and Drug Stores

Need some last-minute cards, small gifts, wrapping paper, or even batteries for that new batteries-not-included toy your kid just opened Christmas morning? CVS and Walgreens locations will be open with limited hours.

Select Grocery Stores

While many grocery store chains are closed on Christmas day, Acme will be open from 8-2. Smaller grocery stores like South Philly Co-op and Royal Farms will also be open. Most major grocery chains also have limited hours on Christmas Eve, so be sure to plan ahead when shopping for your favorite Christmas recipes.

Convenience Stores and Fast Food

Looking for a snack to tide the kids over until Christmas dinner? Wawa and 7-11 will be open on Christmas Day. Fast food options like Dunkin’ and McDonald’s are also open on Christmas Day with limited hours, so be sure to check individual locations.

Restaurants 

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or you’d like to enjoy Christmas dinner without having to cook, we’ve rounded up a list of the best family-friendly restaurants serving food on Christmas Day.

Gas Stations

Gas stations typically stay open on Christmas Day in Philly, and can be a great option for last-minute emergency needs.

Which Major Retailers and Grocery Stores are Open on Christmas Day in Philadelphia?

Wondering what’s open on Christmas Day? While most major chains take a break for the holiday, there are a few stores that remain open to meet your emergency needs. Look for your preferred retailer in our rundown below.

Is Walmart open on Christmas?

No, Walmart is not open on Christmas, and will close early on Christmas Eve.

Is Target open on Christmas?

No, Target is not open on Christmas. Target will be open 7am to 8pm on Christmas Eve.

Is Costco open on Christmas?

No, Costco is not open on Christmas, and will close early on Christmas Eve.

Is Acme open on Christmas?

Yes, Acme will be open on Christmas Day with limited hours from 8-2.

Is Aldi open on Christmas?

No, Aldi is not open on Christmas, and will have limited hours on Christmas Eve.

Is Giant open on Christmas?

Giant has not announced its Christmas hours yet, but is likely to be closed based on past practices. Check individual stores for details.

Is ShopRite open on Christmas?

No, ShopRite is not open on Christmas, and some locations may have a modified schedule on Christmas Eve. 

Is Sprouts open on Christmas?

No, Sprouts is not open on Christmas, and will close early on Christmas Eve.

Is Whole Foods open on Christmas?

No, Whole Foods is not open on Christmas, and will have reduced hours on Christmas Eve.

Is Trader Joe’s open on Christmas?

No, Trader Joe’s is not open on Christmas, and will close early on Christmas Eve.

Is Wegman’s open on Christmas?

No, Wegman’s is not open on Christmas, and will have reduced hours on Christmas Eve.

Is Wawa open on Christmas?

Yes, Wawa will be open on Christmas Day.

Is Fine Wine and Good Spirits open on Christmas?

No, Philly’s liquor stores will be closed on Christmas, and will close early on Christmas Eve.

This article has been updated for 2025 by Sarah Jacknis.

If whipping up a festive spread for the holidays isn't really your thing, a number of Philly restaurants open on Christmas Day can fill in the gap. Some eateries are serving customers on December 25, while other restaurants are planning special Christmas Eve feasts, or offering takeout options. To make convenience a priority and spend more quality time with the fam this year, pick from our list of restaurants open on Christmas below, and let the professionals do the heavy lifting in the kitchen.

For all the ways to make holiday memories before and after the meal, don't miss the 27 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Philly for Kids or our Holiday and Christmas Guide. Get more stories like this sent straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters.

Restaurants Open on Christmas in Philadelphia

Urban Farmer — Logan Square

Price Range: $$$
Menu Type: a la carte with seasonal specialties
Why families love it:  This Logan Square restaurant is offering a fantastic eat-in menu for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with a to-go menu available, too. Family-style meals include a choice of maple glazed ham or Pennsylvania angus beef ribeye with sides like Brussel sprouts, whipped Yukon gold potatoes, and honey roasted heirloom carrots, as well as a choice of sweet potato pie, coconut custard pie, or Dutch apple pie. The full a la carte menu is also available. The restaurant is open for regular hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, 4pm to 9pm.

Fogo de Chao is a meat lover's paradise.

Fogo de Chao — Center City and King of Prussia

Price Range: $$$$
Menu Type: a la carte
Why Families Love It: After the kids have worked up an appetite unwrapping all those presents, this Brazilian-style steakhouse has two locations to sit down for a holiday meal. In Philadelphia and King of Prussia, Fogo de Chao is open on Christmas Eve from 11am to 9:30pm and on Christmas Day from 11am to 9pm. Those who'd rather dine in comfort at home can order a holiday package to-go which includes filet mignon or roasted turkey au jus, along with your favorite Brazilian sides. Advanced notice of 24 hours is required for to-go orders.

