We don’t make a new Hanukkiah every year but sometimes it’s fun to add a special one, like this very fascinating Wax and Ice Hanukkiah. It’s so incredibly simple to make and we were all enthralled watching it take form!
What You’ll Need
- Wax. Either melt down an existing candle (remove wick and especially the metal base of the wick and melt in a microwave safe container you don’t care about tossing afterwards!) or use purchased wax. We had leftover beeswax pellets from a previous craft that had melted and hardened into a block that I just heated in its baking tin in the oven.
- Wicks
- 9 glass containers or waxed paper cups
- Crushed ice cubes
Putting It Together
- Melt your wax and have it ready to go.
- Scoop crushed ice cubes into the containers of choice. You want enough to form some cool pockets but not too much so that the candle won’t be able to take form. This is the perfect part for the kids to do.
- Have an adult carefully pour the wax over the ice in each container.
- Place a wick in the middle of each container.
- Sit back and watch the magic happen! So quickly the ice melts and the wax hardens. It will form the most fascinating pockets.
- Once the wax hardens enough you can carefully pour off the melted ice/water. Continue to do so until the candle is fully hardened and all ice has melted.
- If you used the waxed paper cups, cut and carefully peel them away to reveal your super cool candles! If you used glass, you are able to see the transformation take place as the ice melts and the wax hardens.
- Once Hanukkah starts, enjoy lighting your new Hanukkiah!
Finished & Loving It!
This was such an easy craft for us especially as we already had all the materials. The actual participation is short but the observation is fun and the final product so worth it!
Both my parents had arrived for my oldest’s bar mitzvah and I set out this activity for everyone to do together. It was great intergenerational Hanukkah fun and so neat to watch the excitement from kids and adults alike!
I liked using the glass containers because I was worried that if I used too much ice the candle would be crumbly and unstable. It’s really a try and see approach.
I really can’t wait to use this new Wax and Ice Hanukkiah next week for Hanukkah! If you like special DIY Hanukkiah, check out the one we made last year, our X. Smelled so lovely and looked so special. I love all these ways we add light to our home, holiday, family and world!
Chag Hanukkah Sameach!
We have a whole page dedicated to Hanukkah, our Hanukkah Hub. Check it out! It includes some of the Hanukkah activities we plan to do this year, as well as the activities we’ve done in previous years.
And don’t forget our Hanukkah Montessori-Style 3 Part Cards, a wonderful way to introduce Hanukkah! And, now we also have all 13 Jewish holidays bundled together in A Year of Jewish Holidays 3 Part Cards.
If you want to go full-on Hanukkah with your littles, you must try our Hanukkah Activities Packet for Early Learners! I am so excited about all the Hanukkah-themed literacy, fine motor skills, math, and play fun!
The following sites are amazing resources for learning more about this holiday:
Chag Sameach!
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