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Not all Jewish holidays generate as much thrill and excitement as Purim. Purim is an occasion to celebrate the victory of the Jewish people over evil.  Haman, an advisor to the Persian king wanted to eliminate all Jews, but was stopped by the efforts of Esther, the Queen of Persia, who was also Jewish.

The holiday takes place in the Hebrew month of Adar (usually around February or March) and is known for its wild and wacky celebrations, which often involve dressing up in costumes, giving gifts to friends and family, eating hamantashen (triangular pastries filled with fruit or chocolate), and reading the Book of Esther. Oh, and lots of drinking and merrymaking, too!

On this occasion, let loose and have a fun time! When planning Purim party ideas and seeking Purim party entertainment for kids, your options are plenty!

Food: Whether you plan to have a feast at your Purim party that is simple or elaborate, just remember to incorporate the traditional foods of the occasion. From kreplach to hamantaschen, there are so many ways to serve up these dishes.

Mischloach Manot: (also known as) Purim goodie bags: pack up some snacks and treats for your guests, and let them go wild with the creative wrapping.

Crowns: Break out some thick colored construction paper, glitter, and stickers, and let everyone design their own royal headgear.

Purim Storytime: Gather everyone ’round and tell the tale of Queen Esther and her brave stand against evil Haman.

Mishloach mystery bags: Fill bags with different Purim-themed items, like groggers, hamentaschen, and noisemakers. Guests can guess what’s inside for some fun Purim trivia.

Hamantaschen piñata: Kids absolutely love this! Fill a colorful hamantaschen-shaped piñata with candy, and watch the kids have a blast trying to break it open!

Dress up: Invite guests to dress up in costume to your Purim party. Kids will especially like the opportunity to bring back out their Halloween costumes or to come dressed up as something new. To build up even more excitement, plan for a costume contest at your Purim party.

Skits: If you and your party helpers are up to the task, play a short skit from the Book of Esther. If you have guests who are dressed in costume of the characters, you can also offer them the opportunity to take on the role in a skit. Make it fun and entertaining for all!

Music: Music can help lift the energy in the room. Add to your playlist for the party some Purim songs, like The Maccabeats -Purim Song and Raise Your Mask Purim – The Fountainheads.

Photo Booth: Photo booths are both fun for adults and children and the picture printouts help capture the fun times during the occasion. Fill your photo booth with props that help tell the story behind Purim. Find printable props for download and signage for your photo booth at Joyful Jewish.

Kids Entertainment: For Purim party entertainment for kids, set up a game of Hit the Hamantaschen. Review the how-to instructions at Bible Belt Balabusta. Other fun set-ups may include a mask making station. Consider also hiring professional entertainers to take care of the kids entertainment at your Purim party. There will be no shortage of things to do.

From good food, stunning costumes, skits to enjoy, a fun photo booth, and kids entertainment, your guests are sure to have a fun time at your Purim party!

We can also help you to throw an amazing fun Hanukkah party!

When celebrations begin for Purim, kreplach is one of the traditional food items you can expect to see served during the holiday meal. Kreplach is like dumplings. Dough is filled with ground meat, chicken, vegetarian or dairy filling. Sometimes kreplach may be served with soup, while other times it may be baked or fried as a separate dish. So, to serve your Purim party goers with tasty kreplach this holiday, you’ll want to try your hand at some new recipes.

It may be a busy time where you are planning Purim party ideas and looking into Purim party entertainment for kids, but you can find ease knowing there are so many tasty ways you can serve kreplach to your guests with these recipe ideas!