Bank and Bourbon — Center City

Price Range: $$$
Menu Type: Set menu
Why Families Love It: Nestled inside the Loews Hotel, Bank and Bourbon offers a seasonal menu including a kids menu filled with every kid's (and parent's) favorites. Plus - they're open early at 7am so that you can tuck into some pancakes and eggs as soon as your earliest elf awakes. Dinner guests will enjoy an unlimited seasonal spread for $90 per adult, $30 per child, available from 1pm to 8pm. Tuck into entrees like prime rib, salmon, or striped bass. plus a variety of seasonal salads, meat and cheese displays, and a range of desserts. The full menu can be found here.

Get delicious traditional Chinese food at Tom's Dim Sum. 

Tom's Dim Sum — Chinatown

Price Range: $$
Menu Type: a la carte
Why Families Love It: Craving traditional Chinese cuisine? Tom's Dim Sum is one of the best restaurants open on Christmas in the city for Chinese food. Guests can expect everything from dumplings and soup to rice and chicken, pork, and beef entrees. Takeout customers should order online in advance. The restaurant will be open for regular hours, though it's best to check the website in advance to find the location closest to you.

Dine on locally-sourced American cuisine for Christmas dinner at Square 1682. 

Square 1682 — Center City

Price Range: $$
Menu Type: a la carte
Why Families Love It: Serving its classic brunch or traditional Christmas dinner, Square 1682 can please any appetite. The restaurant offers an array of vegetarian and gluten-free options and sources products locally. Typically, the Christmas menu is available on the website about two weeks before the holiday. The restaurant offers a special Christmas Eve menu, 5pm-9-pm. Square 1682 is open on Christmas Day for breakfast, midday meals, and dinner. 

Vernick Fish — Center City

Price Range: $$$$
Menu Type: Set menu
Why Families Love It: The Four Seasons is lovely for a visit any time of year, so make a Christmas Eve reservation at Vernick Fish and see the grand hotel while you're there. On December 23 and 24 this fish-first restaurant will host a special take on the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a seasonal tradition that might be perfect for families with older children. The restaurant will have limited seating available for a special, prix fixe menu from 5pm to 10pm, at $195 per person. A limited a la carte menu will be available at the bar.

Parc — Rittenhouse Square

Price Range: $$$
Menu Type: a la carte
Why Families Love It: Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square is a particularly festive destination during the holidays, and on Christmas Day, longtime resident Parc is serving families its seafood-heavy menu laced with French flair. The full menu will be finalized by mid-December, for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Restaurants Open on Christmas in the Philly Suburbs

1906 — Kennett Square

Price Range: $$$$
Menu Type: Set menu
Why Families Love It: Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 11am-7pm, 1906 at Longwood Gardens offers a prix fixe lunch and dinner. Before or after eating (or both!), be sure to spend time touring the world-famous magical gardens, conservatory and fountains, all filled with lights and holiday decorations. Kids of all ages will be transfixed by Longwood's beloved model train. Reservations for both the restaurant and gardens are required. As part of its recent renovations, Longwood now boasts an additional dining option, The Fountain Room, a luxurious dining experience that's also open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Bocelli's — Doylestown

Price Range: $$
Menu Type: a la carte
Why Families Love It: Families can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine at Bocelli's, a Doylestown favorite, with a menu posted in December. If you plan in advance, you can also order catering, with trays of appetizers (such as bruschetta or mozzarella salad), pasta, and entrees (such as chicken parmesan or baked eggplant), serving approximately 15 people each. 

Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve and Takeout Near Philly

Moshulu — Penn's Landing

Price Range: $$$
Menu Type: a la carte
Why Families Love It: While the restaurant is closed on Christmas Day, you can visit Moshulu on Christmas Eve for a special dinner seating from 3pm to 8pm for some colorful holiday memories. Brunch will also be served on Christmas Eve from 11am-2pm. Located on a tall ship at Penn's Landing, Moshulu offers indoor and outdoor dining on the decks, with takeout and delivery available. 

