It’s Hanukkah yet again and to celebrate, Unpacked has compiled a list of some of the best entertainment and media to enjoy while eating a latke or spinning the dreidel.
From animation to horror to even reality TV, there is so much to watch for the eight nights of this wonderful holiday. See below for our picks:
Movies
- “Hanukkah on Rye” (2022)
It wouldn’t be Hanukkah without latkes and a side of romance.
In this Hallmark movie, Molly (Yael Grobglas of “Jane the Virgin”) is getting ready to take over her family’s diner and ensure they earn a profit during the Hanukkah season when she meets Jacob (broadway star Jeremy Jordan), who is in New York preparing to open up a second location of her parent’s deli and restaurant. Little do they know that their restaurants are competitors.
Filled with iconic bubbies and lots and lots of delicious shots of food, this is a Hanukkah rom-com not to be missed.
Read more: Hallmark Channel’s new Hanukkah movie: A fresh take or reheated plot?
Learn where to watch “Hanukkah on Rye” here.
- “Round and Round” (2023)
Another Hallmark film, “Round and Round” utilizes the time loop to tell the story of Rachel (Vic Michaelis) who keeps reliving her parents’ Hanukkah party.
When her professor boyfriend is unable to show, it’s up to potential suitor Zach (“One Tree Hill” heartthrob Bryan Greenberg) to save Rachel’s day.
This film is your classic holiday love story: a mix-up in the train station, nosy bubbes, and an editor going home for the holidays from the big city. But mostly, this is a film about the ways tradition centers us in the midst of a changing world. Plus, Michaelis’ performance makes it all worthwhile as Rachel struggles to get through the day…over and over again.
Want to watch “Round and Round?” Here’s everywhere you can watch.
Read more: 8 swoon-worthy Hanukkah romance novels to read this year
- “Eight Crazy Nights” (2002)
“Put on your yarmulke, it’s time to celebrate hanukkah….” If you enjoyed Adam Sandler’s “Hanukkah Song,” you’ll love this animated film filled with jokes, Judaism, and even more songs.
In this film, the rebellious Davey Stone is an alcoholic former basketball star who, after dining and dashing, is forced to go through referee training with elderly referee Whitey Duvall. Sandler voices both Davey and Whitey, with the latter sounding so heart-filled, it makes the whole film worth it (it also stars his wife Jackie Sandler).
Although the film hasn’t aged well, “Eight Crazy Nights” is an amazing contribution to the canon of Hanukkah films for its story of redemption during the holidays.
Check out where you can watch “Eight Crazy Nights” here!
- “Nosferatu” (2024 or 1922)
Hear me out: Although “Nosferatu” doesn’t feature Hanukkah, it is an inherently Jewish film. Written by Henrik Galeen (a Jew), the character of Count Orlock is considered by many to be a Jewish stereotype (blood sucking, similar to blood libel) and the time period is a reflection of the Great War. Add to the fact that the new film appears to be very snowy, I inferred it to be around Hanukkah.
What better way to celebrate than to watch this horror movie, to remind ourselves that there is no fear in our traditions and that the Jewish people have continued to survive through historic antisemitism.
For the 2024 version, here’s everywhere you can watch. If you’re more of a classic movie fan, we’ve also got you covered.
- “Full Court Miracle” (2003)
In “Full Court Miracle,” a young boys yeshiva basketball team attempts to get out of a slump in the Hanukkah season when they hire sports star Lamont Carr to coach.
Based on a true story, this Disney Channel original movie will make you feel nostalgic and remind you of how Hanukkah used to be in the early 2000s. It’s also reminder of the ways that sports can bring us together, just like this holiday does.
Check out where you can watch “Full Court Miracle.”
- “An American Tale” (1986)
“An American Tail” tells the story of Fievel (Philip Glasser), a young mouse who gets lost in his new home in the United States and must try to find his family.
This animated film is inherently Jewish; the beginning of the film features Fievel and his family celebrating Hanukkah amid the Russian pogroms. Plus, this is a musical and features the most adorable duet of “Somewhere Out There,” along with many other songs. If you need more of an excuse, stay for Fievel and his cuteness.
Here’s everywhere you can watch “An American Tale.”
- “The Fabelmans” (2022)
Although “The Fabelmans” is not a Hanukkah movie in the traditional sense, the characters are shaped by the holiday itself.
This semi-autobiographical film, directed by Steven Spielberg, tells the story of Sammy (Gabriel LaBelle), a burgeoning young filmmaker whose greatest love is the movies. Sammy’s Hanukkah truly sets the scene for his obsession and desire to make movies and throughout the film, we observe how his Jewish identity and his family informs his desire to tell stories. Definitely a worthwhile watch, especially when the stereotypical Jewish tradition is watching movies and eating chinese food on Christmas.
