Happy Hanukkah! Hanukkah Greetings and Wishes for Family or Friends

If you’re looking for the perfect way to wish someone a happy Hanukkah, look no further. We’ve put together ideas for meaningful Hanukkah greetings or well wishes for family, friends, and acquaintances. First, let’s shed some light on the holiday and how we celebrate this festive season!

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What is Hanukkah?

A quick background to Hanukkah

Maybe you aren’t quite sure what Hanukkah is or its meaning. Not to worry, here’s the lowdown on all things Hanukkah. So, what is Hanukkah or in Hebrew, חֲנֻכָּה‎, and why is it celebrated? In short, it’s an eight-day Jewish celebration that commemorates the recovery of Jerusalem and thus the dedication of the Second Temple in the 2nd century BCE.

When is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah starts on the 25th day of the Hebrew calendar. That’s around late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. Perfect for celebrating the festive season! Here are the dates for the next couple of years:
Hanukkah 2022 2023 2024
Begins 18 Dec 7 Dec 25 Dec
Ends 26 Dec 15 Dec 2 Jan

Hanukkah traditions

A family gathers on the sofa to celebrate the holidays. Granny is holidng the baby. In the fron, we say a menorah
    • One of the most widely known traditions is the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah (מְנוֹרָה), a nine-branched candelabrum. One candle extra is lit each night to celebrate.
    • Playing the dreidel game is another way to celebrate. Rules may vary, but players take turns spinning the dreidel and placing tokens. It’s a fun game for adults and kids!
    • What would the festive season be without a little gift-giving? Hanukkah is no different. Why not send a personalized Hanukkah greeting card with MyPostcard app? We print your personalized design and mail it for you, anywhere worldwide. There’s also hundreds of free messages you can add to your card and edit as wanted.

4 Top Hebrew greetings

There are three top ways to say happy Hanukkah in Hebrew.
    1. “Hanukkah sameach” (חַג חֲנוּכָּה שַׂמֵחַ ), which means “Happy Hanukkah!”
    1. “Chag urim sameach” (צ’ג אורים סמח), which means “Happy Festival of Lights.”
    1. “Chag sameach” (חַג שָׂמֵחַ), which means “Happy holiday!”
    1. “Chag Hanukkah Sameach” (חֲנוּכָּה חַג שָׂמֵחַ), which means “Happy Hanukkah holiday”

Traditional Hanukkah greetings

Traditional Hanukkah greetings for family
“Why can we not light all eight candles in one night, Instead of having to light a new one for each of eight nights?” It is because Hanukkah is not merely a cause for celebrations. It is a trial of perseverance.”
“I pray for your wellness and happiness. May this auspicious occasion be full of brightness and happiness.”
“Remember the miracle of Menorah, that even though the oil was supposed to burn for just one day, how it flashed for eight long days. May you also receive lots of miracles this holiday season.”
“Warm greetings on Hanukkah to you. May you celebrate this occasion with your family and friends, and create forever memories. Happy Hanukkah!”
“Hanukkah is here! Candles rekindled, faith renewed, tradition preserved. May you find meaning in the season and peace in your heart. We wish you the happiest of Hanukkahs!”
“Happy Hanukkah. Blessed are you, Adonai. Our Elohim, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and allowed us to reach this season.”
“Hanukkah is about the spark of the divine in all of us made in God’s image. May you have a blessed Hanukkah.”

Hanukkah wishes for family and friends

Long Hanukkah wishes for a family member or friend
“We would like to wish you a Chag Chanukah Sameach! May the light of Chanukah bring lots of happiness to you and your family! Hope to see you soon!”
“May the glimmer and glow of each candle your family lights bring blessings, warmth and make your days bright! Happy Hanukkah!”
“Warmth of joy, Glow of prosperity, Sparkle of happiness, May you be blessed With all of these And more. Happy Hanukkah!”
“Happy Hanukkah. I hope your heart feels all the peace and joy that the festival holds significance for. May Lord bless you through thick and thin! Sending you warm hugs.”
“Happy Hanukkah! Have a wonderful holiday and know that I’m thinking about you! Hope you enjoy this time with your family and have an awesome New Years’ Eve!”
“Just a message to say how thrilled I am to know you and your family. And of course to wish you a Happy Hanukkah & a great New Year. I hope you enjoy the break over the “Week of Rest”
“May the brightness of each and every candle that you light in these eight nights spread love, happiness, and glory in your home. May it fill your heart with contentment. Sending lots of love and warm wishes to you on Hanukkah. Happy Hanukkah!”
“At this time of year when the sun is most hidden, the holiday of Hanukkah celebrates the rays of hope and light. Often, it is through simple and unrecognized miracles. This is when we are able to feel the warmth of hope and light. Wishing your family a life filled with miracles, hope, and light.”

Hanukkah greetings for acquaintances and colleagues

Appropriate Hanukkah greetings for a colleague or aquaintence. If you’re looking for appropriate Hanukkah greetings, here are a couple of shorter messages to send.
“May the light of the menorah shine in your life every day.”
“Happy Hanukkah! Blessings be with you This festival of lights And always”
“May this festival of lights bring blessings upon you and your loved ones for happiness and health.”
“Warm wishes for the spirit of Hanukkah to fill your home and heart.”
“Happy Hanukkah! Wishing you a happy holiday and a happy New Year. All the best in the new year and to come!”
“Wishing you a joyous eight-day festival!”
“Invite the lights of Hanukkah to lead the way in your life.”
“Happy Hanukkah! May God bless you this year with all the happiness and light in the world.”
“Happy Hanukkah! May you be blessed with good health, joy, peace, and all the best things in life.”
“I wish you a joyous Hanukkah, my friend. May you have a pleasant time with your loved ones this holiday season.”

Hanukkah messages for Jewish friends from non-Jewish people

A simple kind Hanukkah greeting and good wishes If you’re not Jewish or inter-faith, here are a few festive season greetings you could send.
“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.”

Happy Hanukah!

We hope you’ve found the perfect greetings to wish your loved ones a happy Hanukkah! Have a wonderful festive season! Check out our other quotes and messages for all occasions here!