The Farmer's Daughter — Blue Bell

Price Range: $$$$
Menu Type: Set menu
Why Families Love It: Enjoy a special Christmas Eve dinner with seatings from 3pm to 9pm on December 24 at The Farmer's Daughter at Normandy Farm Hotel with a five-course prix fixe menu. Or pick up some holiday confections to jazz up your Christmas day celebrations by ordering such delights as gingerbread cookies, jumbo cinammon rolls, apple and cherry pies, or a chocolate yule log. The bakeshop items must be ordered at least 48 hours in advance and can be picked up on December 22 or 23.

Brickside Grille — Exton

Price Range: $$
Menu Type: a la carte
Why Families Love It: While they're closed on Christmas Day, Brickside Grille is hosting a Seven Fishes Buffet on Christmas Eve that features a delicious selection of fish as well as the perfect sides like macaroni and cheese, tortellini, cauliflower, and corn chowder. Kids under four years old are free. NOTE: The kitchen and banquet room sustained extensive water damage in a recent fire and repairs are underway. The restaurant hopes to reopen in February 2026 and to return to its holiday tradition for Christmas 2026.

From appetizers to main courses, Tredici Italian Market has it all. 

Tredici Italian Market — Wayne

Price Range: $$
Menu Type: Catering
Why Families Love It: Plan ahead and enjoy some Italian delicacies from local favorite Tredici Italian Market -- their deadline for ordering Christmas specials is December 10. The menu includes appetizers such as Italian wedding soup, Italian antipasto, cheese boards, sausage stuffed mushrooms, mini crab cakes, and mini meatballs. Entrees feature six different chicken options, meatballs, maple glazed ham, three different beef dishes, and crab cakes, as well as a selection of pasta, sides, and extras like a holiday quiche (Italian sausage with sage and cranberries).

Wayside Market — Media

Price Range: $$
Menu Type: Catering
Why Families Love It: The Wayside Market in Media offers an impressive holiday catering menu, with options for four people, 10 people, or à la carte. The menu includes items such as chicken cordon bleu, honey spiral ham, pineapple stuffing, mac 'n' cheese, scalloped potatoes, and garlic red bliss potatoes, with chocolate or vanilla cake for dessert. Plus, the market hosts a fun Breakfast with Santa each year in early December!

All photos courtesy of the restaurants. Writer Alyce Wilson contributed to updates in 2025.

Winter break is almost here, and the kids are going to need full-time entertainment. After they've binged all the Christmas movies or have had their fill of Hanukkah happenings, it's time to get them up and off the couch for all the winter adventures they can handle. We've got everything you need to fill your winter break bucket list, from holiday lights to winter excursions and more. So plan an entire week's itinerary with our picks below.

If you're looking for more ways to keep the kids busy this winter break, check out our Winter Activity Guide and our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events.

Holiday and Christmas Lights Over Winter Break

Longwood Gardens –– Kennett Square

See beautiful lights on display at this special and sparkling annual event.

Wanamaker's Holiday Traditions are back with the iconic tree and Dickens Village. Photo by J. Fusco

Wanamaker Holiday Traditions –– Philadelphia

The beloved Light Show in the former Macy's building is a perennial favorite, along with Dickens Village.

LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo –– Philadelphia

More than one million lights transform the zoo into a sparkling winter playground.

Morris Arboretum –– Philadelphia

Stroll through the arboretum's garden railway at night to see the trains decked for the season.

Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo –– Norristown

Grab some hot cocoa and explore the zoo lights at night.

Holidays in the Village –– New Hope

Admire the lights and peruse the candied confectioneries at the annual Gingerbread House Display and competition. Vote on your favorites while you enjoy local beverages and treats.

The Miracle on South 13th Street –– Philadephia

Visit the 1600 block of South 13th Street between Tasker and Morris to see this stunning annual neighborhood display.

Smedley Street Christmas Light Spectacular –– Philadelphia

The 2700 block of Smedley Street is festively decorated with blow-up decorations, beautifully lit trees, and sparkling string lights. 

West Chester Griswolds –– West Chester

This house models itself after Clark Griswold's home in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and it does not disappoint.

Shady Brook Farms –– Philadelphia

Enjoy Shady Brook's drive-thru light show while blasting holiday tunes.

Herr's Snack Factory –– Nottingham  

Load up the family vehicle and drive through this display of more than 600,000 dazzling bulbs.

Philadelphia Holiday Shows During Winter Break

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker –– Philadelphia

Marvel at the dancers and delight in the costumes during the Philadelphia Ballet's performance at the Academy of Music.

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol –– Philadelphia

This special one-hour musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic tale was created with kids in mind. 

Cirque Dreams Holidaze –– Philadelphia

A magical holiday performance featuring aerial circus arts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, and awe-inspiring acrobats.

