Record-Breaking Chanukah: Thousands of Children Worldwide Bring Light with The CKids Holiday Frenzy

Thousands of kids from over 70 countries have already taken part in The CKids Chanukah Holiday Frenzy, making it the largest CKids Chanukah program to date. Night after night, children are lighting their Menorahs and completing Mitzvah Missions as part of a global effort to bring Jewish light into the world.

The Chanukah Holiday Frenzy is a CKids initiative that encourages children to actively experience Yom Tov through action, fostering a sense of responsibility as children step into the role of active soldiers in Hashem’s army, each entrusted with an important mission to fulfill. Kids complete a variety of mitzvah missions — from lighting the menorah and eating donuts, to attending public menorah lightings and doing acts of kindness — and log their progress at Ckids.org/th. Each completed mission earns entries into an international raffle with exciting prizes. The program runs in multiple languages and is designed to be simple and accessible for kids everywhere.

The Rebbe emphasized that children are natural educators,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “Their passion for sharing their knowledge inspires their peers and family to connect to the holiday as well.”

“Our goal is to make mitzvos feel exciting, doable, and impactful,” said Zalmy Loewenthal, Director of CKids at Merkos 302. “When kids enjoy what they’re doing and understand why they do it, it has a real impact that lasts beyond Chanukah.”

Parents are already seeing that impact at home.

“Chanukah feels different this year,” shared one parent. “The excitement is coming from the kids. They’re reminding us to light the menorah, talking about the missions, and bringing so much joy into our home.”

The timing of this surge of light feels especially meaningful. As Jewish communities face difficult moments around the world, including recent events in Sydney, the sight of thousands of children choosing to spread light carries a powerful message of hope. Our hearts go out to all those affected.

CKids plans to continue expanding the Holiday Frenzy model for future Yomim Tovim, using excitement and action to strengthen Jewish identity and connection.

As the candles continue to be lit, one message shines clearly: when children lead, the world becomes brighter.