Best DIY Hanukkah Menorahs That Actually Work!

Looking to create a unique menorah? Check out these DIY menorah ideas for inspiration.

Hanukkah 2023 starts at nightfall on December 7, 2023 and ends with nightfall on December 15, 2023

Do you have your Hanukkah menorah?  Whether you have your own already, need a new one, or want to start a new tradition, a homemade menorah will be a cherished item.

Learn how to make your own DIY menorah here.

DIY Hanukkah Menorahs for Kids and Adults

In my home, I love DIY projects and making my own household products, so I thought why not put together a list of ways to make your own menorah.

In some families, each member lights their own menorah every night.  My kids have their own menorahs that my parents gave them a few years ago.

When it comes to homemade menorahs, there are all kinds of options with different materials, sizes, and shapes.

My Favorite DIY Hanukkah Menorahs You Can Make at Home That Really Work

Here are a few of my favorite ideas for making your own menorah at home.  Some of these craft ideas are very easy while others may need adult supervision and expertise.

Though there are several edible menorah ideas and non-functional menorah craft ideas out there, these are real, usable menorahs.

We’ve turned our best tips into quick-read books, and we’re publishing new ones every week. See the full collection here: amazon.com/author/chachingqueen.

LEGO DIY Hanukkah Menorahs

Turn the Legos Duplo upside down and use the bottom part of the Lego as a candle holder.  Be careful, as I’m not sure what happens when the flame approaches the plastic.

Or use the regular small Legos to make a menorah at home. Here is how:

LEGO Menorah Instructions:

Pieces Needed:

• 9 transparent or colored 1×1 round LEGO bricks for candles
• 1 rectangular LEGO brick for the base
• 8 transparent or colored 1×1 round flat LEGO bricks for candle flames
• 1 longer transparent or colored 1×1 flat LEGO brick for the “Shamash” (center candle)

Step-by-Step Guide To Make Menorah Out Of Legos:

1. Base: Start with the rectangular LEGO brick. This will be the base of your menorah.
2. Place the Shamash: In the center of the base, attach the longer 1×1 flat LEGO brick vertically to represent the Shamash, the central candle used to light the others.
3. First Row of Candles: Surround the Shamash with four 1×1 round LEGO bricks on each side, creating the first row of candles.
4. Second Row of Candles: On top of the first row, place four more 1×1 round LEGO bricks for the second row of candles.
5. Candle Flames: On top of each 1×1 round brick, attach a 1×1 round flat LEGO brick in a contrasting color to represent the flames.
6. Finish the Shamash: Place a 1×1 round flat LEGO brick on top of the Shamash, also in a contrasting color for the flame.
7. Final Touches: Adjust the colors and ensure all bricks are firmly attached.

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Alphabet Block Children’s Menorah

This is a working Hanukkah menorah made out of alphabet blocks and metal nuts. Get the instructions for this Alphabet Block Kids Menorah here.

DIY Menorahs – Make Your Own Modern Copper Menorah

Celebrate Hanukkah DIY style with this easy-to-follow modern copper menorah tutorial!

Upcycled Chanukah Menorah

Upcycling Hanukkah Craft… DIY Upcycled Chanukah Menorah with easy, step by step instructions using recycled baby food jars and tea lights.

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Simple Hardware DIY Menorah. OY VEY!

With just 9 small hex nuts, 8 short lag shields, 1 long lag shield, 1 full thread bolt, and 8 larger hex nuts you can make your own menorah! Get the instructions for this Nuts and Bolts Hanukkah Menorah here.

Wooden Spool Menorah DIY

In order to make this easy homemade menorah, you just need to put it together with a few wooden spools.

Do-it-Yourself Clay Menorah

Use Crayola Air Dry Clay to make your very own menorahs. If you choose this DIY Chanukah menorah, then you can get a 2.5 pound bucket for just $4.99.

Pasta Menorah – Chanukah DIY Menorahs

You can make a menorah out of pasta!

Edible Menorah Treats: A Delicious Twist on Tradition

For a festive and edible menorah that adds a delightful touch to your Hanukkah celebration, try these delicious marshmallow dreidels and pretzel menorah sticks.