Disney On Ice presents JUMP IN! –– Philadelphia

Revisit your favorite Disney movies and create cherished memories.

Disney's Fantasia in Concert –– Philadelphia

Watch the enchanting animated film while the Philadelphia Orchestra plays the score live.

Indoor Activities To Try Between Christmas and New Year's

Christmas Underwater with Scuba Santa –– Camden, NJ

Scuba Santa swims throughout Adventure Aquarium and gets everyone in the holiday spirit.

Crayola Colorful Christmas –– Easton

Help Santa and his friends save the holiday with some SNOWtastic adventures and animatronic Christmas characters.

Art Kids Studio –– Philadelphia

Plan some creative family time at the Philadelphia Museum of Art's drop-in studio programs.

Holiday Bricktacular –– Plymouth Meeting

Meet the Elves with seasonal building activities at LEGOLAND Discovery Center in the Plymouth Meeting Mall. 

Kwanzaa Celebration at Please Touch –– Philadelphia

Help light the kinara at the Please Touch Museum on Sunday, December 28.

Holidays at Brandywine –– Chadds Ford

The whole family will be mesmerized by the train garden and holiday display, along with the tiny treasures in the Home for the Holidays exhibit.

Fairmount Park House Holiday Tours –– Philadelphia

Tour stately mansions all dressed up in their finest holiday attire.

Academy of Natural Sciences –– Philadelphia

Spend a day among the dinos, dig for fossils, and check out the special winter programming. 

Trampoline Park –– Multiple Locations

Bounce off some energy and burn those cookie calories. 

The Franklin Institute–– Philadelphia

Explore and discover exhibits related to the body, space, sports and more.

 

Skate with twinkling lights all around at the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink. Photo courtesy of Center City District

Outdoor Activities Open During Winter Break in Philly

Outdoor Ice Skating –– Multiple Locations

Lace your skates and take a twirl outdoors at Blue Cross RiverRink, Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, or Flight on Ice. Beat the chill with a cup of hot chocolate from the vendors onsite.

Christmas Village –– Philadelphia

Ride the Ferris wheel, the kids' train, or the double-decker carousel, then browse the vendors and pick up a handmade gift or a yummy treat.

Holidays in Franklin Square –– Philadelphia

Play a festive round of miniature golf at Franklin Square's winter-themed Chilly Philly Mini Golf and watch the Electrical Spectacle light up the night.

Carnival of Lights –– Pottstown

Play games and enjoy rides amidst Christmas vibes.

Koziar's Christmas Village has been a winter holiday wonderland for 76 years. Photo courtesy of Koziar's Christmas Village

Best Winter Break Day Trips Near Philadelphia

A Very Furry Christmas –– Langhorne

Wish happy holidays to the Sesame Street gang.

Crayola Experience –– Easton

Get creative with a visit to the Crayola Factory, which features festive holiday-themed activities.

Dutch Winter Wonderland –– Lancaster

Amish county welcomes Santa for the season at Dutch Wonderland, along with rides, entertainment, and a light show.

Koziar's Christmas Village –– Bernville

Walk through one of the most well-known Christmas lights displays in the country and take in all of the holiday magic.

Christmas Candylane –– Hershey

For the sweetest Christmas experience around, use winter break to check out over 5 million twinkling lights at Hersheypark.

Pocono Mountains –– Multiple Locations

Put on your snow pants and try tubing down a mountain or hit the slopes on your preferred skis or snowboards at mountain resorts across the Poconos.

Winter Hike –– Multiple Locations

Hit the hills as a family and shake off that cabin fever with a hike.

Frequently Asked Questions about Winter Break Activities in Philadelphia

Q: What are the best family-friendly events between Christmas and New Year's in Philly?

A: Winter Break is a great time to check out popular holiday attractions without the pre-Christmas crowds or even go on a mini-getaway!

Q: Are there any free things to do with kids after Christmas in Philadelphia?

A: Some holiday destinations are open to the public for free (with food, drink, and gifts available for purchase), including Holidays in Franklin Square and Holidays in the Village. Check individual events to find out if there are any admission fees. 

Q: Do holiday light displays stay open after Christmas? 

Yes, many popular light shows stay open until at least New Year's, such as West Chester Griswolds and Shady Brook Farm. 

Q: Are museums, zoos, or attractions open during Winter Break in Philly? 

Many museums are open during Winter Break (with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). Some even offer special programming like Art Kids Studio at the Philadelphia Art Museum or Winter Weekends at the Academy of Natural Sciences.

