The holiday season often shines a spotlight on Christmas, leaving Hanukkah somewhat in the shadows. However, television has not entirely forgotten the Festival of Lights. Over the years, a select but vibrant collection of shows, specials, and films have celebrated Hanukkah, ensuring its traditions and stories continue to illuminate the screen. Here are ten standout moments that bring the holiday to life, starting with Adam Sandler’s unforgettable “Hanukkah Song.”
1. Adam Sandler’s “Hanukkah Song” (Saturday Night Live, 1994)
Adam Sandler made waves when he first performed “Hanukkah Song” during SNL‘s “Weekend Update.” His humorous roll call of Jewish celebrities—featuring names like Paul Newman, Goldie Hawn, David Lee Roth, and the Three Stooges—quickly became a cultural touchstone, cementing its place as a Hanukkah classic.
2. Rugrats Hanukkah Special (Nickelodeon, 1996)
The beloved animated series Rugrats broke new ground with one of the first Hanukkah specials for children. The episode introduced a generation of young viewers to the holiday’s significance, offering representation at a time when such narratives were scarce.
3. Ross Geller’s Holiday Armadillo (Friends, 1996)
Friends brought Hanukkah into pop culture prominence with Ross’s (David Schwimmer) memorable appearance as the Holiday Armadillo. In a bid to teach his son Ben about Hanukkah, Ross’s quirky costume became an iconic symbol of the holiday within television history.
4. “Chrismukkah” (The O.C., 2003)
The O.C. cleverly introduced “Chrismukkah,” a fusion of Christmas and Hanukkah, reflecting the experiences of interfaith families. This whimsical blend provided equal screen time to both holidays, capturing the complexities and joys of celebrating both traditions.
5. Hope Lights the Menorah for Michael (thirtysomething, 1987)
In an era where interfaith marriages were less commonly depicted on screen, thirtysomething tackled the topic head-on. Michael (Ken Olin) and Hope (Mel Harris) navigated the decision of whether their child would celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, ultimately choosing to honor both. The scene of Hope lighting the menorah became a poignant moment in television history.
385848 22: Actors Cole Mitchell Sprouse as Ben, Matthew Perry (Santa) as Chandler Bing and David Schwimmer as Ross Geller star in NBC’s comedy series “Friends” episode “The One with the Holiday Armadillo.” Ross has Ben for the holidays and decides that this season they will celebrate Chanuka instead of Christmas. (Photo by Warner Bros. Television)
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4. “Chrismukkah” (The O.C., 2003)
The O.C. introduced a more modern twist with “Chrismukkah,” the fictional celebration blending Christmas and Hanukkah. While the show used the holiday as a humorous plot device, it also reflected the realities of interfaith families while giving both holidays equal screen time.
Benjamin McKenzie, Mischa Barton and Adam Brody during The Cast of the Fox TV Series “The O.C.” YM Cover Party at LQ in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Gregory Pace/FilmMagic)
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5. Hope Lights the Menorah for Michael (thirtysomething, 1987)
At a time when interfaith marriages were not all that common on television, relationship-themed thirtysomething featured Michael (Ken Olin) and Hope (Mel Harris) arguing about whether their child’s first holiday should be Christmas or Hanukkah. The end result was both, as we witness Hope lighting their menorah on the first night of the Jewish holiday.
UNITED STATES – MAY 10: THIRTYSOMETHING – Gallery – Season Two- 5/10/89, Mel Harris (Hope), Ken Olin (Michael), (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
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6. A Curb Your Enthusiasm Hanukkah
Throughout the HBO comedy, Larry David’s misadventures frequently intersect with Jewish holidays, particularly Hanukkah. Remember, for example, when Larry struggled with the timing of the menorah lighting and the gift-giving? It was never a dull moment!
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 19: Larry David attends the premiere of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” at Paramount Pictures Studios on October 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
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7. Beverly’s “Super Hanukkah” on The Goldbergs (2015)
Tired of the Christmas hype, Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey) tries to invent a “Super Hanukkah” celebration, leading her father Pops to dress up as “Hanu-Claus” to remind her of their traditions.
THE GOLDBERGS – “We Didn’t Start the Fire” – When Erica tells Beverly she is going to spend the first night of Hanukkah with Geoff and his family, Beverly worries and starts a competition for who hosts the best Hanukkah party. (Byron Cohen/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)WENDI MCLENDON-COVEY
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8. “The Hanukkah Story” on The Nanny (1998)
That “flashy girl” from Flushing, Fran Fine (Fran Drescher), celebrated her first Hanukkah with the Sheffields when the family’s car stays warm and safe long enough for them to return home, allowing the family to celebrate together.
LOS ANGELES – JANUARY 1: The Nanny, a CBS television situation comedy. Premiere episode aired November 3, 1993. Pictured is the cast, standing from left is Ann Morgan Guilbert (as Yetta Rosenberg), Frans grandmother; Renée Taylor (alt: Renee Taylor) (as Sylvia Fine), Frans mother; Rachel Chagall (as Val Toriello), Frans best friend; Fran Drescher (as Fran Fine); Charles Shaughnessy (as Maxwell Sheffield), theatrical producer; Lauren Lane (as C.C. Babcock), Maxwells business partner; Daniel Davis (as Niles), the butler. Sitting from left is Madeline Zima (as Grace Sheffield) the youngest girl; Nicholle Tom (as Margaret ‘Maggie’ Sheffield) the teenage girl; Benjamin Salisbury (as Brighton Sheffield) the teenage boy. Photo by CBS via Getty Images)
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9. “Arthur’s Perfect Christmas” on Arthur (2000)
It was a holiday trifecta in this one-hour edition of the PBS animated kids-themed series as Arthur and his friends created the “perfect” holiday season. The special features Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, showcasing diverse ways to celebrate.
10. “Eight Gifts of Hanukkah” (Hallmark Channel, 2021)
Known for its annual barrage of heartwarming Christmas movies, Hallmark Channel belatedly stepped into the Hanukkah with movie “Eight Gifts of Hanukkah,” its first flick entirely focused on the holiday. The “spiel” (translation: narrative): Optometrist Sara Levin (Inbar Lavi) receives eight meaningful gifts from a secret admirer each night, leading her to discover her true love (Jake Epstein) might be closer than she thinks.
The moral of this countdown: In a media landscape still dominated by Christmas jingles and mistletoe, Hanukkah’s on-screen presence remains modest — but meaningful. And a happy and festive Hanukkah for all who celebrate it!
Wishing you eight nights of light, laughter, and joy.
A large inflatable menorah decoration with text reading Happy Hanukkah in the front lawn of a home in Lafayette, California, November 22, 2021. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
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