This year, so many people want to get out and enjoy the world for the holiday season. Hanukkah is no exception to the rule. However, it can be tough to find things to do for Hanukkah, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Luckily, there are a few things to consider that can typically be enjoyed in your community. These activities tend to be low-cost and will allow you to have more fun as you enjoy every day of Hannukah in a new and inspiring way.

1. Explore Light Exhibits
Hanukkah is a celebration of light, so what is a better way to celebrate than to spend some time admiring lights? Instead of staying in for Hanukkah, spend a little time walking around your community to see what lights your neighborhood has put up. You might also look to see if there are any light exhibits in your community. Some communities will even set up light trails that will allow you to enjoy the lights while still getting plenty of exercises. If you do a little research online, you may even find Hannukah-themed light displays, which can bring plenty of joy to the kids in your life.

2. Learn Candle Making
Candles play a large role in Hannukah, which is why learning to make candles can be a great activity during this time. Many hobby stores offer candle-making lessons, so you might consider looking around to see if any are available in your area. Some artists will also host classes when asked, so if you’re happy to put down a deposit then this may be a great activity for family and friends that are also celebrating the holiday. If you want to save a bit of money, then you can also look up tutorials online. There are many videos that will show you exactly what needs to be done, so all you’ll need to do is purchase the materials needed. This can also be a great activity for get-togethers.

3. Paint Party
Paint parties have become incredibly popular over the years because they are affordable, fun, and great for all ages. You might look around to see if any of the local shops in your area are offering a Hannukah-themed paint party. If so, then you should be able to save quite a bit of money on the activity. If not, then you can also request a party. You usually have to pay a fee for this, but if your party all chips in then it won’t cost a lot of money. This will allow you to choose a holiday theme that will suit your home’s seasonal décor. It can be fun for children and adults, which makes it the perfect activity for the season.

4. Volunteer
Hannukah is the perfect time to give back to the community that you reside in. So, volunteering is the perfect way to get out of the house and do something exceptional for Hanukkah. There are so many ways to volunteer during this time of the year. Where charities like Habitat for Humanity may not be looking for people due to the weather, you’ll find charities like the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and food banks are always looking for new volunteers. You might also check in with local animal services, as this time of the year can be taxing, and more strays are picked up due to the weather.

5. Visit Local Bakeries
The food you eat during Hannukah can bring lots of joy. If your family loves to follow the tradition of eating jelly donuts, then this activity is going to be a great option for you. During the holiday, you might make a point of trying a new local bakery each day. You might be surprised by how many places that you’ve yet to try and may love. Plus, supporting local small businesses can truly help during the season of giving when many people are financially strained. If you want to give back to your community then consider buying extra donuts for your colleagues or passing them out to those in need.

6. Dreidel in the Park
Playing dreidel is a classic holiday activity that you won’t want to miss out on. However, if you’d like to change things up a bit then you might consider taking your game to the park. You can play with other people in your community or invite family and friends to go with you. Over the last few years, we’ve spent a lot of time at home due to Covid-19 restrictions. So, getting out in the fresh air and enjoying such a wonderful tradition with the community may be a great way to embrace the holiday.

7. Visit a Museum
Hanukkah is a great time to connect with your heritage and learn more about history. That is why visiting a museum is one of the best activities that you can embrace. You might consider visiting a museum in your community or traveling to a different community to check out a new museum. There are many museums dedicated to Jewish heritage across the nation, but some museums may also put-up exhibits during the holiday season. If you’re not Jewish, then this activity is a great one to show support for your community.

8. Enjoy Community Activities
In many communities, there are Hanukkah activities that you can take part in. These are usually free or low-cost, which will allow you to plan to suit your budget. These activities might include food, games, music, and other aspects of the holiday that the whole family can enjoy. These events are more common in larger communities, but smaller communities may offer them too. You might contact your synagogue to ask about these activities.

9. Explore the Library
If you’re hoping to connect with your ancestry during the holiday, then there is another great outing you should consider. That is the library. Your library actually offers lots of great resources to help you follow your family tree and embrace the story of your ancestors. If you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to research in the library, then ask a librarian. Most will be able to point you in the right direction. You’ll get a lot of use out of the library’s archives, which can help you to find leads that you never thought possible without paying a hefty fee.

10. Visit Relatives
Like most holidays, a time to celebrate also means time with family. The last couple of years were touch and go when it came to spending time with loved ones, so you’ll definitely want to enjoy some time with people you are about this year. If you can, travel to see some of the people you love or just have a small gathering with friends and family that are in your community. This will help you to enjoy the holiday even more while allowing you to truly embrace one of the most important aspects of Hanukkah.

Hannukah doesn’t have to be a high expenditure this season, nor does it mean you have to spend the entire holiday at home. These ten ideas can get you out of the house, so you can enjoy the holiday more. With a few ideas to help you mix things up a bit, you may even create new traditions to embrace.