Q: What family events are happening on New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia?

Check out our round-up of kid-friendly New Year’s Eve celebrations in Philly. And don’t forget to check out Philly’s longstanding tradition, the Mummers Parade, on New Year’s Day!

Writer Sarah Jacknis updated the article for 2025.

Those eight crazy nights are approaching and we’ve got everything you need to make your Hanukkah a whole latke (sorry) fun. For my family, Hanukkah is more than the Jewish footprint in the holiday season. Mixed in with those dreidel spins are lessons to be learned about having pride in our Jewish identity. From the songs and stories to the gifts and gelt, here are eight awesome ways to celebrate Hanukkah and make your Jewish festival of lights lit. (Again, sorry!) For more ways to celebrate this holiday season with your family at home, creating new traditions and memories that last a lifetime, check out our Guide to Holiday Fun for Kids. When is Hanukkah 2025? This year, Hanukkah starts at sundown on Sunsday, December 14, 2024, and ends on Monday, December 22, 2025. In the Hebrew calendar, which follows a lunar cycle, Hanukkah always begins on the 25th day of the month of Kislev. That means it moves around the Gregorian calendar, which follows a solar cycle (the more you know!). Sometimes Hanukkah falls in November—remember the epic year of the Menurkey or Thanksgivikah circa 2013?—but this year it perfectly aligns with the Christmas holiday season. Read on for our top eight ways to celebrate. 1. Tell the Hanukkah Story Lots of Jews will tell you Hanukkah isn't really a major holiday from a religious perspective; the High Holidays and Passover take that cake…err matzah. However, the story Hanukkah commemorates is significant and remains as relevant as ever. It’s impossible to sum up in a nutshell but I'll try: It's never too early to start reading the story of Hanukkah.  Back in the 2nd century BCE, a king named Antiochus outlawed observance of all Jewish customs in Jerusalem, forcing the Jews to abandon or hide their religion. His soldiers desecrated the Holy Temple, the most sacred place in Judaism, and destroyed everything inside, including the menorah that was lit every night and the oil used for its flames. A small, brave group of Jews called the Maccabees revolted against the king's giant army and quite miraculously succeeded in their defeat, regaining control of the Temple, where they immediately rebuilt the menorah. Only a single jar of oil remained to light it—just enough to burn for one night. In yet another miracle, the oil lasted for a full eight days, offering light in the darkness and enabling the Jews to get more oil as they reclaimed the Temple and their Judaism.  Got all that? For more on Hanukkah history and the traditions around it, check out some of our kid-friendly favorites: PJ Library PJ Library offers several versions of the Hanukkah story on its website geared toward different age groups. It also offers an amazing and FREE subscription service so you can receive Jewish children's books every month. Maccabee!: The Story of Hanukkah A graphic novel retelling of the historic story of Hanukkah, and written in rhyme to boot. Meet the Latkes The Latke family recounts the Hanukkah story with a twist, as Lucy Latke envisions the Maccabees as Mega Bees on the planet Chhh—confronting the eternal confusion of how to spell Hanukkah…or Chanukah. Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins Guaranteed to tug at the heartstrings of millennials who are now parents to young kids. Hershel came on the scene in 1989 and quickly became the ultimate Hanukkah classic, even winning a Caldecott honor. Sammy Spider’s First Hanukkah We love the Sammy Spider series for all the Jewish holidays, as Sammy watches longingly while the Shapiro family celebrates. RELATED: How to Find Free Toys for Kids During the Holiday Season Fry up traditional Hanukkah foods like latkes (potato pancakes). Photo by Geraud Pfeiffer 2. Hanukkah Food: Latkes and Sufganiyot It’s not Hanukkah without latkes, which we make simply because the oil reminds us of the oil that lasted in the temple (our family also gets that reminder every time our smoke detector goes off while cooking). Same deal for jelly donuts, also known as sufganiyot—fried in oil is the way! A favorite latke recipe here at Mommy Poppins is this twist on the traditional potato pancake: Gingered Sweet Potato Pancakes 3 medium sweet potatoes (peeled, shredded) 1 medium potato (peeled, shredded) 2 eggs beaten 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup onion (chopped) 1 Tablespoon ginger root (minced) 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 3 teaspoon canola oil (divided) In a bowl, combine all ingredients (except oil), toss to mix. In a nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, heat one teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls into skillet; press lightly to flatten. