100+ Hanukkah Trivia Questions for a Holiday Team Game

Whether your team knows the story of the Maccabees by heart or is discovering Hanukkah for the first time, Hanukkah trivia is a fun and festive way to learn, connect, and celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights at work.

We’ve gathered a wide range of questions from history and time-honored traditions to mouthwatering holiday treats and more. So team up to see who shines the brightest in your Hanukkah trivia challenge.

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Is Hanukkah Trivia Ideal for a Holiday Team Party?

Yes. Hanukkah trivia is an inclusive and fun way to bring your team together during holiday celebrations. The game’s engaging format makes it easy for both those just discovering the meaningful holiday and those who know their dreidels from their gelts. 

With questions that blend history, customs, and festive fun, Hanukkah trivia is a great way to celebrate diversity, learn about rich cultural traditions, and enjoy some lighthearted team competition.

100+ Hanukkah Trivia Questions and Answers for Teams

Test your team’s knowledge about the Festival of Lights with these engaging Hanukkah trivia questions. They cover everything from traditional foods and customs to menorahs and dreidels, to host a festive and fun team-building game.

1. Hanukkah History & Traditions

Explore the history of Hanukkah, from the miracle of the oil to the rededication of the Second Temple, with these Hanukkah trivia questions.

Q: In which century did the events of Hanukkah take place?

A: 2nd century BCE

Q: Which Jewish group led the revolt against the Seleucid Empire?

A: The Maccabees

Q: What miracle is Hanukkah most famously associated with?

A: The oil in the temple menorah lasted eight days

Q: How many days is Hanukkah traditionally celebrated?

A: Eight days and nights

Q: What does the word “Hanukkah” mean in Hebrew?

A: Dedication

Q: Which king’s decrees prompted the Jewish revolt that Hanukkah commemorates?

A: Antiochus IV Epiphanes

Q: Who was the father of Judah Maccabee, the leader of the Maccabean revolt?

A: Mattathias

Q: What temple was rededicated after the Maccabees’ victory?

A: The Second Temple in Jerusalem

Q: Who was the leader of the Jewish revolt after the death of Mattathias?

A: Judah Maccabee

Q: Which Jewish text recounts the story of the Maccabean revolt?

A: The Books of First and Second Maccabees

Q: What type of warfare did the Maccabees famously use against the Seleucid army?

A: Guerrilla tactics

Q: What city was the center of the revolt and the location of the Second Temple?

A: Jerusalem

Q: Which Jewish sect existed during the time of the Maccabees and the revolt?

A: Hasideans

Q: How long did the Maccabees fight before reclaiming the temple?

A: Three years

Q: During Hanukkah, what is the menorah also called in Hebrew?

A: Chanukkiyah or Hanukkiyah

Q: After reclaiming the temple, what did the Maccabees cleanse it of?

A: Idolatrous objects and desecration

Q: What is the traditional greeting exchanged during Hanukkah?

A: “Chag Sameach” and “Hanukkah Sameach”

Q: Which public custom during Hanukkah reflects sharing the miracle with the community?

A: Placing the menorah in a visible window where it can be seen from the streets.

Q: What type of oil was used in the original Hanukkah menorah miracle?

A: Olive oil

Q: What date does Hanukkah begin on the Hebrew calendar?

A: 25th of the Hebrew month of Kislev

Q: Which sacred text contains the laws and teachings central to Jewish life?

A: The Torah

2. Jewish Food and Drinks

These Hanukkah trivia questions are all about delicious treats like latkes, sufganiyot, kugel, brisket, and more that people enjoy during the festival. 

Q: Which fried potato pancake is traditionally eaten during Hanukkah?

A: Latke

Q: What sweet jelly-filled doughnut is popular during Hanukkah?

A: Sufganiyah

Q: Which oil is traditionally used to fry Hanukkah foods?

A: Olive

Q: Which dairy product is sometimes eaten during Hanukkah to honor the story of Judith?

A: Cheese

Q: What sweet topping is commonly added to latkes?

A: Applesauce

Q: What filling is most traditional inside a sufganiyah?

A: Red strawberry jam or jelly

Q: What is the main ingredient of latkes?

A: Potato

Q: Which dough-based pastry, sometimes with nuts or chocolate, is eaten during Hanukkah?

A: Rugelach

Q: What sesame-based candy is occasionally prepared for Hanukkah?

A: Halva

Q: What Moroccan-style fried doughnut, usually coated with sugar or honey, is eaten during Hanukkah?

A: Sfenj

Q: Which Sephardic Hanukkah dish is a leek fritter, traditionally fried in oil?

A: Keftes de Prasa

Q: Which dish consists of thin pancakes filled with sweet cheese, often served during Hanukkah?

A: Cheese blintzes

Q: Which rolled pastry, often filled with nuts, chocolate, or jam, is popular during Hanukkah?

A: Rugelach

Q: Which sweet yeast fritter, sometimes flavored with cinnamon, is eaten in Sephardic Jewish homes?

