How to Throw a Hanukkah Party

It's time to dust off your dreidels and bust out your menorah. When the sun sets on December 8, it's the official kick-off of Hanukkah, the eight-day-long Jewish celebration of light. Hanukkah is all about illumination, and the best way to get your shine on is by throwing your very own Festival of Lights. Here are some tried-and-true and some modern-and-new Hanukkah party ideas.

For the foodies among us, latkes are the most potent symbol of Hanukkah. The best parties begin with the mouth-watering scent of potato and onions simmering in oil and are served throughout the evening. Latkes are traditionally made with grated potato and topped with applesauce and sour cream, but traditions are meant to be improved upon. Sweet potato and zucchini pancakes topped with goat cheese and pomegranate seeds anyone? Check out one of our favorite latke recipes here.

Dreidel may look like child's play, but it is actually a high-stakes game of chance where players win and lose fortunes with the spin of a top. Newbies, take note: Not all dreidels are created equal: The quality ranges from the (lesser) lightweight plastic ones, to the (better) heavier wooden ones, to the (best) heavyweight metal dreidels. Just spin and let the games begin! Dreidel-playing instructions are here.

Whether you "took the pot" in a game of dreidel or was given one of the shiny golden coins as a gift, there is only one thing to do: Carefully peel off the metallic foil wrapper and pop the disc into your mouth. No one knows the exact origins of Hanukkah gelt, but one popular theory says it is based on the coins that were minted to commemorate the Maccabee victory over the ancient Greeks (more on that soon).

There's "I Have a Little Dreidel" with its resounding chorus of "Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel," but there are other Hanukkah songs around, too. Take "Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah," "Ma'Oz Tzur (Rock of Ages)" or "Sivivon" and, yes, there is that Hanukkah song too (thank you, Adam Sandler). If your crew is not the singing-out-loud type, put on a Hanukkah-themed album, such as The Klezmatics's "Happy Joyous Hanukkah" with Woody Guthrie. (Who knew he wrote Hanukkah songs?)

Every night, light one candle to represent each day of Hanukkah (that's one on the first night, two on the second, etc.). Use the shamash—an extra, often taller candle—to light the others. (The shamash has its own special place in the menorah, which is why there are nine candle slots for only eight days.) Never blow out a menorah candle—simply let it burn down until it naturally extinguishes.

MORE: Delicious Recipes for a Hanukkah Dinner

Around 200 BC in Judea, the evil King Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlawed the Jewish religion, killing thousands and desecrating the holy Second Temple in Jerusalem. Judah Maccabee led a rebellion, and after a tough victory, rebuilt the temple and—more importantly—relit its menorah. There was only enough oil to light the menorah for one day, but it miraculously remained lit for eight. Thus, the eight-day-long celebration of Hanukkah. For a more detailed version, click here.

The more lights the merrier! Hang strands of blue and white lights around windows, doors—heck, even a Hanukkah bush, if you like. Blue and white are classic Hanukkah colors, anything with a Star of David theme works and for some reason, colorful construction paper chains scream, "Hanukkah!" If you're crafty, make a menorah (think: nine screws mounted on plywood) or cut out a flame-shaped crown, and become your own menorah.

MORE: 10 Best Hanukkah Books

Wine plays a starring role in Jewish culture. We make it, we bless it and, yes, we drink it, too. But no need to bust out a bottle of Manischewitz: There are plenty of tasty Kosher options to choose from. Check out Goose Bay's Sauvignon Blanc, Herzog's Chenin Blanc or go with a bottle from the Golan Heights, Israel's wine-growing region. And break out a bottle of sparkling grape juice for the kids. L'chaim!

Ok, let's get something straight here: Hanukkah is not about gifts. Yes, some people do exchange presents, but that might be due to the holiday's proximity to the gift-laden Christmas. That said, if you do choose to do the gift thing, some party-friendly ideas are grab bag, Hanukkah Harry (like secret Santa) or a culturally neutral White Elephant gift exchange. Remember hosts: After all that partying, you can always gift your guests with leftover latkes on their way home. Happy Hanukkah!