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Traditional songs and candle-lighting music
Some songs are tied closely to the holiday ritual; others bring a traditional melody or text into a family sing-along. Transliteration varies, so titles may look different across songbooks and recordings.
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1. “Maoz Tzur” (also “Ma’oz Tzur”)
Often translated as “Rock of Ages,” this is customarily sung after lighting the candles. The American Jewish Historical Society dates the Hebrew hymn to the 12th or 13th century in Germany and says its lyrics reflect Jewish suffering, liberation, and protection. American Jewish Historical Society and Reform Judaism describe its place in Hanukkah practice. For a contemporary recording, My Jewish Learning lists a version by Dov Rosenblatt, Rosi Golan, and Deena Goodman.
2. “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah”
A familiar holiday sing-along, also titled “Oh Chanukah.” Its bright, communal feel makes it an easy choice for a group that wants a song everyone can join.
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3. “I Have a Little Dreidel”
Often called “The Dreidel Song,” this children’s standard is a natural pick for younger singers and anyone ready to spin a dreidel between verses.
4. “S’vivon Sov Sov Sov”
Also rendered “Sevivon,” this Hebrew dreidel song adds a different sound to a playlist built around English-language standards. My Jewish Learning lists a recording by Alicia Jo Rabins’ project Girls in Trouble.
5. “Mi Yimalel”
“Who Can Retell?” is the title’s familiar English gloss. The song’s traditional-themed refrain has been recorded in modern arrangements, including one featured by Reform Judaism.
6. “Hanerot Halalu”
This traditional text is recited after the Hanukkah lights are kindled and also appears in song form. It suits a quieter moment around the menorah more than a high-energy party mix.
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A traditional-repertoire selection included in Chabad.org’s Hanukkah song collection. Its Hebrew title gives a playlist a welcome change of language and texture.
Rank #2
8. “Banu Choshech”
Another song in Chabad.org’s collection, this is a less familiar option for listeners who want to explore beyond the household standards.
9. “Al Hanisim”
The words of “Al Hanisim” are a liturgical text associated with Hanukkah, and melodies for it appear in Hanukkah music collections. A recording can make a playlist feel more rooted in prayer and communal tradition.
10. “Ocho Kandelikas”
This songbook-listed choice broadens the sound beyond the best-known English songs. Its title means “Eight Candles” in Ladino, offering a doorway into another Jewish musical tradition.
Contemporary songs, humor, and fresh arrangements
Modern Hanukkah music ranges from reflective songs to comic tracks and genre blends. These picks are useful when you want a playlist that feels like more than a set of familiar children’s songs.
11. “Light One Candle”
Written by Peter Yarrow, “Light One Candle” is included among Reform Judaism’s Hanukkah favorites. Its reflective tone works well for listening together rather than trying to turn every moment into a sing-along.
12. “The Latke Song”
Debbie Friedman’s food-centered, humorous song uses latkes as its way into a bigger message: Reform Judaism notes its social-justice theme. It’s a playful pick for cooking or a holiday gathering.
13. “Eight Nights of Joy”
Rabbi Joe Black’s recording with the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band brings a festive klezmer feel to a contemporary holiday song.
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14. “Pass the Candle (From Left to Right)”
Michelle Citrin’s lively song is linked directly to candle-lighting, making it an especially apt choice for a family playlist around the nightly ritual.
15. “Dreidel Bird”
The Macaroons’ playful novelty song offers a change of pace from earnest holiday music and familiar standards.
16. “To Be a Light”
Dan Nichols and E18hteen offer a reflective contemporary option for a quieter stretch of the evening.
Rank #4
17. “The Candles of Chanukah”
SoulAviv’s vocal-harmony arrangement is a good fit for listeners who want a polished group sound rather than a children’s sing-along.
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18. “Miracle”
Matisyahu brings a reggae-influenced sound to this modern Hanukkah selection, widening the mix beyond folk and klezmer.
19. “In These Lights”
Josh Nelson’s song tells the Festival of Lights story in a contemporary setting, making it a thoughtful listening choice for families.
20. “How Do You Spell Channukkahh?”
The LeeVees turn the many spellings of the holiday’s name into a comedic premise. It’s a good choice when the playlist needs a wink at the transliteration debate.
21. “Puppy for Hanukkah”
Daveed Diggs with Jonathan Snipes and William Hutson blend rap and klezmer in this playful track, which premiered in 2020, according to Reform Judaism.
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22. “The Dreidel Song” (Julie Silver’s version)
This is a distinct bluesy, folk-style arrangement of the familiar song, rather than another title for the standard children’s version. It gives adults and older kids a fresh way to hear a tune they may already know.
23. “Hanukkah O Hanukkah” (Mista Cookie Jar)
My Jewish Learning lists this recording as a modern option for a family playlist.
24. “Maoz Tzur” (Dov Rosenblatt, Rosi Golan, and Deena Goodman)
For a contrasting take on a traditional favorite, My Jewish Learning lists this recording by the three artists. It gives listeners a way to hear the same song in a contemporary performance context.
25. “Sivivon Sov Sov Sov” (Alicia Jo Rabins / Girls in Trouble)
My Jewish Learning lists this recording of the Hebrew dreidel song. It’s a discovery pick for listeners who want a recognizable holiday theme in a less familiar artist’s interpretation.
How to choose songs for your Hanukkah playlist
Match the music to the moment rather than trying to make one playlist do everything. A few choices can make a collection feel varied without losing its holiday focus.
- For candle-lighting: Start with “Maoz Tzur” or “Hanerot Halalu,” then add “Pass the Candle (From Left to Right)” for a livelier family-friendly option.
- For children and group singing: Use “I Have a Little Dreidel,” “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah,” and “S’vivon Sov Sov Sov.” Familiar refrains make it easier for everyone to join in.
- For cooking or a party: Add “The Latke Song,” “Dreidel Bird,” and “How Do You Spell Channukkahh?” for humor, then mix in klezmer, reggae, or rap selections.
- For a quieter listen: Try “Light One Candle,” “To Be a Light,” or “In These Lights,” which bring a more reflective mood.
- For musical discovery: Combine Hebrew and Ladino songs with newer recordings such as “Miracle,” “Puppy for Hanukkah,” and the Girls in Trouble version of “Sivivon Sov Sov Sov.”
Where to find more Hanukkah music
For listening, Apple Music’s Hanukkah Celebration playlist spans styles including jazz, folk, rock, and klezmer. At the time of Apple Music’s 2026 listing, it contained 63 songs and ran 3 hours 5 minutes; playlist contents and availability can change by date and territory. View the Apple Music playlist. My Jewish Learning and Chabad.org also offer song and audio resources: My Jewish Learning’s Hanukkah songs and Chabad.org’s Chanukah songs.
If you want to sing or play along without relying on a screen, Hal Leonard’s 2012 catalog describes an easy-piano Hanukkah collection of 18 songs, with lyrics and fingering recommendations. Examples include “To Be a Light,” “Ocho Kandelikas,” “The Dreidel Song,” “Al Hanisim,” and “Light These Lights/Chanukah Blessings.” Check the edition and current stock before purchasing. See the Hal Leonard catalog listing.
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