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!