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Not all Jewish holidays generate as much thrill and excitement as Purim. Purim is an occasion to celebrate the victory of the Jewish people over evil. Haman, an advisor to the Persian king wanted to eliminate all Jews, but was stopped by the efforts of Esther, the Queen of Persia, who was also Jewish.

On this occasion, let loose and have a fun time! When planning Purim party ideas and seeking Purim party entertainment for kids, your options are plenty!

Food: Whether you plan to have a feast at your Purim party that is simple or elaborate, just remember to incorporate the traditional foods of the occasion. From kreplach to hamantaschen, there are so many ways to serve up these dishes.

Dress up: Invite guests to dress up in costume to your Purim party. Kids will especially like the opportunity to bring back out their Halloween costumes or to come dressed up as something new. To build up even more excitement, plan for a costume contest at your Purim party.

Skits: If you and your party helpers are up to the task, play a short skit from the Book of Esther. If you have guests who are dressed in costume of the characters, you can also offer them the opportunity to take on the role in a skit. Make it fun and entertaining for all!

Music: Music can help lift the energy in the room. Add to your playlist for the party some Purim songs, like The Maccabeats -Purim Song and Raise Your Mask Purim – The Fountainheads.

Photo Booth: Photo booths are both fun for adults and children and the picture printouts help capture the fun times during the occasion. Fill your photo booth with props that help tell the story behind Purim. Find printable props for download and signage for your photo booth at Joyful Jewish.

Kids Entertainment: For Purim party entertainment for kids, set up a game of Hit the Hamantaschen. Review the how-to instructions at Bible Belt Balabusta. Other fun set-ups may include a mask making station. Consider also hiring professional entertainers to take care of kids entertainment at your Purim party. There will be no shortage of things to do.

From good food, stunning costumes, skits to enjoy, a fun photo booth, and kids entertainment, your guests are sure to have a fun time at your Purim party!

When celebrations begin for Purim, kreplach is one of the traditional food items you can expect to see served during the holiday meal. Kreplach is like dumplings. Dough is filled with ground meat, chicken, vegetarian or dairy filling. Sometimes kreplach may be served with soup, while other times it may be baked or fried as a separate dish. So, to serve your Purim party goers with tasty kreplach this holiday, you’ll want to try your hand at some new recipes.

It may be a busy time where you are planning Purim party ideas and looking into Purim party entertainment for kids, but you can find ease knowing there are so many tasty ways you can serve kreplach to your guests with these recipe ideas!

1. Baklava Kreplach: Serve them as an appetizer or dessert. The nutty and sticky sweet flavors of baklava will please all your guests. Review the recipe at Joy of Kosher.
2. Turkey and Greens Kreplach: Kreplach filled with turkey meat and chopped greens are easy ingredients to come by and when served with soup, there is warmth and comfort to be felt by all. Review the recipe at Food Flavor Fascination.
3. Cherry Kreplach: The sweet and tart taste of cherries make a great way to serve kreplach. Review the recipe at Cook It Simply.
4. Cheese Kreplach: If you prefer your kreplach baked instead of fried or served in a soup, give this recipe using cottage cheese a try. Review the recipe at Recipe of Health.
5. Sweet Potato-Stuffed Kreplach: Sweet potatoes are a comfort food and so fitting to stuff in your kreplach. Review the recipe at The Splendid Table.
6. Smoked Salmon Kreplach: If you enjoy fish and like your kreplach crisp, this is the dish for your table. Review the recipe at Fresh Milwaukee.

Purim is a much more relaxed holiday compared to some other Jewish holidays. Have a fun time planning your Purim party festivities and these tasty kreplach dishes!

Hamantaschen are often associated with the Jewish holiday of Purim. The story behind the holiday was Haman, the Persian king’s advisor wanted to exterminate all Jews. He was stopped when Esther, the Queen of Persia pleaded to the king to stop him. Many say the triangular-shaped cookie pastry is highly symbolic.

Some say the three corners of the hamantaschen resemble that of the hat Haman wore. Others say it’s symbolic to the custom of cutting off a criminal’s ears before execution. There are also others that say it signifies Haman’s pockets and the money he offered to the king for permission to kill the Jews.

Making and eating hamantaschen is largely part of the celebration around Purim. So, if you’re hosting a Purim party, you’ll want to include these unique hamantaschen recipes to your Purim party ideas.

