From Latkes to Love: The Best Hanukkah Romances to Read This Season

Hanukkah is a time of light, love, and celebration—a perfect backdrop for romance! While holiday romance novels often focus on Christmas, there’s a growing collection of heartwarming and passionate stories centered on Hanukkah, offering a fresh perspective on holiday traditions. Whether you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud romcom, a heartfelt tale of second chances, or a spicy romance to keep you warm, this list has something for every reader.

From quirky fake-dating hijinks to tender explorations of love and identity, these Hanukkah romances celebrate the richness of Jewish culture and the magic of finding love in unexpected places. Grab your menorah, light the candles, and curl up with one of these enchanting stories to brighten your holiday season!

Light Up Your Nights: Top Hanukkah Romance Novels to Enjoy

Eight Kinky Nights by Xan West

In Eight Kinky Nights, 49-year-old stone butch Jordan moves in with her friend Leah after a divorce, ready to embrace her new life, including exploring kink and polyamory. Leah, a 51-year-old queer femme, is a submissive kink educator grappling with her gray ace identity and past trauma. To support each other, Leah proposes eight kink lessons during Chanukah to help Jordan gain confidence as a dominant and allow Leah to deepen her understanding of her own consent. As their connection grows, they must confront grief, trauma, and change while navigating the complexities of love and identity in this tender, multifaceted romance.

The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer

Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt, a bestselling Christmas romance author, hides her career and her love for Christmas from her Jewish family. When her publisher demands a Hanukkah romance, Rachel faces writer’s block, viewing Hanukkah as anything but magical. Desperate, she attends the Matzah Ball, a Jewish celebration, and is forced to work with Jacob Greenberg—her childhood nemesis. As their fiery rivalry reignites, Rachel begins to see the beauty of Hanukkah and discovers unexpected feelings for Jacob. Will this holiday of lights illuminate a new path for Rachel’s heart and career?

I’ll Be Home for Hanukkah by KK Hendin

In I’ll Be Home for Hanukkah, Shayna Adler, a proud city girl and devoted Jew, finds herself stuck in what feels like the plot of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Sent on a last-minute business trip to North Pole, Alaska, she’s surrounded by flannel-clad small-town men with mysterious pasts, mistletoe at every turn, and over-the-top holiday cheer. Despite her bewilderment, Shayna starts to fall for her new coworker and learns unexpected lessons about life and love. But can a Jewish woman find her own kind of magic amidst all the Christmas chaos? A humorous, heartwarming holiday romance with a unique twist.

Matzah Ball Surprise by Laura Brown 

In Matzah Ball Surprise, Gaby Fineberg dreads another Passover Seder with her matchmaking family, so she ropes in Levi Miller, the hot guy from her gym, to pose as her date. What she doesn’t realize is that Levi, who is deaf and happily single, also needs her help to escape his own sticky situation. Their fake relationship quickly spirals into a hilarious string of missteps as they navigate family dinners and unexpected connections. As sparks fly, Gaby and Levi must decide if their arrangement could lead to something real. A lighthearted romance with heart and humor.

Miracles and Menorahs by Stacey Agdern

In Miracles and Menorahs, Sarah Goldman, vice chair of the Hollowville Hanukkah Festival, is determined to save the event with a bold plan: a new campaign and a grand metal menorah centerpiece. But limited funds threaten her vision. Enter Isaac Lieberman, a renowned sculptor who cherishes Hanukkah’s quiet traditions over commercial festivities. Despite his reluctance, Sarah’s passion and determination draw him into her orbit. As they clash over their visions for the holiday, sparks fly, and Sarah might just inspire Isaac to see Hanukkah—and love—in a whole new light.

Love You Latke by Amanda Elliot

In this charming holiday romance, Abby Cohen is juggling her role as the only Jew on her Vermont town’s tourism board with planning a Hanukkah festival plagued by cultural misunderstandings. Her biggest frustration? Seth, the annoyingly cheerful café regular who’s determined to crack her icy demeanor. When Abby learns Seth is also Jewish—and in need of a fake girlfriend to appease his family—an unexpected partnership forms. As they navigate latkes, Manhattan adventures, and Seth’s warm family, Abby begins to wonder if the sparks flying between them might be more than just festival magic.

