Common greetings on the first day of Hanukkah are simple and warm, and the same phrases are used throughout the eight days.
Simple English greetings
- “Happy Hanukkah” is the most common and completely appropriate thing to say on the first day or any day of the holiday.
- You can also say something like “Wishing you a bright and joyful Hanukkah” if you want to be a bit more personal.
Hebrew greetings
- “Hanukkah sameach” means “Happy Hanukkah” and is a very common Hebrew greeting.
- “Chag urim sameach” means “Happy Festival of Lights” and is also used, especially in more traditional or Hebrew-speaking settings.
If you want to be extra thoughtful
- You can pair the greeting with a short wish, such as hoping their home is filled with light, joy, or peace during Hanukkah.
- Any of these greetings are appropriate on the very first night when the candles are lit for the first time.
