Hanukkah Invitation Wording: 30 Examples for Parties and Candle Lighting

Hanukkah invitations can be as simple as a text asking friends to come light candles or as formal as a printed card for a catered family dinner. Either way, the wording should be warm, clear about which night you are celebrating, and specific about what guests should bring or expect.

In 2026, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Friday, December 4, and ends at nightfall on Saturday, December 12. Use the examples below as starting points and adjust names, nights, and details.

What to include in a Hanukkah invitation

• The night: "the third night of Hanukkah" plus the calendar date, so guests know exactly when.

• Time: candle lighting usually happens soon after sundown, so give a firm arrival time.

• Format: candle lighting only, latke party, full dinner, or open house.

• What to bring: a menorah, a dish, a small gift, or nothing at all.

• Kids: whether children are welcome and whether there will be dreidel games or crafts.

• RSVP: a reply-by date and how to reply.

Casual Hanukkah party invitations

1. "Latkes, dreidels, and good company. Join us for a Hanukkah party on Saturday, December 5 at 6 PM."

2. "Let's light up the night! Come celebrate the second night of Hanukkah with us. Doughnuts guaranteed."

3. "Our menorah is ready and the oil is hot. Hanukkah party at our place, Sunday, December 6, 5:30 PM."

4. "Eight nights, one party. Join us on night four for latkes, games, and gelt."

5. "Bring your appetite and your best dreidel spin. Hanukkah celebration on December 7 at 6 PM."

6. "Fried food is a holiday requirement. Come help us eat way too many latkes this Saturday."

Candle lighting invitations

7. "Please join us for candle lighting on the first night of Hanukkah, Friday, December 4, at 4:30 PM, followed by a light Shabbat dinner."

8. "We would love for you to light the candles with us on the fifth night of Hanukkah. Bring your menorah if you have one."

9. "Candles at sundown, dinner after. Join our family on December 8 at 5 PM."

10. "Help us add another light. Candle lighting and blessings on the sixth night, followed by dessert."

Family dinner invitations

11. "The whole family is gathering for a Hanukkah dinner on Saturday, December 5 at 6 PM. Brisket, latkes, and Grandma's sufganiyot await."

12. "Join us for a festive Hanukkah dinner to celebrate the miracle of lights together. Kindly reply by November 28."

13. "It is our turn to host! Hanukkah dinner on the third night. Please let us know who is coming so we fry enough latkes."

14. "Three generations, one table. Please join us for Hanukkah dinner on December 9."

Latke party and potluck wording

15. "Latke bar! We are frying the classics; you bring a topping to share."

16. "Annual Latke Cook-Off: bring your best recipe, and our guests will crown the champion."

17. "Hanukkah potluck: we have the latkes covered. Please sign up for a side or dessert when you RSVP."

18. "Sweet or savory? Bring a topping for our latke bar and vote for the best combo."

If anyone in your group keeps kosher, is vegetarian, or has allergies, add a line about it. Our guide to asking about dietary restrictions politely has phrasing that does not feel intrusive.

Kids and family-friendly wording

19. "Dreidels, crafts, and jelly doughnuts. Kids' Hanukkah party, Sunday, December 6, 2 to 4 PM."

20. "Little ones welcome! We will have a gelt hunt and a menorah craft table."

21. "Bring the whole family for candle lighting, songs, and a dreidel tournament."

Office and community Hanukkah invitations

22. "Join the team for a Hanukkah lunch on Tuesday, December 8. Latkes and sufganiyot provided."

23. "Our community candle lighting is on the seventh night, December 10, at 5 PM in the courtyard. All are welcome."

24. "Learn about the Festival of Lights with us: a short story, a menorah lighting, and traditional treats."

25. "Hanukkah happy hour: festive drinks, latke bites, and a gelt raffle. Please RSVP so we can plan food."

Short text message invites

26. "Hanukkah night 3 at ours, 6 PM. Latkes on us. You in?"

27. "Candles + doughnuts Saturday at 5. Bring the kids!"

28. "Latke party Dec 5. Reply here so we know how many potatoes to grate."

RSVP lines that get replies

29. "Please RSVP by December 1 so we can plan the menu."

30. "Kindly reply by November 30 and let us know about any dietary needs."

Timing your invitations

For a casual party, send invites two to three weeks ahead. For a family dinner that involves travel, four to six weeks is kinder. Our guide on when to send party invitations breaks down lead times by event type. If you are still planning the evening itself, read our tips on planning a Hanukkah party, from menu to games.

Frequently asked questions

Which night of Hanukkah is best for a party?

Any night works, but weekend nights are easiest for guests. In 2026, Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6, fall on the second and third nights. If the first night falls on a Friday, many families combine candle lighting with Shabbat dinner.

Should guests bring gifts to a Hanukkah party?

It is not expected. Say so on the invitation if you would like a gift exchange, such as a small gift swap or gelt for the kids. Otherwise, guests often bring a dish, a dessert, or a bottle of wine as a thank-you.

Can non-Jewish friends come to a Hanukkah party?

Absolutely. Many hosts love sharing the holiday. A brief explanation of candle lighting and the blessings helps first-time guests feel included.

Once your wording is ready, make an RSVP page for your Hanukkah gathering and share one link by text or email. Chag sameach!