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown with remaining oil and batter. If you're not a cook, you can also have lots of fun decorating cookies for Hanukkah! Bake up any sugar cookies and decorate with blue and white sugar! RELATED: Best Kids' Movies for Family Movie Night The lighting of the candles is an important job for kids!  3. Light the Hanukkiah We covered why the menorah is important, but it’s technically a hanukkiah that we light on this holiday. A hanukkiah is a type of menorah only used on Hanukkah, with nine branches that include a helper candle called the Shamash. It’s tradition to sing the blessings while lighting the hanukkiah, adding a candle each night from right to left (but you light it from left to right!). Confused? PJ Library has a great cheat sheet complete with audio of the blessings. We've also found some of the internet's best hanukkiyot (e.g. the plural of hanukkiah) including this dino, a spaceship, and personalized letter block name menorahs—you're welcome! It's time to celebrate Hanukkah, with Adam Sandler's classic song. 4. Hanukkah Songs: From Adam Sandler to the Maccabeats When Adam Sandler sang “if you feel like the only kid in town without a Christmas tree” I felt so seen. Here are my family's favorite Hanukkah tunes to add to your holiday playlist: The Hanukkah Song by Adam Sandler (We like the original best, though there are now four versions!) A Maccabeats Hanukkah by the Maccabeats Hanukkah Rocks by the LeeVees Barenaked for Hanukkah by the Barenaked Ladies Happy Hanukkah by Matisyahu The Latke Song by Debbie Friedman RELATED: The Best Warm and Sunny Winter Vacation Spots for Families I have a little dreidel... Photo by Melanie Preis 5. Spin the Dreidel Dreidels are spinning tops with Hebrew letters on each side. The story goes that children used to play dreidel back in the time of the Maccabees and would use the dreidels as a diversion to distract the king's guards from seeing that they were studying Torah. The letters on the dreidel are also an acronym for Hebrew words that translate to “a great miracle happened there.” In any case, here’s how you play. RELATED: 65 Indoor Activities for Kids Dip a dreidel in some paint and spin it to create a beautiful piece of art.  6. Get Crafty Every holiday is an excuse to tap into your inner artist. From handprints to edible dreidels, here are our picks for making your Hanukkah a crafty one. Dreidel Spin Art For a new spin on spin art, dip a dreidel in some paint. Delicious Dreidels Grab a Hershey’s kiss, a marshmallow, a pretzel stick, and some icing and you’re ready to make an edible dreidel. Handprint Hanukkiah Your kids' cute hands are the perfect template for this Hanukkah craft. Make a Menorah There are lots of ways to make your own hanukkiah from different materials, some that you can light like this egg carton menorah, and some that are just for fun, like this one made from toilet paper rolls.  7. Give Presents: Great Hanukkah Gifts There are so many ways to do gift-giving on Hanukkah. Some families do small gifts every night and one big gift the last night. Our kids get seven smallish gifts and donate a gift on the last night. Other families stick to traditional gelt or coins, or they might give a dollar for each night of Hanukkah (one on the first night, two dollars on the second night, and so on) which will total $36 by the end of the holiday—a significant number in Judaism. Here are some gifts that we have our eye on this year: The whole family can get cozy in matching Hanukkah PJs. Family Hanukkah PJs From an adorable Hanukkah Fair Isle pattern to the Hannah Anderson classic menorah print, the Internet is full of matching PJ sets for Hanukkah. Chocolate Gelt  One bite is an instant throwback to Hebrew school days. Dreidel Poppit These things come in every shape now. Check out the menorah one too. Light-up Dreidel You can have a Hanukkah rave with these spinning lasers.  Hanukkah Tic-Tac-Toe I call dreidel! Count down all 8 crazy nights. Photo by Melanie Preis Hanukkah Countdowns Christmas has advent calendars, and Hanukkah has some fun countdown calendars, where you open and get something small each night. You can get adorable Hanukkah bears and accessories from Build-A-Bear and even a mini-nail polish treat countdown for your stylish teen from trendy Olive & June. 8. Connect with Community Regardless of whether your family observes Hanukkah, it’s always important to expose kids to cultures and customs outside of their own. Many communities hold candle lightings and Hanukkah bazaars during the holiday season—search your local Mommy Poppins calendar for Hanukkah activities near you. So find a candle lighting, buy some sufganiyot from a local Jewish bakery, and remind your kids that the holidays include so many different traditions that we can all appreciate. This article contains some affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you make a purchase. There is no extra cost to the reader. We only recommend products and services that we have personally used or have thoroughly researched. With additional reporting by Melanie Preis Unless noted, photos by the author