1. Baklava Kreplach: Serve them as an appetizer or dessert. The nutty and sticky sweet flavors of baklava will please all your guests. Review the recipe at Joy of Kosher.
2. Turkey and Greens Kreplach: Kreplach filled with turkey meat and chopped greens are easy ingredients to come by and when served with soup, there is warmth and comfort to be felt by all. Review the recipe at Food Flavor Fascination.
3. Cherry Kreplach: The sweet and tart taste of cherries make a great way to serve kreplach. Review the recipe at Cook It Simply.
4. Cheese Kreplach: If you prefer your kreplach baked instead of fried or served in a soup, give this recipe using cottage cheese a try. Review the recipe at Recipe of Health.
5. Sweet Potato-Stuffed Kreplach: Sweet potatoes are a comfort food and so fitting to stuff in your kreplach. Review the recipe at The Splendid Table.
6. Smoked Salmon Kreplach: If you enjoy fish and like your kreplach crisp, this is the dish for your table. Here is the recipe – To make Smoked Salmon Kreplach, you’ll need a few key ingredients: smoked salmon (obviously), potatoes, onions, eggs, flour, a pinch of salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash them. – Sauté some diced onions until they’re soft and translucent. – Mix the mashed potatoes, onions, eggs, and seasoning into a dough. – Roll out the dough and cut it into small circles. – Fill each circle with smoked salmon and fold into a triangle shape. Then bring a pot of water to a boil, then attentively add the kreplach and let them cook until they float to the surface. Carefully take out the kreplach from the water and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, with sour cream and chives as garnishes!

Purim is a much more relaxed holiday compared to some other Jewish holidays. Have a fun time planning your Purim party festivities and these tasty kreplach dishes!

Related Reading

We can also help you to throw an amazing fun Hanukkah party!

Here is a great list of the best games to play during the 8 days of Hanukah!

Also see how to successfully host a fun Purim celebration.

Here are ten unique Hamantaschen recipes to make for Purim.

Hamantaschen are often associated with the Jewish holiday of Purim. The story behind the holiday was Haman, the Persian king’s advisor wanted to exterminate all Jews. He was stopped when Esther, the Queen of Persia pleaded to the king to stop him. Many say the triangular-shaped cookie pastry is highly symbolic.

Some say the three corners of the hamantaschen resemble that of the hat Haman wore. Others say it’s symbolic to the custom of cutting off a criminal’s ears before execution. There are also others that say it signifies Haman’s pockets and the money he offered to the king for permission to kill the Jews.

Making and eating hamantaschen is largely part of the celebration around Purim. So, if you’re hosting a Purim party, you’ll want to include these unique hamantaschen recipes to your Purim party ideas.

1. Neopolitan Hamantaschen: Ice cream flavor favorites often include vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Create a neopolitan hamantaschen with strawberry cookie filled with chocolate, and that is topped with vanilla drizzle. Review the recipe at The Nosher.
2. Rice Krispie Treats Hamantaschen: If you’re looking to make hamantaschen that’s easy and requires few ingredients, this is the way to go. It’ll delight kids and adults alike. Review the recipe at The Nosher.
3. Candy Cane Cheesecake Hamantaschen: If you have some extra candy canes lying around from the holidays, this will make a wonderful winter wonderland treat. Review the recipe at Kitchen Tested.
4. Fresh Fruit Hamantartlets: Tired of the classic jelly fruit filling? Try topping the hamantaschen with fresh fruits like kiwi, blueberries, and raspberries. Review the recipe at What Jew Wanna Eat.
5. Hamantaschen Truffle Pop: Treats are often more enjoyable on a stick, so give the hamantaschen truffle pop a try! Review the recipe at Joy of Kosher.
6. Chocolate Mousse Filling Pie Pop: For another treat on a stick, try these pie pots with chocolate mousse filling for an uncustomary take to the hamantaschen. Review the recipe at Joy of Kosher.
7. Sushi Hamantaschen: Purim may be a Jewish holiday, but that doesn’t mean sushi needs to be left off the table. In the spirit of Purim, make these adorable sushi hamantaschen. Review the recipe at chabad.org.
8. Chocolate-Filled Funfetti Hamantaschen: Celebrate Purim delighting the kids with funfetti hamantaschen. As they bite into it, they’ll be delighted with chocolate. Planning Purim party entertainment for kids may be keeping you plenty busy, so save some time with this easy recipe at Jewish Kids!
9. Hamantaschen with Chocolate Dough: If you have chocolate lovers to your Purim party, impress them with the chocolate dough hamantaschen. Review the recipe at The Spruce.
10. Apple Pie Hamantaschen: Tasty fillings come in many varieties, but one tried and true filling many seem to enjoy is that of what you’d find in apple pie. Review the recipe at Mother Would Know.
11. Bonus Cookie Recipe #1! Buttery Hamantaschen – These classic cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and feature a buttery dough that’s filled with a variety of fillings, from apricot to chocolate to poppy seed. Below ids the is the full recipie!
    