1. Neopolitan Hamantaschen: Ice cream flavor favorites often include vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Create a neopolitan hamantaschen with strawberry cookie filled with chocolate, and that is topped with vanilla drizzle. Review the recipe at The Nosher.
2. Rice Krispie Treats Hamantaschen: If you’re looking to make hamantaschen that’s easy and requires few ingredients, this is the way to go. It’ll delight kids and adults alike. Review the recipe at The Nosher.
3. Candy Cane Cheesecake Hamantaschen: If you have some extra candy canes lying around from the holidays, this will make a wonderful winter wonderland treat. Review the recipe at Kitchen Tested.
4. Fresh Fruit Hamantartlets: Tired of the classic jelly fruit filling? Try topping the hamantaschen with fresh fruits like kiwi, blueberries, and raspberries. Review the recipe at What Jew Wanna Eat.
5. Hamantaschen Truffle Pop: Treats are often more enjoyable on a stick, so give the hamantaschen truffle pop a try! Review the recipe at Joy of Kosher.
6. Chocolate Mousse Filling Pie Pop: For another treat on a stick, try these pie pots with chocolate mousse filling for an uncustomary take to the hamantaschen. Review the recipe at Joy of Kosher.
7. Sushi Hamantaschen: Purim may be a Jewish holiday, but that doesn’t mean sushi needs to be left off the table. In the spirit of Purim, make these adorable sushi hamantaschen. Review the recipe at chabad.org.
8. Chocolate-Filled Funfetti Hamantaschen: Celebrate Purim delighting the kids with funfetti hamantaschen. As they bite into it, they’ll be delighted with chocolate. Planning Purim party entertainment for kids may be keeping you plenty busy, so save some time with this easy recipe at Jewish Kids!
9. Hamantaschen with Chocolate Dough: If you have chocolate lovers to your Purim party, impress them with the chocolate dough hamantaschen. Review the recipe at The Spruce.
10. Apple Pie Hamantaschen: Tasty fillings come in many varieties, but one tried and true filling many seem to enjoy is that of what you’d find in apple pie. Review the recipe at Mother Would Know.

Purim tops as one of the most favored holidays when it comes to Jewish holidays, and hamantaschen is one of the many delights to enjoy during this occasion. Have a fun time making these tasty hamantaschen recipes!

One of the many tradition when celebrating Purim is the giving of food gifts, known as mishloach manot. Mishloach manot is typically given before the Purim feast is held later in the day. Traditionally, it’s a packaged gift bag or basket filled with cookies, candies, snacks, wine, and fruits. It’s given to strengthen the love and friendship among everyone and to ensure that everyone has enough food for the Purim feast.

Purim commemorates when Esther, Queen of Persia, saved the Jewish people from execution. Haman, the Persian king’s advisor wanted to destroy the Jews. The gesture of sending food gifts to others signals a message that the Jewish are not divided, but united.

If you’re looking for Purim party ideas or Purim party entertainment for kids, here are some fun ways to incorporate mishloach manot to it:

1. Butterfly Bags – At least two ready-to-eat food items are included in the mishloach manot when giving to friends. Have children take part in the party planning by filling up small snack bags with goldfish crackers for one side of the butterfly wing and grapes for the other wing. Divide the two foods with a clothes pin decked with googly eyes and pipe cleaner antennas. See the finished look at Menu Musings of a Modern American Mom.
   
2. S’mores Kit – Take graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows to make a perfect combination that can be nicely and neatly packaged as a mishloach manot. See the finished look at Twig & Thistle.
   
3. Happy Trails Mug – Fill mugs up with trail mix. It’s an easy and creative mishloach manot idea for anyone looking to make an easy food gift for Purim.
   
4. Hot Chocolate in a Jar –  Fill up the mug with a single-serve pack of hot chocolate and throw in some marshmallows for a nice, easy, and warm treat your guests can enjoy at home after all the Purim festivities.
   
5. Popcorn Box – Popcorn isn’t just for the movie theaters. With single-serve pop-up popcorn boxes, fill them up with fresh popcorn and candy as your food gift to friends. It can also be enjoyed during any skits played at your Purim party.
   
6. Salted Caramel Sauce and Apple – Make your own salted caramel sauce and fill them up in a small jar to give along with an apple to your friends. See how it’s done and the finished look at Recipe Girl. There are also free labels to print out for the jar caps.

These food gift ideas are enjoyable for all, but especially for kids. Show your friends you value their friendship this Purim with these unique food gift ideas.

There are many Jewish holidays, but Purim is one that is especially festive and fun. 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.

• 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!  

It’s the most wonderful time of year and that’s why counting down to Christmas can be especially fun for all. The countdown begins on December 1^st and activities can run from outdoor festivities, faith-based events, help at a local charity, to arts and crafts.

Where do you begin? Check out our top 10 activities to help with the countdown to Christmas:

1.     Christmas Tree Lighting: Many local towns and communities have Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies. Head over to enjoy the sight of the tree lit up for the holidays!

2.     Go Ice Skating: It’s a magical time of year and the fun of skating on ice will bring out everyone’s holiday spirit.