“The Fablelmans” can be viewed on multiple streaming platforms. Learn more here.
- “Lights” (1984)
If you’re looking for some educational fare, this animated film tells the full story of Hanukkah and its significance. It also features voice acting by Judd Hirsch and the late “Star Trek” actor Leonard Nimoy. This film is a great reminder of why this holiday matters and how it came to be. And let’s face it, sometimes we all need a refresher.
“Lights” can be viewed in the YouTube link below in full.
TV
- “Arthur:” “Arthur’s Perfect Christmas”
In this one-hour special, Arthur attempts to have his perfect Christmas while Francine teaches her best friend Muffy about Hanukkah. This episode is truly so beautiful for its depiction of the prayers and recognition for the difficulties of balancing the friends who celebrate Christmas with our own love of Hanukkah.
For me, it’s the first episode of a TV series where I truly felt represented as I watched Francine light the candles just as I had.
Check out where you can watch the episode here.
- “Glee” Season 4, Episode 10: “Glee, Actually”
It wouldn’t be a TV roundup without “Glee!” Throughout this episode, there are different storylines that discuss the meaning of different holidays. But the storyline that most sticks out is Noah Puckerman (Mark Salling) and his half brother Jake (Jacob Artist) celebrating Hanukkah together with their moms in Lima, Ohio’s favorite restaurant, Breadstix (naturally). Featuring “Hanukkah Oh Hanukkah,” this episode is a lovely reminder of the importance of family during this time as well as song.
“Glee” can be streamed here.
- “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” Season 1, Episode 9: “My Mom, Greg’s Mom and Josh’s Sweet Dance Moves!”
If you want more musical episodes, you’ll love this episode from “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” where Rachel (Rachel Bloom) attempts to keep her cool when her mother (Tovah Feldshuh) comes for Hanukkah.
Of course, the chaos of a Jewish parental figure coming to your home for the holidays can be overbearing. For Rachel, this comes with some baggage; she wants her mother to see her as mature enough to give her the ring which has been passed down through generations of women in her family.
Featuring songs like “Where’s the Bathroom?” and, of course, iconic choreography, this episode is perfect for anyone panicking about cleaning the house for bubbe this season.
Stream “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” here.
- “Seinfeld” Season 9, Episode 10: “The Strike”
A Festivus for the rest of us! In this iconic episode of “Seinfeld,” George’s father (Jerry Stiller) decides to bring back Festivus, the December 23 holiday that consists of a pole instead of a Christmas tree and the airing of grievances.
Besides the Hanukkah party and menorah at the beginning of the episode, what makes this especially Hanukkah-coded is its acknowledgement that the lesser-known holidays are often the most excluded. Festivus is a reminder of the Hanukkah dinners to come and the complaints that may follow.
Watch this iconic “Seinfeld” episode at this link.
- “Rugrats” Season 4, Episode 1: “A Rugrats Chanukah”
Who doesn’t want to watch some maccababies reenact the Hanukkah story? Unlike some of the other episodes on this list, this episode fully focuses on Hanukkah, specifically the story of the Maccabees and their fight against the Greeks. It also focuses on Grandpa Boris and his rivalry with Shlomo from his village in Russia, which makes for quite the entertainment. Whether you’re a child or an adult, it’s always wonderful to remember the story of this holiday.
Relive this amazing “Rugrats” special here.
- “Nailed It: Holiday!” Season 1, Episode 3 and Season 2, Episode 3
In these two special holiday episodes of “Nailed It”, the baking competition for amateur bakers, contestants focus on various Hanukkah-inspired treats.
In “You Mitzvah Spot,” three bakers try to make dreidel cake pops and three-tier cake from the late and great baker Sylvia Weinstock, with dreidel designs and a menorah and using Kosher wine. In “Shalo-many Fails,” the contestants (including actor Paul Scheer) try to make menorah-topped jelly donuts (sufganiyot) and an inflatable Hanukkah bear cake (complete with a yarmulke).
Judged by Nicole Byer, French pastry chef Jacques Torres, and Weinstock and Israeli pastry chef Ron Ben-Israel filling in as guest judges, these episodes do a great job of highlighting the importance of food during Hanukkah while also teaching viewers about Jewish culture. Plus, there are lots of gelt and iconic Hanukkah-themed outfits.
“Nailed It: Holiday” can exclusively be steamed on Netflix.