A: Bimuelos

Q: What almond-based sweet is sometimes made as a crunchy treat during Hanukkah?

A: Mandelbrot or mandel bread

Q: Which fried or baked meat-filled pastry is popular in some Sephardic Hanukkah traditions?

A: Bourekitas or burekas

Q: Which braided bread, often slightly sweet, is served in Jewish homes and sometimes during Hanukkah meals?

A: Challah

Q: Which Sephardic Hanukkah dish is a fried bulgur and meat croquette?

A: Kibbeh or Kubbeh

Q: Which chocolate coin is traditionally given to children during Hanukkah?

A: Gelt

Q: Which Sephardic fried pastry is often shaped into spirals and drizzled with honey during Hanukkah?

A: Hojuelas

3. Chanukah Symbols and Objects

See how well your team knows the meaning behind sacred Hanukkah symbols and objects, like menorahs, dreidels, gelt, and the Star of David.

Q: What special candle is used to light the others on the menorah?

A: The shamash 

Q: What is the nine-branched candelabrum used during Hanukkah called?

A: Menorah

Q: What spinning top, often used in Hanukkah games, has Hebrew letters on each side?

A: Dreidel

Q: Which coins are traditionally given as gifts or used in dreidel games?

A: Gelt

Q: Which Hebrew letters are found on a dreidel?

A: Hey, Gimel, Nun, and Shin

Q: What does the Star of David symbolize in Jewish tradition?

A: Jewish identity, unity, and the spiritual connection

Q: What is the small skullcap worn by Jewish men during prayer and sometimes Hanukkah celebrations?

A: Kippah or yarmulke

Q: Which hand-shaped amulet is believed to protect against the evil eye and is sometimes used as decoration during Hanukkah?

A: Hamsa

Q: Which musical horn, traditionally used in Jewish rituals, symbolizes a call to celebration and remembrance?

A: Shofar

Q: What is the decorative pointer used to read from the Torah scroll without touching it?

A: Yad

Q: What is the breastplate worn by the High Priest in Temple times, decorated with twelve stones?

A: Choshen

Q: What symbol, sometimes seen in mezuzot and tefillin, is associated with one of God’s names?

A: Shin

Q: What sacred box containing scrolls of parchment is worn on the head by Jews and arm during prayer?

A: Tefillin

Q: What fringed garment is worn during morning Jewish prayers and symbolizes remembrance of commandments?

A: Tallit

Q: What Hebrew word, meaning “life,” is often worn as jewelry and symbolizes vitality?

A: Chai

Q: What Hebrew parchment scroll is enclosed in a case and affixed to doorposts for blessing and protection?

A: Mezuzah

Q: What silver goblet is used for blessing wine during Jewish ceremonies?

A: Kiddush cup

Q: What decorative curtain covers the Torah ark in synagogues?

A: Parochet

Q: What lamp is kept burning in synagogues to symbolize God’s eternal presence?

A: Ner Tamid

Q: What ancient musical instrument, similar to a lyre, is mentioned in Jewish psalms?

A: Kinnor

Q: What small charity box symbolizes the Jewish value of giving?

A: Pushke or Tzedakah box

4. Hanukkah Songs

From “Ma’oz Tzur” to modern holiday tunes, challenge your team’s knowledge about traditional songs and music with these Hanukkah trivia questions. 

Q: What classic Hanukkah song starts with the line “I have a little dreidel, I made it out of clay”?

A: The Dreidel Song

Q: Who performed the popular comedic Hanukkah tune The Chanukah Song, first introduced on Saturday Night Live?

A: Adam Sandler

Q: “Light One Candle” is a Hanukkah-themed song by which American folk group known for their harmonies?

A: Peter, Paul, and Mary

Q: Which song humorously celebrates Hanukkah by listing Jewish celebrities?

A: The Chanukah Song

Q: What line completes this lyric: “Oh Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah, come light the ______”?

A: Menorah

Q: Which Hanukkah song by the Maccabeats went viral for blending Hanukkah themes with a pop hit tune?

A: Candlelight

Q: Which Hanukkah song invites everyone to “spin the dreidel” and “dance the hora”?

A: Oh Hanukkah

Q: What traditional Hanukkah hymn is also known as “Rock of Ages”?

A: Ma’oz Tzur

Q: Which Hanukkah song thanks God for the miracles and victories of the Maccabees?

A: Al HaNisim

Q: Which modern Hanukkah parody combines Jewish themes with Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off”?

A: “Chanukah Shake It Off” 

Q: Which a cappella group became famous for their Hanukkah parody “Bohemian Chanukah”?

A: Six13

Q: Which Hebrew phrase meaning “These candles we light” is sung after lighting the menorah?

A: Hanerot Halalu

Q: Which Jewish musical group went viral for their Hanukkah song “Miracle” inspired by Matisyahu?

A: The Maccabeats

Q: Which Ladino Hanukkah song, written by Flory Jagoda in 1983, celebrates the joy of lighting the menorah?

