The Greatest Hanukkah TV Episodes, Ranked

Season 4, episode 1

A holiday special that taught millions of children about the Festival of Lights in a fun, accessible way, the Rugrats are to Hanukkah what the Peanuts are to Christmas. The episode sees the pack of adventurous kiddos acting out the story of Hanukkah. Featuring iconic lines such as, “A Macababy’s gotta do what a Macababy’s gotta do,” Tommy play-acting Hanukkah hero Judah Maccabee, and Angelica explaining the correct pronunciation of the holiday (“You have to ‘chhhh’ when you say it!”), the episode is both a classic and a great intro to the holiday.

Season 3, episode 9

The Goldbergs Hanukkah episode addresses the Christmas envy felt among some Jewish American families. As an antidote, mariarch Beverly creates a new holiday she calls “Super Hanukkah.” With festive tinsel and presents under a Hanukkah bush, she hilariously tacks on to the story of the Festival of Lights, causing a little Christmas confusion. The family, of course, eventually unites with the Jewish American tradition of Chinese food on Christmas.

Season 1, episode 15

In the role that launched his strange career, Shia LaBeouf plays Louis Stevens, who makes a whole lot of holiday mischief. He is grounded after opening all the Hanukkah presents, then gets visited It’s A Wonderful Life-style by the spirit of his great-great-great-grandmother. It’s a sweet, kooky episode to enjoy with the whole family.

Season 1, Holiday Special

Featuring a Hanukkah subplot in which Francine has to miss a friend’s Christmas party because her family is celebrating the last night of Hanukkah together, the episode presents different types of families and ways of celebrating the holiday season. In a touching moment, Muffy finally comes to realize that the Festival of Lights is just as important to Francine as how she feels about Christmas.

Season 7, episode 10

A hilarious classic episode, Ross dresses in costume to capture his son’s interest in learning about the Festival of Lights, but the only costume available to rent is an armadillo. A half-Jewish kid, Ben knows a lot more about Christmas than Hanukkah, but he gladly focuses on learning about the miracle of Hanukkah once Santa also expresses interest. The whole crew then comes together to light the menorah. The touching, funny episode spotlights the importance of family and friendship during the holiday season, regardless of faith or beliefs.

Season 6, episode 10

Fran, the fabulous Jewish protagonist of the hit sitcom, teaches the children she nannies about the Festival of Lights. When asked why Jewish holidays begin at sundown, she responds in her trademark nasally voice, “That’s because God realized that before 5 pm, to wear sequins is gauche.” The episode features flashbacks to her childhood, a ceremonious menorah lighting, and a Hanukkah miracle.