Dreidel Craft: A Fun and Festive Hanukkah Activity for Kids
One of the most joyful symbols of Hanukkah is the dreidel — a small spinning top that has been played with for generations during the Festival of Lights. The dreidel isn’t just a toy; it’s a story, a celebration, and a connection to history. With this Dreidel Popsicle Stick Craft, children can create their own version of this classic Hanukkah symbol using simple materials, bright colors, and a little imagination.
This craft is the perfect blend of creativity and tradition. It’s easy enough for preschoolers to enjoy but still engaging for older children who want to focus on details. The finished dreidel makes a beautiful decoration for the classroom, a holiday display, or a Hanukkah celebration at home. It’s also a wonderful way to introduce (or reinforce) the story and meaning behind the dreidel game — a reminder that learning and fun can go hand in hand.
To make your own Dreidel Craft, you’ll need:
- Popsicle sticks
- Blue paint (optional)
- Japanese paper (or decorative blue patterned paper)
- Scissors
- Glue
Optional: you can also use metallic paper, glitter glue, or gold accents for an extra festive touch. If you’d like to hang the finished craft, you can add a piece of string or ribbon to the top as well.
How to make a dreidel craft
Start by preparing your base. You’ll need five popsicle sticks for each dreidel. Paint them blue — light blue, dark blue, or a mix of both. Blue and white are traditional Hanukkah colors that represent peace and light, but you can also let kids get creative and choose different shades or just leave the popsicle sticks the color they are. Once the paint is applied, set the sticks aside to dry completely.
When the sticks are dry, it’s time to assemble the dreidel shape. Using glue, attach the popsicle sticks together just as shown in your procedure photo — forming the iconic diamond shape with a handle at the top. It might help to show students a real dreidel or a picture of one before starting, so they understand the shape they’re creating.
Next, bring the dreidel to life with color and pattern. Cut small squares of light and dark blue Japanese paper (or any textured or patterned craft paper). These papers will add depth and contrast to the design, creating a beautiful patchwork look that reflects the light — just like the flicker of a menorah candle.
Glue the paper squares onto the popsicle stick dreidel one by one. Encourage kids to alternate between light and dark shades to create a mosaic-like pattern. The goal is to cover the entire surface of the dreidel with overlapping paper pieces until no popsicle stick is visible. This step gives the craft its vibrant, textured look — and it’s an excellent way for young children to practice fine motor skills and patience.
If you’d like, you can add one final detail to make the dreidel feel complete. Traditionally, each side of a dreidel has a Hebrew letter — nun (נ), gimel (ג), hey (ה), and shin (ש) — which together stand for the phrase “Nes Gadol Haya Sham” meaning “A great miracle happened there.” Using a marker or gold pen, you can help children carefully draw one of these letters in the center of their paper-covered dreidel. This small addition gives them a chance to connect their craft to the cultural meaning behind it, and it’s a wonderful conversation starter.
Once everything is dry, your dreidels are ready to display! You can tape them to a wall, hang them in windows, or use them as ornaments around a Hanukkah table or bulletin board. When the light hits the Japanese paper or glittery accents, they shimmer beautifully, just like candlelight reflecting off a menorah.
Why Parents and Teachers love this dreidel craft
This project pairs perfectly with a Hanukkah read-aloud or music time. Try reading The Dreidel That Wouldn’t Spin by Martha Seif Simpson or Engineer Ari and the Hanukkah Mishap by Deborah Bodin Cohen. These stories bring the tradition of the dreidel to life in kid-friendly ways, helping students understand that Hanukkah is about perseverance, faith, and the power of miracles. You can also play the dreidel game after crafting — just grab a real dreidel, some gelt (or chocolate coins), and let the children learn how to play while practicing sharing and counting.
In the classroom, this craft can be part of a larger lesson on winter holidays around the world. It’s an opportunity for students to learn about Jewish traditions and the importance of Hanukkah in a hands-on, engaging way. Display the finished dreidels alongside Stars of David or menorah crafts to create a full “Festival of Lights” art wall.
At home, this dreidel craft makes a sweet family activity during Hanukkah. Children can make several and use them to decorate the dining area or give them as small gifts to relatives. Parents can help younger children with cutting and gluing, while older kids can focus on adding detailed designs or Hebrew letters. For a personal touch, write the child’s name and the year on the back — a beautiful way to remember each Hanukkah celebration.
A budget-friendly hanukkah craft for kids
Beyond being fun and festive, this craft also supports learning and skill development. Painting, cutting, and gluing strengthen fine motor coordination. Sequencing the steps teaches planning and focus. Decorating with paper squares encourages creativity and patience. And learning about the meaning behind the dreidel adds a layer of cultural appreciation and understanding — a powerful combination of art, history, and heart.
From a practical standpoint, the materials are inexpensive and easy to find, and the project is simple to prepare for group settings. It’s perfect for classrooms, Sunday schools, or community holiday events. The setup is minimal, the drying time is short, and the results are always beautiful — bright blue stars and dreidels that fill the room with color and cheer.
A Dreidel Craft to Celebrate Hanukkah
The Dreidel Popsicle Stick Craft captures the essence of Hanukkah perfectly: it’s creative, meaningful, and full of light. Just like the miracle of the oil that lasted eight nights, this simple craft reminds us that even small moments of creativity and joy can shine brightly.
So gather your paints, papers, and glue, and let the crafting begin. As children assemble and decorate their dreidels, they’ll be doing more than just making a craft — they’ll be celebrating a story of hope, resilience, and tradition that continues to inspire. And as those paper-covered dreidels glimmer in the light, you’ll be reminded that the magic of Hanukkah lives not just in candles and games, but in the creativity and wonder of little hands bringing its symbols to life.
Liked this? You may also like…
- Dreidel Craft: A Fun and Festive Hanukkah Activity for Kids
Create this easy dreidel craft for kids using simple supplies and a clear step-by-step tutorial. This Hanukkah activity is perfect for classrooms, home projects, and teaching holiday traditions through hands-on creativity. Save this dreidel craft idea for your next Hanukkah lesson or family celebration. - Star of David Craft: A Simple and Meaningful Hanukkah Activity for KidsMake this simple Star of David craft for kids using basic materials and an easy step-by-step guide. This Hanukkah project is perfect for classrooms, home activities, and teaching holiday traditions in a creative, hands-on way. Save this Star of David craft tutorial for your next Hanukkah lesson or family celebration.
- Menorah Craft: A Bright and Beautiful Hanukkah Project for KidsMake this easy menorah craft for kids using simple supplies and a free printable template. This Hanukkah activity is perfect for classrooms, home projects, and teaching holiday traditions in a hands-on way. Save this step-by-step menorah craft tutorial for your next Hanukkah lesson or family celebration.
