To me, the most exciting thing about Hanukkah — which is coming up on December 8 — is getting to wear my Hanukkah sweaters every day.
I love, love, love Hanukkah sweaters. I grew up in Israel, so they just don’t have the tacky Christmas party connotation for me. In fact, I wear some of my more fashionable ones all year round. This year, I feel a little hesitant about wearing my sweaters outside, with rising tensions and antisemitism, but I’m still going to wear them at home, celebrating proudly with my loved ones.
Let’s be frank for a second, a lot of Hanukkah sweaters? They’re bad. I mean, really, really bad. From using non-Hanukkah-related Jewish puns like “meowzel tov” to some slightly antisemitic stereotypes (“gelt digger?!”), these terrible sweaters are just super fetishizing and inappropriate. It’s almost like… there’s a non-Jewish person making all of these sweaters? Hmmm…
But, after wading through all the bad options, I’ve managed to pull together the creme de la creme of Hanukkah sweaters — or at least, a few fun, topical ones that you and your family might get a kick out of. This year, the new offerings aren’t as plentiful as in years past (while the Target Hanukkah offerings are many and the Hanukkah pajama market is thriving,) but there are still some pretty great options. So get ready for maximum Hanukkah coziness:
Baby and Kids Sweaters
“Dreidel Dreidel Dreidel” Hannukah Little Kid Classic Crewneck Fleece from Maisonette
A beautiful embroidered splurge perfect for a fancy family Hanukkah dinner party.
Embroidered Crewneck Sweatshirt from Monica + Andy
A more affordable and more adorable embroidered option form Monica + Andy who are absolutely killing it with their Hanukkah merch this year.
Spreading Holiday Schmear from Tipsy Elves on Modern Tribe (Which Comes in Toddler and Adult Sizes Too)
I love bagels, and I love bad puns, so I suppose this sweater is made for me? Eating bagels isn’t really a Hanukkah tradition, but I do spread holiday schmear on every Jewish holiday, from Shabbat to Sukkot — but not on Passover, of course.
Meowy Christmas, Just Kitten Around, Happy Hanukcat Hanukkah Top (Etsy)
Do your kids love cats? Well, this Hanukkah sweatshirt —which has, quite literally, all the cat puns on it — is perfect for them!
Hanukkah kid’s hoodie, I’m Here for the Gelt (Etsy)
I’m not a fan of “gelt digger” sweaters, but I like a child that announces what they’re at the party for, and if they’re all about those chocolate coins, so be it. This hoodie will definitely get a chuckle at the family Zoom holiday party.
Happy Llamakkah Toddler / Kids Hanukkah Sweatshirt / Hoodie or Crewneck (Etsy)
This Happy Llamakah sweater is a bit on the pricey side, but I love the eight cartoon candllamas (that’s candle llamas, yes) on it.
Hanukcats & Llamakkah DIY Hanukkah sweater kits (Etsy)
What’s better than a new Hanukkah sweater? Turning an old plain sweater into a Hanukkah one, of course! These two kits either allow you to make adorable cat or llama-themed Hanukkah sweaters and honestly, they’re just so friggin’ cute. This is the perfect Hanukkah for a crafting project, and we can’t think of a better one than this!
Eight Crazy Nights Sweater (Etsy)
This sweatshirt features a quote from Adam Sandler’s iconic “Hanukkah Song,” (“instead of one day of presents, we have eight crazy nights”) which is also the name of his somewhat ill-advised 2002 Hanukkah film. It’s a simple and lovely little sweater fit for any kid-friendly holiday party.
Personalized Hanukkah Menorah Sweater (Etsy)
There’s nothing super special about this sweater, which features a simple menorah graphic, but I do love that there is an option to personalize it with your kid’s name. But as a kid, there’s just something nice about having a unique sweater, just for you.
Grown-Up Sweaters
Wearing a white hoodie always feels a little risky to me, but this one from Disney is quite cute. They Hanukkah line is truly a delight.