    Ingredients – 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – 1 teaspoon baking powder – 1/2 teaspoon salt – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – 1/2 cup granulated sugar – 2 large eggs, beaten – 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.

    Steps – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, and mix until perfectly amalgamated. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or glass and place a teaspoon of your desired filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough into a triangular shape to enclose the filling.

    Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each one. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden.

    Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

    Once cool, you can dust the cookies with powdered sugar, or drizzle them with melted chocolate for extra indulgence!

12. Bonus Cookie Recipe #2! Easy Hamantaschen – These cookies are a breeze to make and are very novice-friendly. They feature a simple dough that’s filled with a sweet jam or fruit preserves.
13. Bonus Cookie Recipe #3! Gluten-Free Hamantaschen – These cookies are perfect for those with gluten sensitivities and can be made with a variety of gluten-free flours, such as almond or coconut flour.
14. Bonus Cookie Recipe #4! Raspberry Almond Hamantaschen – These cookies feature a sweet and tangy filling of raspberry preserves and are topped with toasted almonds for a crunchy texture.
15. Bonus Cookie Recipe #5! Pistachio and Rose Water Hamantaschen – These cookies are a unique and elegant twist on the classic recipe, featuring a floral and nutty filling that’s simply divine.

Purim tops as one of the most favored holidays when it comes to Jewish holidays, and hamantaschen is one of the many delights to enjoy during this occasion. Have a fun time making these tasty hamantaschen recipes!

Also see how to host a fun Purim celebration. If you are looking for professional Purim party entertainment, we’ve got you covered!

One of the many tradition when celebrating Purim is the giving of food gifts, known as mishloach manot. Mishloach manot is typically given before the Purim feast is held later in the day. Traditionally, it’s a packaged gift bag or basket filled with cookies, candies, snacks, wine, and fruits. It’s given to strengthen the love and friendship among everyone and to ensure that everyone has enough food for the Purim feast.

Purim commemorates when Esther, Queen of Persia, saved the Jewish people from execution. Haman, the Persian king’s advisor wanted to destroy the Jews. The gesture of sending food gifts to others signals a message that the Jewish are not divided, but united.

If you’re looking for Purim party ideas or Purim party entertainment for kids, here are some fun ways to incorporate mishloach manot to it:

1. Butterfly Bags – At least two ready-to-eat food items are included in the mishloach manot when giving to friends. Have children take part in the party planning by filling up small snack bags with goldfish crackers for one side of the butterfly wing and grapes for the other wing. Divide the two foods with a clothes pin decked with googly eyes and pipe cleaner antennas. See the finished look at Menu Musings of a Modern American Mom.
   
2. S’mores Kit – Take graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows to make a perfect combination that can be nicely and neatly packaged as a mishloach manot. They’re easy to make! Here’s how. Roast marshmallows over an open flame (a campfire, bonfire, or grill works great) until they’re golden brown and gooey. Sandwich the toasted marshmallow between two graham crackers, along with a piece of chocolate (a Hershey’s bar works great, but any chocolate will do). Squish the graham crackers together, and voila – you’ve got yourself a delectable, ooey-gooey s’more!
   
3. Happy Trails Mug – Fill mugs up with trail mix. It’s an easy and creative mishloach manot idea for anyone looking to make an easy food gift for Purim.
   