This simple and fun recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients:

For the Marshmallow Dreidels:

• Marshmallows
• Chocolate chips
• Pretzel sticks
• Edible markers or icing for decorating

For the Pretzel Menorah Sticks:

• Pretzel rods
• White chocolate or candy melts
• Assorted colorful sprinkles

Instructions:

Marshmallow Dreidels:

1. Prepare the Dreidel Bases: Insert a pretzel stick into the bottom of each marshmallow to create the dreidel base.
2. Create Dreidel Faces: Use edible markers or icing to draw the Hebrew letters Nun, Gimel, Hey, and Shin (representing “Nes Gadol Haya Sham”) on each side of the marshmallow.
3. Attach Chocolate Tips: Melt the chocolate chips and dip the top of each marshmallow into the melted chocolate to create the dreidel tips.
4. Let Them Set: Place the dreidels on parchment paper and allow them to set until the chocolate hardens.

Pretzel Menorah Sticks:

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate or candy melts according to the package instructions.
2. Dip the Pretzel Rods: Dip each pretzel rod into the melted chocolate, ensuring an even coating.
3. Add Sprinkles: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle assorted colorful sprinkles onto the coated pretzel rods to represent the candles.
4. Let Them Set: Place the pretzel rods on parchment paper and allow them to set until the chocolate hardens.

Assemble the Edible Menorah:

1. Arrange the Pretzel Rods: Place the coated pretzel rods side by side on a serving platter, forming the menorah base.
2. Insert the Marshmallow Dreidels: Carefully insert the marshmallow dreidels into the pretzel rods to represent the candles.
3. Light and Enjoy: Just like a traditional menorah, “light” the edible candles each night of Hanukkah by removing and enjoying one marshmallow dreidel at a time.

This edible menorah is not only a delicious treat but also a delightful activity for the whole family.

Here are a few semi-homemade Hanukkah Menorahs.  Get these kits to save some time

Creating Your Own Menorah: How To Make A Menorah

Making your own menorah can add a personal touch to your Hanukkah celebrations. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to craft a simple menorah using easily accessible materials:

Materials needed to make your own Hanukkah menorah:

1. 9 candle holders or glass cups (for safety)
2. 1 central candle holder (for the “Shamash”)
3. Wooden board or sturdy base
4. Acrylic paint or wood stain
5. Paintbrushes
6. Hanukkah candles

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Collect all the materials needed for your DIY menorah. Ensure that the candle holders are heat-resistant and safe for use with open flames.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

Choose a wooden board or a sturdy base that will serve as the foundation for your menorah. You can purchase a pre-cut board or repurpose materials like a wooden plank.

Step 3: Arrange the Candle Holders

Position the 9 candle holders evenly on the board, representing the 8 nights of Hanukkah and the central “Shamash” candle. Make sure they are secure and evenly spaced.

Step 4: Paint or Stain the Menorah

Get creative with colors! Paint or stain the entire menorah, including the candle holders and the base. Choose traditional colors like blue and silver or go with your favorite hues. Allow the paint or stain to dry completely.

Step 5: Decorate (Optional)

Add personal touches to your menorah. Consider painting meaningful symbols, adding glitter, or incorporating patterns that hold significance for you and your family.

Step 6: Insert the Candles

Place Hanukkah candles into each candle holder, reserving the central one for the “Shamash.” Ensure that all candles are secure.

Step 7: Light Your DIY Menorah

As the sun sets and the festival of lights begins, light the candles from left to right, adding one candle each night. Use the “Shamash” to light the others, symbolizing the spreading of light and joy.

Step 8: Enjoy the Glow

Admire your handcrafted menorah as it illuminates your home each night of Hanukkah. Share the joy of the festival with loved ones, and let the warmth of the candles create a festive atmosphere.

Get more budget-friendly ways to celebrate the holidays here.

See also Tu Bishvat Activities – Free Activities for Kids

This is a post originally written by ChaChingQueen founder Rachel.

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