Eight Dates and Nights by Betsy Aldredge

In Eight Dates and Nights, city girl Hannah Levin finds herself snowed in at her grandmother’s small Texas town for Hanukkah, surrounded by horses, tinsel, and zero Wi-Fi. Feeling out of place, she stumbles into a deli and meets Noah, the only other Jewish teen in town. His exuberant love for Hanukkah, complete with cheesy sweaters and a quirky dreidel truth-or-dare game, begins to chip away at Hannah’s cynicism. As their connection grows and sparks fly, Hannah discovers there’s more to Hanukkah—and Noah—than she ever imagined. A cozy, heartwarming holiday romance.

Eight Crazy One Night Stands by Beth Gelman

In Eight Crazy One Night Stands, Becca Strauss, a driven patent attorney, agrees to her mother’s challenge: find a boyfriend before the Annual Charity Hanukkah party to silence her relentless commentary on Becca’s single life. With her career aspirations on the line, Becca embarks on a whirlwind week of eight blind dates, each stranger than the last. Meanwhile, her loyal best friend, Spencer, offers support—but could his feelings go beyond friendship? As the Hanukkah candles burn, Becca must navigate hilarity, chaos, and her own heart to uncover what truly makes her happy. A witty and heartfelt holiday romance.

The Hanukkah Hook-Up by Jessica Topper 

In The Hanukkah Hook-Up, Nora Ruben, a dedicated employee reeling from bad news at her company holiday party, decides to let loose for one night aboard the Matzo Baller, a festive Hanukkah harbor cruise. Joining her is Alex Beckman, a seemingly unassuming coworker who’s secretly tasked with downsizing her department. Nora’s rule for the night: no work talk. What begins as a carefree evening turns into a magical weekend, and Alex finds himself torn between duty and his growing feelings for Nora. Can a Hanukkah fling lead to something more, or will their jobs keep them apart?

A Homemade Hanukkah by Eliana West 

In A Homemade Hanukkah, physical therapist Noah Stern is sent to check on reclusive soccer star Gideon Wilder at his mountain cabin. Noah’s cheerful personality clashes with Gideon’s gruff, self-imposed isolation, but an avalanche trapping them together during Hanukkah forces them to confront their differences. As Noah introduces Gideon to the warmth of Hanukkah traditions with heartfelt, homemade gifts, Gideon’s walls begin to crumble. Still, past heartbreak makes him fear letting someone in. Can Gideon take a leap of faith and offer Noah his heart, or will his fears keep them apart when the snow clears? A tender holiday romance.

Twinkle by Allie Lasky 

In Twinkle, a pregnant woman reeling from betrayal moves in with her former summer camp rival, Benji Applebaum. What starts as a temporary arrangement turns into something unexpected as Benji shows a side she never saw growing up—kind, supportive, and determined to care for her and her unborn child. As he showers her with thoughtful gifts for each night of Chanukah, their connection deepens. But she struggles with self-doubt, fearing the fragile happiness they’ve built won’t last. Can their temporary “house” become a true home, or will her insecurities push him away? A heartfelt holiday romance about second chances.

Check Out Our Holiday Hub – For More Holiday Book Recommendations 

If you loved these Hanukkah romance recommendations, be sure to visit our Holiday Hub! It’s your one-stop destination for all things festive, featuring curated book lists like spicy holiday reads, New Year’s romances, hilarious holiday romcoms, and so much more. Whether you’re looking for cozy vibes, laugh-out-loud moments, or swoon-worthy spice, our Holiday Hub has something for every mood this season.

Don’t miss out—click here to explore and find your next holiday read!

Conclusion

Hanukkah is a time to celebrate love, light, and the warmth of connection, and these romance novels perfectly capture that holiday magic. Whether you’re drawn to stories of personal growth, laugh-out-loud mishaps, or heart-melting moments, this list has something to brighten all eight nights,

As you light the menorah and savor your favorite holiday treats, let these books transport you to worlds filled with love, laughter, and the beauty of Hanukkah traditions. Don’t forget to share your favorites in the comments, or let us know which book you’re most excited to read. Happy Hanukkah, and happy reading!