4. Hot Chocolate in a Jar –  Fill up the mug with a single-serve pack of hot chocolate and throw in some marshmallows for a nice, easy, and warm treat your guests can enjoy at home after all the Purim festivities.
   
5. Popcorn Box – Popcorn isn’t just for the movie theaters. With single-serve pop-up popcorn boxes, fill them up with fresh popcorn and candy as your food gift to friends. It can also be enjoyed during any skits played at your Purim party.
   
6. Salted Caramel Sauce and Apple – Make your own salted caramel sauce and fill them up in a small jar to give along with an apple to your friends. See how it’s done and the finished look at Recipe Girl. There are also free labels to print out for the jar caps.
7. Bonus idea! Mishloach manot – Mishloach manot, also known as Purim baskets, are gifts of yummy food or drink that are given to family, friends, and community members on Purim, a Jewish holiday that celebrates the foiling of a plot to exterminate the Jewish people in ancient Persia. The act of sharing delicious goodies on Purim is a time-honored practice that embodies the essence of the holiday – joy, community, and selflessness. These acts of kindness help with creating a sense of community and honoring the tradition of generosity and charity in Jewish culture. Mishloach manot can include all sorts of goodies, like nuts, candies, pastries, fruits, wine, and other treats.

These food gift ideas are enjoyable for all, but especially for kids. Show your friends you value their friendship this Purim with these unique food gift ideas.

Checkout our Hanukkah party packages!

Here are some games to play during the Eight days of Hanukah!

See this post about hosting a fun Purim party.

Also see, 10 Hamantaschen recipes to make.

There are many Jewish holidays, but Purim is one that is especially festive and fun. Kids parties and carnivals are often held to celebrate Purim. During this occasion, adults and children may dress up in costume as they attend events, as well as to work, school, and synagogues.

Purim is known as the “Festival of Lots.” It commemorates the day Jewish people were saved from Haman, a man who had a plot to kill all Jews. The day before Purim, fasting occurs. It commemorates the three days Esther, the Queen of Persia fasted before approaching the king to stop Haman from destroying the Jews. On Purim, people celebrate with a big meal and fun activities.

Whether you’re hosting a Purim party of your own or attending a Purim event in your local area, here are some costume ideas for a fun time.

• Purim Characters: Dress in the character of Esther, Haman, Mordecai, or King Ahasuerus. It’ll be a great way to commemorate the people and the story behind the occasion.

  Queen Esther: If you adorn yourself robe or a long flowy dress in a regal color like blue or purple, a crown or tiara, because you’re a super brave queen, and flowing wig will make you look like the Jewish heroine herself! Also get yourself a luxurious cape or shawl to wrap yourself in and some bling, baby! Think dazzling jewelry (like big, beautiful diamonds that glimmer and gleam like stars in a midnight sky), bracelets, and rings.

  Mordechai: Go for a traditional long flowing robe, preferably in a somber color like navy or burgundy. Get yourself a fake beard (unless you have one already!), and a tall distinctive hat called a “kippah” or “yarmulke.”, and you’ll be the Purim MVP.

  Haman: Put on a fancy robe and a villainous sneer, and you’ll be the baddest Persian around.Vashti: The former queen of Persia was a fierce and fabulous lady, so rock a fancy dress and a crown, and you’ll be the belle of the Purim ball.

  The King: Throw on a fancy robe, a crown, and a fake beard, and you’ll be the ruler of Purim town.

  A Megillah Scroll: Roll yourself up in a white sheet, and you’ll be the hottest parchment on the block.

• Purim Food: Not all costumes have to be that of a person or character. Why not try dressing up as some of the food delights enjoyed during Purim? Dress up as a hamantaschen or kreplach!
• Group Costume: Some of the best costumes are those that work as a team. Celebrate the Jewish tradition of giving mishloach manot, a traditional Purim food package. Families can dress up to parties and events as a mishloach manot by having each member represent a food item found in the package. Pick from dressing up as a wine bottle, grapes, to pastries.
• Superheroes and Princesses: Purim celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the importance of diversity and tolerance, so let the Halloween costumes come out again whether it’s Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Snow White, Belle, or Mulan. Find a list of other fun costume characters here.
• Evil Villains: As we commemorate Purim, the evil villain on this occasion is Haman. Costumes of evil villains can provide children the opportunity to explore good and evil in a safe way. Consider dressing up as Haman or other evil villains like the wicked witch, one of the wicked step mothers from any of the Disney fairytale stories, the Joker, or Darth Vader.