This sweater that features Mickey holding a menorah is perfect for lovers of classic knitwear and longtime Disney fans.
Hanukkah Snoopy Sweater from Etsy
This Hanukkah Peanuts sweater, which features Snoopy wearing a kippah (adorable!) and Woodstock spinning the dreidel makes my heart feel full.
A fluffy sweater full of sequins that feels a bit like overkill, which is probably why it’s perfect for any ugly sweater party.
Jewish cats on a sweater — need I say more?
Men’s and Women’s Reversible Menorah Sweater from Tipsy Elves via Modern Tribe
This menorah sweater with reversible sequins on its candles can be tailored for each night of Hanukkah. That’s low key genius, if you ask me.
SpongeBob Hanukkah Sweater from Hot Topic
13-year-old me would have some feelings about Hot Topic having a bunch of Hanukkah sweaters, but, ahem, much older me is mostly just a fan of the pineapple menorah in the SpongeBob sweater.
Big Dreidel Energy (Etsy)
The Jewish BDE we need.
Broadway Menorah (Etsy)
“Fiddler on the Roof” is the shamash in this Broadway themed Hanukkah sweater — as it should be.
Eight nights eight lights (Etsy)
I keep thinking of “Miracle” by Matishyahu when I see this line but also, how adorable is the menorah on this sweater??
Hanukkah Vibes Sweatshirt (Hey Alma)
A beautiful, understated Hanukkah sweater that comes in four different colors and supports our wonderful sister site Hey Alma? Sign us up please.
Hanukkah Gnomes Sweater (Etsy)
People have all kinds of feelings about gnomes, but I absolutely adore them. Here for the Jewish gnomes.
Tassel Hanukkah Sweater (Modern Tribe/ Tipsy Elves)
I can’t say I 100% get it, but I’ve never seen anything quite like this tassel sweater.
They SEE ME ROLLIN Hanukkah Sweatshirt (Etsy)
Hip hop and R&B puns have become a quintessential part of the Hanukkah sweater. “They see me rollin'” just works well, both as a reference to the Chamillionaire and Krayzie Bone song, and your excellent sweater and dreidel game!
Hanukkah 8 Nights Sweater (Etsy)
I like how this sweater looks like a sports team sweatshirt. I, too, am team “Hanukkah 8 nights.”
Have A Pretty Pretty Pretty Good Hanukkah Unisex Sweatshirt (Amazon)
It’s Larry David. On a Hanukkah sweatshirt. It’s pretty, pretty, pretty awesome.
Adam Sandler Hanukkah Sweater (Etsy)
Is this sweater of Adam Sandler wearing a yarmulke a little and quoting a lyric from his iconic Hanukkah song creepy? Yes, yes it is. Do I still kind of want it? Yes, yes I do.
Roy Kent Happy F*cking Hanukkah Sweater (Etsy)
Roy! Kent! If you love Hanukkah and “Ted Lasso” — and Jewish actor Brett Goldstein, who not only plays Roy in the show but is a writer on the show — you need this sweater. Get it now before it’s here, it’s there, it’s every-fucking-where!
Tie-Dye Happy Hanukkah Sweater (Etsy)
It’s the year of the tie-dye and we are contractually obligated to add a tie-dye sweater to this list. This one says “latkes, sufganiyot & gelt. Happy Hanukkah.” I see no lies here.
Bonus shirt:
Suzy Ultman x Mochi Kids Hanukkah Shirt
Since there are so few new offerings as far as sweaters this year, I feel like I should include this brand new 2023 Suzy Ultman x Mochi Kids shirt. This Hanukkah print is just perfection.
Bonus Dog sweaters:
Is the best 2023 sweater on this a dog sweater? I think it might be.
I love you a latke dog sweater (Etsy)
If you, like most dog owners, love your dog (a latke), this dog sweater is for you. Your dog has been keeping you company and providing emotional support during the pandemic — doesn’t it deserve a Hanukkah gift, too?