- “The O.C.” Season 1, Episode 13: “The Best Chrismukkah Ever”
Oh Seth Cohen, the interfaith boy that you are! On this episode of teenage soap “The O.C.,” Seth Cohen (Adam Brody) tries to get into the “Chrismukkah” spirit with his Jewish dad and Christian mom (Rabbi Noah Roklov most likely wouldn’t approve], unfortunately).
From showing Ryan (Ben Mackenzie) how it’s done to struggling to choose between Summer (Rachel Bilson) and Anna (Samaire Armstrong), it’s his “Chrismukkah,” we’re all just living in it.
The “O.C.” had four Chrismukkah episodes throughout its run, but the original is objectively the best.
Here’s where to watch “The O.C.”
- “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” Season 12, Episode 10: “So You Say”
On this episode of the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” we get a peek into how the housewives celebrate the holidays when Dorit Kemsley and Kyle Richards come together for Hanukkah.
Although this is short, it’s a nice reminder of just how much this holiday means, as Dorit attempts to maintain normalcy with her children while her husband is away. We also get to see Kyle describe how Hanukkah matters to her as a convert. But more than anything, this part of the episode acknowledges how Hanukkah is universal, even for the housewives.
Check out “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” on these platforms.
- “South Park” Season 1, Episode 9: “Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo”
This episode is perfect for the Chrismukkah season. When South Park Elementary attempts to put on a Christmas play, Kyle’s mother, who is Jewish, protests and the town attempts to find a non-offensive alternative.
Kyle suggests Mr. Hankey, whom no one else believes in, a piece of poop who gives all the people who have eaten fiber on Christmas Eve a special gift. Featuring musical numbers, this is an episode that is both hilarious (warning: strong language!) and filled with love for both holidays. We Jews might not have Santa but Mr. Hankey is always available.
Rewatch this fan-favorite “South Park” episode here.
- “Elena of Avalor” Season 3, Episode 17: “Festival of Lights”
For kids everywhere (and adults celebrating Hanukkah away from home), this is an amazing interfaith episode that teaches about tolerance. When the prince, princess, and bubbe of Galonia, a Jewish Latino kingdom, are shipwrecked in Avalor on their way to celebrate Hanukkah, Elena tries to help them celebrate in the castle. This also features a sensational song about the significance of the Hanukkah tradition and has fantastic voice acting performances.
Stream “Elena of Avalor” here or watch the entire episode in the video above.
- “The Nanny” Season 6, Episode 10: “The Hanukkah Story”
Get ready for a fashionable Hanukkah with Fran Fine, only the most stylish nanny from Flushing, Queens! Fran (Fran Drescher) is excited to celebrate Hanukkah with her new husband, Max (Charles Shaughnessy), for the first time, but things get icy when he gets stranded in the car with his youngest daughter Grace (Madeline Zima) amid a snowstorm.
Luckily, miracles happen, especially during the Festival of Lights. This episode also features Ray Charles as Yetta’s (Ann Morgan Guilbert) fiancé and we get some lovely singing out of it.
Find where to watch “The Nanny” here.
- “The Goldbergs” Season 8, Episode 7: “Hanukkah on the Seas”
If there is one actor that takes the cake (or the sufganiyot) for appearing the most on this list, it’s Judd Hirsch.
In this episode of “The Goldbergs,” Pop-Pop (Hirsch) takes the family out for an ill-fated cruise while Erica (Hayley Orrantia) spends Hanukkah with her boyfriend Geoff’s (Sam Lerner) family. Naturally, it isn’t smooth sailing for the holiday and along the way, everyone learns what the true meaning of Hanukkah is: family.
“The Goldbergs” had multiple Hanukkah episodes during its run. Some may be partial to Season 3’s “A Christmas Story” when Beverly (Wendy McLendon-Covey) creates “Super Hanukkah,” a holiday to rival Christmas to compete with their Christian neighbors. However, while we at Unpacked love the razzle dazzle of Super Hanukkah, the spirit of Hanukkah comes across in “Hanukkah on the Seas”
Here’s where to stream “The Goldbergs.”
13. “Friends” Season 7, Episode 10: “The One with the Holiday Armadillo”
It can’t be a Hanukkah roundup without “Friends!”
Ross (David Schwimmer) wants to teach his son, Ben (Cole Sprouse), about Hanukkah but struggles to compete with Santa’s allure.
When he can’t find a Santa costume, Ross improvises and shows up as the “Holiday Armadillo,” Santa’s supposed Tex-Mex friend, to share Jewish traditions. The hilariously chaotic scene escalates when Chandler arrives dressed as Santa and Joey shows up as Superman, blending holiday cheer with classic “Friends” humor.
Here’s where to watch “Friends”