Purim is a holiday where you can creatively dress up for fun. Many of the synagogues and carnivals have Purim party ideas in place for a fun time. Many will also include Purim party entertainment for kids, so get out there and enjoy the “Festival of Lots” donned in a fun costume!  

Take a moment and see how to host the perfect Purim party celebration! We’ve also got the best game ideas to play during the eight days of Chanukah.

We are also the party-starters, the dreidel-spinners, the latke-lovers extraordinaire! when it comes to kids Hanukah party entertainment!

It’s the most wonderful time of year and that’s why counting down to Christmas can be especially fun for all. The countdown begins on December 1^st and activities can run from outdoor festivities, faith-based events, help at a local charity, to arts and crafts.

Where do you begin? Check out our top 10 activities to help with the countdown to Christmas:

1.     Christmas Tree Lighting: Many local towns and communities have Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies. Head over to enjoy the sight of the tree lit up for the holidays!

2.     Go Ice Skating: It’s a magical time of year and the fun of skating on ice will bring out everyone’s holiday spirit.

3.     Pay a Visit to Santa: From local businesses to the malls, lines run long year after year for the chance to see Santa. Pay a visit, or better yet, host your own holiday party with friends and family with Santa Claus and his crew visiting. It can be easily done with a Christmas package.

4.     Music/Christmas Show: If you’re in New York City, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a great hit for all ages. Local schools may also have their own programmed Christmas show performed by students for the public to attend.

5.     Donate: In the spirit of giving, donate your time and/or money by helping at a local pantry or gathering small gifts to give to a local shelter or children’s hospital. To make this a family event, all members can take part in helping those in need or shopping for small gift items to give.

6.     Christmas Cookies: Bake away to your heart’s desire. Making delicious treats can be fun and perfect to give away as gifts, too! Pillsbury.com offers a “Cookie Countdown” full of great recipes.

7.     Gingerbread House: The sight of a gingerbread house with gumdrops and other candies all around inspires sweet thoughts. Countdown to Christmas decorating one of your own with the family.

8.     Write a Letter to Santa: What will be on your list for this Christmas? Get it out early as Santa wants to know what you want this Christmas and how you’ve been good throughout the year.

Why write a letter to Santa?

9.     Make Paper Snowflakes: Take out the paper and scissors and make paper snowflakes to decorate your windows. Even if it’s not snowing outside, it’ll look like it is. Why make paper snowflakes? They’re easy to make, so anyone can join in on the fun and the final product is always unique – no two snowflakes are ever alike, just like real snowflakes!

10.  Christmas Eve Mass: On Christmas Eve, head to a local cathedral and hear angelic voices singing to Christmas.

Christmas is a time of joy, giving, and celebration! Gather together with friends and family and enjoy the activities together to help countdown to Christmas.

We have party characters if you need them! ~ Santa Claus costume character, Frosty himself, a very helpful young girl elf and an ameliorative male elf!

Christmas is a time of year that many children look forward to, and we can easily see why between the parties, presents, and of course, the sweet, decorative treats. From Santa, snowmen, reindeers, candy canes, Christmas trees, to the elves, Christmas party treat ideas are plenty. If you’re hosting a Christmas party this holiday season, consider these top 10 Christmas party treats to delight the kids with.

1.     Santa Hat Cupcakes
Kids love cupcakes, but they’ll love them even more when you deck them out to look like Santa. Here’s how to make them.

