Hanukkah famously does not get the same level of radio recognition as Christmas come December, but maybe that’s because there is a major shortage of Hanukkah music? And it’s about time that somebody did something about that.
Luckily, we’ve put together a list of the most popular Hanukkah music worthy of a karaoke cover. From humorous to folksy to downright gut-wrenching and sad: whatever the vibe at your next karaoke Hanukkah get-together, be sure to have these classics on heavy rotation.
1. The Chanukah Song – Adam Sandler
Really, truly, the ONLY Hanukkah song that immediately comes to mind, in fact, came from a classic Saturday Night Live episode when Adam Sandler, using simple chords on a single guitar, churned out this track’s hysterical lyrics about why people should get excited for those “eight crazy nights” in December. And a legend was born.
Sing The Chanukah Song karaoke here.
2. The Dreydl
A classic children's song that the whole family can sing along ti.
3. Eight Candles – Yo La Tengo
Indie rock legends Yo La Tengo pulled out all of the stops and put a dreamy, deadpan spin on their interpretation of the season of lights and produced a reverb-soaked track to commemorate their favorite time of the year. The result? A gauzy, sleepy Hanukkah masterpiece.
4. If It Be Your Will – Haim
The Haim sisters put together this beautiful cover of Leonard Cohen’s song “If It Be Your Will” in 2019, but its timeless lyrics and haunting vocals make it sound like it could have come from centuries earlier.
5. Light One Candle – Peter, Paul & Mary
With their typically thoughtful lyrics and lush harmonies, the iconic folk trio put a heartfelt spin on a song about freedom fighters and made it into one of the most popular Hanukkah songs of all time.
6. Miracle – Matisyahu
Hasidic rapper Matisyahu was not messing around when he came up with this 2010 banger (and its accompanying fever dream of a music video where…there is a LOT going on). With its upbeat melody and slick production, “Miracle” is a fable-like retelling of the traditions of Hanukkah but, like, hijinks ensue.
7. Happy Joyous Hanukkah – Indigo Girls
The iconic folk duo bring a little bluegrass to the season with this interpretation of a Woody Guthrie classic – but with a little trademark lilt and plenty of upbeat charm.
8. 8 Days (Of Hanukkah) – Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
The ever-soulful Sharon Jones and her merrymen bring some serious funk to the kitchen table with this upbeat and uplifting song about the meaning of Hanukkah – and included an awesome music video to boot.
9. Sing it Now, Sing it Somehow – The Flaming Lips
This psychedelic rock group hit all the right notes with this wistful track that commemorates the season in a meaningful way: somber vocals and lush orchestration make this a surefire crowd-pleaser.
10. Oh, Hanukkah – Jack Black
Leave it to Jack Black to deliver another humorous take on the season – this time, with a quirky, a capella version that features layered harmony vocals and plenty of Black’s signature over-the-top performance.
There you have it! Ten of the absolute best Hanukkah karaoke songs of all time! Looking to host your own Hanukkah karaoke party at home? Check out Singa for tips on how to source and set up the best equipment possible to ensure that your event is the talk of the town.
