Hanukkah on a boat in Paris: the festival of lights on the Seine

A Hanukkah evening on a boat in Paris is the festival of lights celebrated right in the heart of the City of Light. Over the eight nights of Hanukkah, lighting the hanukkiah brings family and friends together: on the Seine, with the illuminated monuments in the background, this moment takes on a particularly powerful feel.

A family celebration, a community evening or a gathering with friends: here's how to organise it on board.

Lighting the hanukkiah on board

Lighting the candles is the heart of the evening. On a boat, it needs a little preparation, as the safety rules around open flames vary from boat to boat and need to be confirmed with the operator before the event. Depending on the situation, several options exist:

• Lighting on board in a designated, secure area, if the operator allows it.
• Lighting on deck before departure, with the boat still moored, for a solemn moment before the cruise.
• A large decorative electric hanukkiah as an addition, for the staging and photos.

For observant families, following the timings and rules for lighting the candles should be arranged with the rabbi or the community.

A festive table

Hanukkah is also celebrated around the table, with specialities fried in oil to commemorate the miracle: sufganiyot (doughnuts), latkes (potato pancakes) and fried treats from every tradition, Ashkenazi and Sephardic alike. A kosher caterer can put together a cocktail reception or a dinner built around these flavours, combined with a more elaborate menu.

Activities for young and old

• Dreidels (sevivon): a traditional game that delights children and entertains adults too.
• Hanukkah songs: a shared moment right after the lighting.
• Music: a DJ or a band to move into a night of dancing.
• Decoration: blue, white and silver, LED candles and fairy lights to carry through the theme of light.

Practical tips

Hanukkah generally falls in December, sometimes at the end of November: this is also the festive season and the time for corporate evenings, when boats are in high demand. Book early, especially if you're after a specific evening. Choose a well-enclosed, heated boat so every guest, from the youngest to the oldest, can enjoy the evening in comfort. And if the date falls on a Friday evening, consider moving the celebration to Saturday after Shabbat ends, or to Sunday.