Making a DIY menorah craft during Hanukkah is a must when you’re a Jewish kid. At least, that’s how it was for me when I was little. I still remember one of my handmade menorahs, with 8 little clay swans for the candles and a bigger one for the ‘shamash’ (the ‘helper’ candle that lights all the others).
For Hanukkah, we use a special menorah called a hanukkiah, which has 9 candles – 8 for each night of Hanukkah and the shamash. (This is different from the regular menorah, which has 7 candles.)
Inspired by those Hanukkah memories, I’ve created a new Hanukkah craft for kids: make a 3D Hanukkah menorah from paper!
This printable Hanukkah craft is now available in my shop, with everything you need for an amazing Hanukkah activity.
A DIY Menorah to Light You Up
Let’s go back to those childhood Hanukkah moments and make a DIY menorah together! This time, it’s totally safe from fire hazards – because it’s all made of paper, even the flames.
The paper Hanukkah craft includes a template to color, cut, and assemble, so you can craft your own beautiful hanukkiah from scratch. It also has 9 printable candles, which kids can glue to the menorah each night of Hanukkah. And yes, you can “light” the candles with printable paper flames!
Let your children practice lighting their own menorah and saying the Hanukkah blessings, all with their handmade hanukkiah. And since there’s no actual fire, this menorah is perfectly safe for kids to handle on their own and even keep in their rooms.
Great Things About this Hanukkah Menorah Craft:
- Easy to Make: The cutting and folding lines are big and easy for little hands to manage. I kept the design simple – mostly using cubic shapes, so there’s no tricky folding involved. Everything is clearly marked, and the step-by-step instructions include pictures.
- Real Menorah Vibes: It’s a 3D design with 3D candles, so it stands up nicely and looks awesome on display!
- Perfect for Learning: This craft can help kids learn about the menorah, Hanukkah traditions, and the story behind the holiday. The design on the menorah includes symbols like the Star of David, olive branches, and mosaic details inspired by the Land of Israel.
- Fire-Free: While we all love the glow of real Hanukkah candles, we definitely don’t want little fingers near flames. With this paper menorah, you can enjoy a Hanukkah activity without the fire hazard.
Easy Hanukkah Craft – Step by Step
The printable craft comes with clear step-by-step instructions and pictures to guide you along the way. The cuts and folds of the template are simple, to keep the craft easy and suitable for kids of all ages. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a realistic, life-sized menorah and nine 3D candles.
Here’s the gist of the crafting process:
1. Print the template and color the parts.
2. Cut out all the parts and fold along the dashed lines.
3. Assemble the menorah by putting together the base, neck, body, and shamash holder.
4. Fold the candles.
5. Cut out the flames and attach them to the candles.
6. Each day of Hanukkah, glue one candle to the menorah and “light” it with a flame!
The result of this craft is a beautiful, life-sized menorah that will instantly light up the room. Your kids will love crafting their own menorah and lighting one paper candle each night.
Want to make this hanukkiah for Hanukkah? Grab the printable template from my Etsy shop here:
► 3D Hanukkah Menorah Craft – get it here
More Hanukkah Printables for You!
Keep the Hanukkah spirit going with more fun ideas from my shop:
- Printable Dreidel Box to Color: This printable craft lets kids color and assemble their own dreidel box, decorated with mandalas.
- Printable Hanukkah Activity Book: A printable activity book with puzzles, word searches, mazes, and more, all featuring Hanukkah symbols.
- Printable Hanukkah Cards to Color: Color, cut, and fold your own Hanukkah greeting cards – complete with printable envelopes!
- Printable Dreidel Gift Box: Cute dreidel boxes in two colors that kids will love making themselves, or receive as gifts with Hanukkah gelt!
- Mini Hanukkah Cards: A set of three adorable mini cards with matching envelopes – great for a quick Hanukkah wish.
- Hanukkah Clipart Set: My kawaii Hanukkah clipart set is available for your own creative projects. Use them for invitations, flyers, or decorations:
Feeling extra crafty? Check out my DIY dreidel plush doll tutorial! Grab the free template and learn how to make a cute dreidel plush from felt – perfect for a handmade Hanukkah gift.
Hope you have tons of fun with these Hanukkah activities for kids! Keep the light shining and have a happy Hanukkah ✨💞