• Get a box of your favorite vanilla cupcakes and bake them according to the box directions. Then simply let them
  cool.
• Make a batch of buttercream (or buy pre-made) frosting and color it red with food coloring.
• Use a piping bag to frost the cupcakes, starting with a cone-shaped pile of frosting in the center to create Santa’s “hat.”
• Add a mini marshmallow to the top of each hat for Santa’s pom-pom.

2.     Candy Cane Twist Cookies
The sight of candy cane often signals Christmas. Delight children with candy cane-shaped cookies by twisting rolls of plain cookie dough. Use food coloring to help make a batch of red dough and brown dough to mix with the plain dough. This treat has been featured in Country Living.

3.     Christmas Tree Brownies
Turn the plain brownie into a Christmas tree, and what’s even better is when you can eat it off a candy cane stick.

Here’s a Christmas Tree Brownies recipe that’ll put you in a holly jolly mood:

• Whip up a batch of your most beloved brownies, and chill ’em out.
• Rock those brownies into a triangle shape to resemble a Christmas tree.
• Decorate the brownies by drizzling on some ooey gooey melted chocolate or icing, adding small candies or sprinkles to create ornaments.
• For a final festive touch, drizzle some white chocolate over the top to create a snowy effect.

4.     Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups
A cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows is always appealing on a cold winter’s day, so you can bet the kids will also love this creative hot chocolate cookie cup treat. Find the recipe at The Gunny Sack.

5.     Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Reindeer
Make sure the reindeers are out in full force for your Christmas party with these marshmallow chocolate covered reindeers on a stick. Find the recipe at Yellow Bliss Road.

6.     Grinch Kranky Crispy Treat
If your kids love rice crispy treats, they’ll love eating away at the Grinch who stole Christmas. Find the recipe at Delish.

7.     Funfetti Shortbread Bites
They’re festive! They’re bite-size! They’re irresistible! And they make great little gifts you can package. Find the recipe at Cooking Classy.

8.     Christmas Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods
For an easy treat to make that’s also festive and fun to snack on at your Christmas holiday party, go with pretzel rods dipped in chocolate with festive holiday color sprinkles throughout. Find the recipe at Kitchen Is my Playground.

Christmas is one of the best holidays for delightful treats for the kids because you have so many awesome themes to work with.

It’s time to get your Christmas themed red party pants on and take your X-mas shindig to the next level with Clowns.com. Our boy elves and girl peeps are winter wonderland party pros and they have a passion for making your guests feel like VIPs. So, if you’re ready, let’s get your party poppin’! Call 516-577-0000 to get more information.

There are so many holiday Christmas songs to select from that narrowing it down to a playlist can be challenging. When you have a Christmas party with both adults and children, it’s important to find the right balance. Try to mix in some old-school holiday classics with the songs of today (or modern takes to the classics). We’ve done the work for you and here are our top 10 Christmas songs picks that you can play at your next Christmas holiday gathering.

1.     Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (1960) – Sung by Brenda Lee
A great song to play as your guests arrive to the Christmas party. The words set the tone for a fun time! This one is a catchy, upbeat tune that gets your guests movin’ and groovin’. The lyrics are wholesome and nostalgic. It’s truly the perfect holiday bop!

2.     Christmas Time is Here (1965) – By Vince Guaraldi Trio
For a calmer and gentler take suitable for playing while friends and family are mingling and catching up, this classic is the perfect selection. The mellow piano, jazzy flute, and somber melody create a mood that’s wistful, yet hopeful. The lyrics capture the bittersweet nature of the holiday season and evoke the true joy of togetherness.

3.     All I Want for Christmas Is You (1994) – Sung by Mariah Carey
The song not only get you into the holiday mood, but it puts the holiday into perspective. It’s not about the presents, but simply being around the people you love and care about. The lyrics are just the right mix of romantic, sentimental, and maybe a tad cheesy – it’s the definition of a guilty pleasure!

4.     Holy Night (1994) – Sung by Mariah Carey
Yes, Mariah Carey makes our list twice. She’s simply a pro when it comes to Christmas music, and this one plays to the religious experience around Christmas.