A: Ocho Kandelikas

Q: Which song by The Maccabeats is a parody of Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance,” focusing on Hanukkah themes?

A: Latke Recipe

Q: Which band released a Hanukkah song titled “Eight Candles” as part of the compilation album Hanukkah+?

A: Yo La Tengo

Q: Which song by Haim humorously references dreidels, latkes, and Manischewitz, and includes the chorus “Light me up like I’m a menorah”?

A: Haimukkah

Q: What is the title of the Hanukkah song by The Flaming Lips featured on the Hanukkah+ album?

A: “Sing It Now, Sing It Somehow”

Q: Which artist released the Hanukkah song “Puppy for Hanukkah”?

A: Daveed Diggs

Q: Which artist’s Hanukkah song called “Happy Hanukkah” was released as a charity single to benefit Hurricane Sandy victims?

A: Matisyahu

5. Hanukkah Around the World

In this category, discover how Jewish communities around the world celebrate Hanukkah in their own style with local customs or recipes. 

Q: Which country is famous for jelly-filled sufganiyot during Hanukkah?

A: Israel

Q: In Catalonia, Spain, what is Hanukkah called?

A: Festi de les Llums

Q: Which North African country serves honey-and-almond cookies called ‘sfinge’ for Hanukkah?

A: Morocco

Q: Which U.S. city hosts one of the largest public menorah lightings?

A: New York City

Q: In the United Kingdom, which city holds an annual public menorah lighting in Trafalgar Square?

A: London

Q: In India, which city has a historic Jewish community that celebrates Hanukkah with traditional fried foods?

A: Mumbai

Q: In Italy, what Jewish pastry, similar to a jelly donut, is popular during Hanukkah?

A: Bomboloni

Q: In South Africa, which dessert is commonly served for Hanukkah, often made with coconut or syrup?

A: Koesisters

Q: In Hungary, what is a traditional sweet treat eaten during Hanukkah?

A: Flódni

Q: In Canada, which city hosts one of the largest public menorah lightings on Parliament Hill?

A: Ottawa

Q: In which country do Jewish families hang their menorahs next to the mezuzah on a hook in the doorway during Hanukkah?

A: Morocco and Algeria

Q: Which country celebrates Hanukkah with a game called “toma toda,” a six-sided dreidel game?

A: Mexico

Q: Which country celebrates Hanukkah with a dish called “pollo fritto per Chanukkà,” lemon-marinated fried chicken?

A: Italy

Q: In which country do Jewish families celebrate Hanukkah with a dish called “patacones,” fried plantains?

A: Colombia

Q: Which Jewish community includes fried samsa pastries in their Hanukkah meals?

A: The Bukharian Jewish community

Q: Which Australian city hosts a prominent public menorah lighting in Martin Place during Hanukkah?

A: Sydney

Q: In which country do Jewish families celebrate Hanukkah by opening a new bottle of wine after Havdalah?

A: France

Q: In which country do Jewish families light an additional shamash candle as a sign of thanks for refuge?

A: Syria

Q: Which Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah by singing a song called “Ocho Candelas”?

A: Sephardic Jewish community

Q: Where do Jews fry papanash dumplings for Hanukkah?

A: Romania and Moldova

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we play Hanukkah trivia virtually?

Yes. To play Hanukkah trivia virtually, choose a video conferencing platform like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Create a list of questions on Hanukkah trivia and answers with varying difficulty levels. Assign a host to lead the game and keep tabs on the scoreboard. Send invites to all the participants with meeting details and the joining link. To enjoy a fully hosted experience, you can choose virtual event planning platforms like Hooray Teams. 

What are some good Hanukkah trivia themes for team games?

Some good themes for Christmas and Hanukkah trivia questions can be history and traditions, foods and drinks, symbols and objects, and traditional music.

How long should a team Hanukkah trivia game last?

The game of trivia questions about Hanukkah usually lasts for around 60 minutes, but you can customize the duration based on your team’s schedule and preferences. 

What’s a good team size for Hanukkah trivia?

The game of trivia questions for Hanukkah is versatile and can be adapted for both small and large groups.

How can remote teams make Hanukkah trivia more interactive?

Remote teams can make Hanukkah trivia more interactive by adding buzzers, polls, or quick-fire rounds using tools like Kahoot or Google Forms. You can even offer digital prizes or virtual gelt for the winning team of the Hanukkah trivia questions game.

Do we need to be an expert to join the Hanukkah trivia questions game?

No, you don’t need to be an expert to join the Hanukkah trivia questions game. This Hanukkah trivia with answers is enjoyable for everyone, regardless of your knowledge level.

What are some virtual team activities to celebrate Hanukkah?

Some virtual team activities to celebrate Hanukkah are Hanukkah Cookie Decorating, Hanukkah Paint Party, Hanukkah Pictionary, Hanukkah Scavenger Hunt, and Dreidel Decorating.