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Happy Hanukkah Greetings

Sending happy Hanukkah cards is a great way to remind Jewish friends and family members that you’re thinking of them at this special time of year. Like the lighting of the menorah each night for eight nights, sharing happy Hanukkah wishes can bring warmth and love.

Happy Hanukkah messages can range from heartfelt and loving to fun and funny. Need some help figuring out what to write in a Hanukkah card? Here are a few ideas for Hanukkah greeting card messages to get you started:

Traditional Hanukkah Greeting Card Messages

  • Happy Hanukkah!
  • Hanukkah Sameach (“Happy Hanukkah”)
  • Chag Sameach! (“Happy Holiday”)
  • Chag Urim Sameach! (“Happy Festival of Lights”)
  • May the lights of Hanukkah fill your home with warmth and joy.
  • Wishing you blessings of love, peace and laughter this Hanukkah.
  • May this Festival of Lights bring you health, happiness and cherished memories.

Thoughtful Hanukkah Wishes

  • You bring joy and light to the world.
  • Happy Hanukkah and thank you for everything you do.
  • From the first day of Hanukkah till the last, I’ll be thinking of you.
  • I’m so grateful you’re in my world.
  • Wish we could share this Hanukkah together.
  • Your love shines through all you do.
  • Wishing you eight days of laughter and love as you celebrate Hanukkah this year.
  • Your thoughtful, warm-hearted spirit makes you unique.
  • The kindness you show all year is appreciated.

Funny Hanukkah Greetings

  • Sending “latkes” love with this!
  • Oy to the world!
  • Wishing you eight days of love, laughter and latkes!
  • Hope your Hanukkah is filled with love, light and winning at dreidel!
  • Here’s hoping your Hanukkah is sweeter than a jelly donut!
  • Happy Hanukkah and many menorah!

Happy Hanukkah Wishes for Family

  • Times we spend together are special memories.
  • Family means even more during holidays like Hanukkah.
  • Just reminding you you’re special to me at Hanukkah and always.

Happy Hanukkah Messages for Friends

  • Having a friend like you means so much.
  • Wishing you so much joy in this season of light!
  • Wishing you a bright and beautiful Hanukkah, just like you!
  • You bring your own special light and warmth to the world. Have a wonderful Hanukkah!
  • A friend like you is a wonderful gift.

Hanukkah Quotes and Sayings

  • “We light candles in testament that faith makes miracles possible.” — Rabbi Nachum Braverman
  • “This is the season when people of all faiths and cultures are pushing back against the planetary darkness. We string bulbs, ignite bonfires, and light candles. And we sing.” — Anita Diamant
  • “Hanukkah is the festival of lights. Instead of one day of presents, we have eight crazy nights.” — Adam Sandler
  • “Inspired by faith, we can change the world.” — Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
  • “To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle, every cubic inch of space is a miracle.” —Walt Whitman
  • “Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.” — Anne Frank

Personalize Your Hanukkah Cards With Your Own Message

Now that you have ideas for what to say in your Hanukkah cards, you can choose from a wide variety of greeting card types to fit your style. Hanukkah ecards capture the spirit of the season through music, artwork and animation, with tones ranging from funny to heartfelt to faith filled. Add your own happy Hanukkah message and then send to one person or a whole group, instantly via email, text or social media.

Want to add a personal touch to your Hanukkah greetings? Our Creatacards let you go all out with customization! Turn your card into a family photo card, add a holiday video update, sprinkle in confetti or even choose the perfect song. With just a few clicks you can create something totally unique, sharing your own sentiments and well wishes for the season.

Reach out and spread the light and love of the holiday by sharing Hanukkah messages with American Greetings! Sign in or start a free trial membership today!

Hanukkah Greetings FAQs

What is Hanukkah?

Hanukkah (also Chanukah) is the Jewish holiday known as the Festival Lights. It’s an eight-day celebration, usually in December, during which Jewish people light the menorah, recite blessings, eat cherished foods and play games like dreidel.

The holiday commemorates a miracle that took place more than 2,000 years ago. A small group of Jewish freedom fighters called the Maccabees won back their temple from rulers who tried to stop them from practicing their religion. When they went to relight the temple's menorah (a special candelabra), they only had enough oil for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days.

Today, Jewish families celebrate by lighting a menorah with nine candles—one for each night, plus a helper candle. Each night, they light one more candle than the night before. It's a joyful time focused on religious freedom, miracles and spending time with family.

When is Hanukkah 2025?

The first day of Hanukkah is Sunday, December 14, 2025 at sundown. It ends at sundown on Monday, December 22, 2025. Since Hanukkah follows the Hebrew calendar, it starts on different dates each year on the regular calendar but always lasts for eight nights.

Is it Hanukkah or Chanukah?

Both spellings are correct! You might also see it spelled Hanukah, Chanuka, or several other ways.

There are so many spellings because the word comes from Hebrew, which uses a different alphabet. When translating Hebrew words into English letters (called transliteration), there's no single correct way to do it.

The first letter of the Hebrew word makes a sound that doesn't really exist in English. It's like a breathy "h" or "ch" sound from the back of the throat. Some people use "H" to represent this sound, while others use "Ch."

“Hanukkah” is the most common spelling in the United States today, but Chanukah is also very popular. Both are perfectly acceptable, and you'll see them used interchangeably.

Can I wish someone a “happy Hanukkah?”

Yes! Happy Hanukkah is a kind and respectful way to acknowledge the holiday. In terms of the sentiment, it’s similar to wishing someone a “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Diwali.” Even if you don’t celebrate the holiday yourself, saying “Happy Hanukkah” is a thoughtful way to send warm wishes to those who do.

How to send Hanukkah greetings

Sending Hanukkah greetings is simple (and appreciated!) Whether you’re talking to someone in person, writing an email or sharing it on social media, a simple “Happy Hanukkah!” or “Have a wonderful Hanukkah!” will be appreciated. You may also say or write "Chag Sameach!" (pronounced "KHAHG sah-MAY-akh"). This is Hebrew for "Happy Holiday" and is commonly used during Hanukkah.

With an American Greetings membership, you can easily share Hanukkah cards through text, email or messaging apps. This is a great way to upgrade your greetings, letting someone you care about know that you understand Hanukkah is an important part of their life.

When to send Hanukkah greetings

While many holidays are one day, Hanukkah lasts for eight nights. You can send greetings before, during or even after. Sending a message that says “I hope you had a wonderful Hanukkah” is a thoughtful way to celebrate the season.