5.     Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow (1998) – Sung by Martina McBride
Whether it’s snowy or not outside this holiday season, this song will put the mood in place for a white Christmas.

6.     Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays (1998) – Sung by NSYNC
Send out holiday greeting messages to guests through the music you play. Following on its title, you’ll be wishing your guests “Merry Christmas!” and “Happy Holidays!”

7.     The Christmas Song (2003) – Sung by Trace Adkins
For a touch of country to a Christmas song classic, this makes a great pick! Trace Adkins nails this one with a hearty baritone and twangy guitar. It’s the perfect song for sipping hot cocoa by the fire while decking the halls.

8.     Santa Baby (2007) – Sung by Taylor Swift
Take a classic holiday song originally recorded by Eartha Kitt and give it to Taylor Swift, and you get a nice mix that works for the older and younger generation. We love that the lyrics also speaks to what many children are wishing for, that Santa “hurry down the chimney, tonight!”

9.     Do You Hear What I Hear (2007) – Sung by Carrie Underwood
Christmas is a magical time of year and this song speaks to the special occasion.

10.  You Make It Feel Like Christmas (2017) – Sung by Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton
There’s no better present for Christmas than being with the ones you love, and this song speaks to that.

Music helps generate a mood and energy for the party. This Christmas, make sure these selections top your playlist.

If you are planning a Christmas bash, you can invite a real Santa and his The Crimson-Nosed Crusader: Rudolph.

Clowns.com can bring the perfect dose of holiday whimsy with our enchanting elf performers. Whether you opt for a lady elf  or a boy elf, our merry mischief-makers are guaranteed to sprinkle some North Pole magic on your event!

See all of our holiday party entertainers.

Chanukah is a joyful holiday with rituals like menorah lighting each night of the eight-day celebration. There’s also fried food as well as fun and games. Some of the best games are played when you have a large gathering of friends and family over for your Chanukah party. With eight days of celebration, here are some of the best games you and your guests can play besides the traditional game of Dreidel.

Latke Stacker
Latke (potato pancakes) is a traditional fried food cooked for Chanukah. See who can stack them the highest and then enjoy them together after the game.

Hide the Chocolate Gelt
Gelt is chocolate coins typically given to children during the celebration of Chanukah. In this game, gelt is hidden throughout your home. Children have a mission to find as many of the chocolate treats as they can. It’s a different take on the Easter egg hunt.

Pin the Shamash
If you’ve played “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” you’ll have no problem with this game. The goal is to pin the shamash to the menorah. Take a large paper to draw out a menorah or use felt to create the menorah, then hang it up to the wall or an easel for the pinning-fun to begin.

Dreidel Spinoff
Anyone who can spin a dreidel can take part in this game. The mission is for each participant to spin the dreidel and it’s timed to a stop watch. The one with the longest dreidel spinning time wins the “pot.”

Gelt Checkers
If you enjoy a game of Checkers, then you’ll like “Gelt Checkers.” Instead of having red and black colored tokens, the checker board is topped with silver and gold gelt to represent the different players.

Menorah Ring Toss
The lighting of the menorah is a key element to celebrating Chanukah. Bring the festivities of the occasion to life with a game of ring toss using the menorah. Players are given rings to see who can land the most around each arm of the menorah. To spice it up, anyone who can get a ring on the shamash is awarded extra points.

Spin the Dreidel
It’s just like Spin the Bottle, except you will use a dreidel. Land on the winning side to be the victor and select a prize!

Hanukkah Pictionary
Divide the players into teams with at least 2 on a team. Draw a Hanukkah-themed word and have your team guess what it is. The player then has 60 seconds to draw the word or phrase. If the team guesses correctly within the time limit, they get a point. Mazel tov if you guess correctly!

Musical Latkes
A twist on musical chairs, but with latkes instead. When the music stops, quickly sit on a latke and ty not to be the unlucky left one without a seat!