3.     Pay a Visit to Santa: From local businesses to the malls, lines run long year after year for the chance to see Santa. Pay a visit, or better yet, host your own holiday party with friends and family with Santa Claus and his crew visiting. It can be easily done with a Christmas package.

4.     Music/Christmas Show: If you’re in New York City, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a great hit for all ages. Local schools may also have their own programmed Christmas show performed by students for the public to attend.

5.     Donate: In the spirit of giving, donate your time and/or money by helping at a local pantry or gathering small gifts to give to a local shelter or children’s hospital. To make this a family event, all members can take part in helping those in need or shopping for small gift items to give.

6.     Christmas Cookies: Bake away to your heart’s desire. Making delicious treats can be fun and perfect to give away as gifts, too! Pillsbury.com offers a “Cookie Countdown” full of great recipes.

7.     Gingerbread House: The sight of a gingerbread house with gumdrops and other candies all around inspires sweet thoughts. Countdown to Christmas decorating one of your own with the family.

8.     Write a Letter to Santa: What will be on your list for this Christmas? Get it out early as Santa wants to know what you want this Christmas and how you’ve been good throughout the year.

9.     Make Paper Snowflakes: Take out the paper and scissors and make paper snowflakes to decorate your windows. Even if it’s not snowing outside, it’ll look like it is.

10.  Christmas Eve Mass: On Christmas Eve, head to a local cathedral and hear angelic voices singing to Christmas.

Christmas is a time of joy, giving, and celebration! Gather together with friends and family and enjoy the activities together to help countdown to Christmas.

Christmas is a time of year that many children look forward to, and we can easily see why between the parties, presents, and of course, the sweet, decorative treats. From Santa, snowmen, reindeers, candy canes, Christmas trees, to the elves, Christmas party treat ideas are plenty. If you’re hosting a Christmas party this holiday season, consider these top 10 Christmas party treats to delight the kids with.

1.     Santa Hat Cupcakes
Kids love cupcakes, but they’ll love them even more when you deck them out to look like Santa. Find the recipe at Delish.

2.     Candy Cane Twist Cookies
The sight of candy cane often signals Christmas. Delight children with candy cane-shaped cookies by twisting rolls of plain cookie dough. Use food coloring to help make a batch of red dough and brown dough to mix with the plain dough. This treat has been featured in Country Living.

3.     Christmas Tree Brownies
Turn the plain brownie into a Christmas tree, and what’s even better is when you can eat it off a candy cane stick. Find the recipe at One Little Project.

4.     Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups
A cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows is always appealing on a cold winter’s day, so you can bet the kids will also love this creative hot chocolate cookie cup treat. Find the recipe at The Gunny Sack.

5.     Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Reindeer
Make sure the reindeers are out in full force for your Christmas party with these marshmallow chocolate covered reindeers on a stick. Find the recipe at Yellow Bliss Road.

6.     Grinch Kranky Crispy Treat
If your kids love rice crispy treats, they’ll love eating away at the Grinch who stole Christmas. Find the recipe at Delish.

7.     Funfetti Shortbread Bites
They’re festive! They’re bite-size! They’re irresistible! And they make great little gifts you can package. Find the recipe at Cooking Classy.

8.     Christmas Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods
For an easy treat to make that’s also festive and fun to snack on at your Christmas holiday party, go with pretzel rods dipped in chocolate with festive holiday color sprinkles throughout. Find the recipe at Kitchen Is my Playground.

Christmas is one of the best holidays for delightful treats for the kids because you have so many themes to work with.

There are so many holiday Christmas songs to select from that narrowing it down to a playlist can be challenging. When you have a Christmas party with both adults and children, it’s important to find the right balance. Try to mix in some old-school holiday classics with the songs of today (or modern takes to the classics). We’ve done the work for you and here are our top 10 Christmas songs picks that you can play at your next Christmas holiday gathering.

1.     Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (1960) – Sung by Brenda Lee
A great song to play as your guests arrive to the Christmas party. The words set the tone for a fun time!

2.     Christmas Time is Here (1965) – By Vince Guaraldi Trio
For a calmer and gentler take suitable for playing while friends and family are mingling and catching up, this classic is the perfect selection.

3.     All I Want for Christmas Is You (1994) – Sung by Mariah Carey
The song not only get you into the holiday mood, but it puts the holiday into perspective. It’s not about the presents, but simply being around the people you love and care about.

4.     Holy Night (1994) – Sung by Mariah Carey
Yes, Mariah Carey makes our list twice. She’s simply a pro when it comes to Christmas music, and this one plays to the religious experience around Christmas.

5.     Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow (1998) – Sung by Martina McBride
Whether it’s snowy or not outside this holiday season, this song will put the mood in place for a white Christmas.

6.     Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays (1998) – Sung by NSYNC
Send out holiday greeting messages to guests through the music you play. Following on its title, you’ll be wishing your guests “Merry Christmas!” and “Happy Holidays!”