Chocolate Gelt Toss:
Throw chocolate coins into a bowl or jar and see who can get the most in. You can make it so that you get bonus points for making it from far away!

Light the Menorah Relay Race:
Two teams race to light all the candles on their menorahs first. Light ’em up!

Chanukah Trivia:
Test your knowledge of Chanukah facts and traditions with a trivia game. Study up and be the Chanukah champion!

Your Chanukah party will come alive even more with these wonderful games incorporating some of the elements and traditions of the occasion.

To book a Chanukah party call 516-577-0000 today!

Fun holiday crafts are a great way to spend time with friends and family and to get into the holiday spirit, especially for kids. This Hanukkah, decorate your home with some easy DIY craft ideas. And if you’re hosting a Hanukkah party, there are many craft ideas that will work well for the party, too! With so many fun traditions to Hanukkah, here are some easy Hanukkah-themed craft ideas.

Washi Tape Hanukah Cards
Wish your friends and family a Happy Hanukkah with a DIY Hanukkah card. There are so many ways you can get creative with washi tape, from making a menorah, the Star of David, to the dreidel. The card can easily turn colorful with the use of different washi tape designs. Review the DIY steps from Creative Jewish Mom.

Paper Plate Menorah Using Clothespins
Some of the easiest crafts are done with paper plates and this one is no different. Kids and adults can have fun painting clothespins to stand as the candles on the paper plate menorah. This can make for a great decorative item in the kids’ corner during the holiday. Review the DIY steps from Simple Play Ideas.

Tissue Paper Suncatcher
From the Star of David to the dreidel, make suncatchers using craft sticks and blue tissue paper. Review the DIY steps from Craft Project Ideas.

Menorah Out of Craft Sticks
Craft sticks are the best, and you’ll see why once you complete this menorah craft using colored craft sticks. It’s easy enough to do together with young children or independently for school-aged children. All it takes is some glue and help cutting out the flames for the candles. Review the final product from Creative Jewish Mom.

Sand Art Menorah and Candles
Looking for a more modern look to the menorah this Hanukkah, try sand art menorah. Taking small glass jars and one larger glass jar, fill them up in colored sand. Add in a silver straw topped with a yellow ribbon to each jar and you’ll have a colorful and modern-looking menorah to display. Review the DIY steps from Parents (#3).

DIY Hanukkah garland
String together paper dreidels, stars of David, and blue and white pom-poms for a festive Hanukkah touch.

Hanukkah paper lanterns
Fold and cut paper into eight-sided lanterns and add decorations like glitter and stars.

Hanukkah centerpieces:
Arrange blue and white candles, berries, and greenery in a hurricane vase for a simple, elegant look.

Upcycle old CDs into colorful, spinning Hanukkah mobiles
Here is how to do this. Get some old CDs, paint or markers and paint each CD with a different design, color, or pattern. Then take a hole punch make make a hole in the center of each CD. String the CDs together using fishing line , thin string or thread, spacing them evenly apart. Hang the mobile from a hook or ceiling fan, and watch it spin and twinkle! Voila! You’ve got a beautiful Hanukkah decoration that’s both festive and eco-friendly!

Acorn Spinners
Children all around celebrating Hanukkah are spinning the dreidel. This holiday, get playful spinning acorns made to look like dreidels. Take acorn shells and shape a small piece of modeling clay into an elongated ball to stuff into the shell. Then, place a match stick in the center of the modeling clay. Allow for it to dry before letting the spinning action begin. This craft was featured on Parents (#11).

Here are a few more cool ideas!

• Create your own unique paper dreidels using colorful paper and markers
• Make a “Menorah Madness” garland by stringing together mini menorahs made out of pipe cleaners or felt
• Turn empty toilet paper rolls into mini-Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coin) containers
• Use glitter and stickers to decorate plain candles for a glitzy Hanukkah centerpiece.

Prep your celebration for Hanukkah with these creative, fun, and easy DIY craft ideas!

Call Clowns.com today at 516-577-0000 to plan a Hanukkah party.