7.     The Christmas Song (2003) – Sung by Trace Adkins
For a touch of country to a Christmas song classic, this makes a great pick!

8.     Santa Baby (2007) – Sung by Taylor Swift
Take a classic holiday song originally recorded by Eartha Kitt and give it to Taylor Swift, and you get a nice mix that works for the older and younger generation. We love that the lyrics also speaks to what many children are wishing for, that Santa “hurry down the chimney, tonight!”

9.     Do You Hear What I Hear (2007) – Sung by Carrie Underwood
Christmas is a magical time of year and this song speaks to the special occasion.

10.  You Make It Feel Like Christmas (2017) – Sung by Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton
There’s no better present for Christmas than being with the ones you love, and this song speaks to that.

Music helps generate a mood and energy for the party. This Christmas, make sure these selections top your playlist.

Chanukah is a joyful holiday with rituals like menorah lighting each night of the eight-day celebration. There’s also fried food as well as fun and games. Some of the best games are played when you have a large gathering of friends and family over for your Chanukah party. With eight days of celebration, here are some of the best games you and your guests can play besides the traditional game of Dreidel.

Latke Stacker
Latke (potato pancakes) is a traditional fried food cooked for Chanukah. See who can stack them the highest and then enjoy them together after the game.

Hide the Chocolate Gelt
Gelt is chocolate coins typically given to children during the celebration of Chanukah. In this game, gelt is hidden throughout your home. Children have a mission to find as many of the chocolate treats as they can. It’s a different take on the Easter egg hunt.

Pin the Shamash
If you’ve played “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” you’ll have no problem with this game. The goal is to pin the shamash to the menorah. Take a large paper to draw out a menorah or use felt to create the menorah, then hang it up to the wall or an easel for the pinning-fun to begin.

Dreidel Spinoff
Anyone who can spin a dreidel can take part in this game. The mission is for each participant to spin the dreidel and it’s timed to a stop watch. The one with the longest dreidel spinning time wins the “pot.”

Gelt Checkers
If you enjoy a game of Checkers, then you’ll like “Gelt Checkers.” Instead of having red and black colored tokens, the checker board is topped with silver and gold gelt to represent the different players.

Menorah Ring Toss
The lighting of the menorah is a key element to celebrating Chanukah. Bring the festivities of the occasion to life with a game of ring toss using the menorah. Players are given rings to see who can land the most around each arm of the menorah. To spice it up, anyone who can get a ring on the shamash is awarded extra points.

Your Chanukah party will come alive even more with these wonderful games incorporating some of the elements and traditions of the occasion.

Fun holiday crafts are a great way to spend time with friends and family and to get into the holiday spirit, especially for kids. This Hanukkah, decorate your home with some easy DIY craft ideas. And if you’re hosting a Hanukkah party, there are many craft ideas that will work well for the party, too! With so many fun traditions to Hanukkah, here are some easy Hanukkah-themed craft ideas.

Washi Tape Hanukah Cards
Wish your friends and family a Happy Hanukkah with a DIY Hanukkah card. There are so many ways you can get creative with washi tape, from making a menorah, the Star of David, to the dreidel. The card can easily turn colorful with the use of different washi tape designs. Review the DIY steps from Creative Jewish Mom.

Paper Plate Menorah Using Clothespins
Some of the easiest crafts are done with paper plates and this one is no different. Kids and adults can have fun painting clothespins to stand as the candles on the paper plate menorah. This can make for a great decorative item in the kids’ corner during the holiday. Review the DIY steps from Simple Play Ideas.

Tissue Paper Suncatcher
From the Star of David to the dreidel, make suncatchers using craft sticks and blue tissue paper. Review the DIY steps from Craft Project Ideas.

Menorah Out of Craft Sticks
Craft sticks are the best, and you’ll see why once you complete this menorah craft using colored craft sticks. It’s easy enough to do together with young children or independently for school-aged children. All it takes is some glue and help cutting out the flames for the candles. Review the final product from Creative Jewish Mom.

Sand Art Menorah and Candles
Looking for a more modern look to the menorah this Hanukkah, try sand art menorah. Taking small glass jars and one larger glass jar, fill them up in colored sand. Add in a silver straw topped with a yellow ribbon to each jar and you’ll have a colorful and modern-looking menorah to display. Review the DIY steps from Parents (#3).

Acorn Spinners
Children all around celebrating Hanukkah are spinning the dreidel. This holiday, get playful spinning acorns made to look like dreidels. Take acorn shells and shape a small piece of modeling clay into an elongated ball to stuff into the shell. Then, place a match stick in the center of the modeling clay. Allow for it to dry before letting the spinning action begin. This craft was featured on Parents (#11).

Prep your celebration for Hanukkah with these creative, fun, and easy DIY craft ideas!