Hanukkah 2026: how to celebrate the Festival of Lights in a private estate
From December 4th to 12th, 2026, Hanukkah will brighten Jewish homes during eight nights of celebration, sharing, and light. To experience this Festival of Lights on a grand scale, a private estate offers the space, privacy, and magic needed for an exceptional family or community gathering. Discover how the Domaine de Vaujoly and the Domaine du Grand Morin can host your Hanukkah 2026.


What is Hanukkah and when does it take place in 2026?
Hanukkah is one of the best-known holidays in the Jewish calendar. Often called the "Festival of Lights," it commemorates the Maccabean revolt against the Greek occupiers in the 2nd century BCE and the miracle of the holy oil, which burned for eight days in the Temple of Jerusalem despite there being only enough for one.
In 2026, Hanukkah runs from Wednesday, December 4th, to Thursday, December 12th. Each evening, an additional candle is lit on the hanukkiah (the nine-branched candelabra) until all eight nights are illuminated. This period is synonymous with family gatherings, spinning dreidel games (sevivon), jelly doughnuts (sufganiyot), potato pancakes (latkes), and the giving of gelt (Hanukkah money).
Why celebrate Hanukkah at a private estate?
A private estate offers many advantages for bringing family and community together for the Festival of Lights. The space allows for large groups to gather in an intimate and secure setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Professional kitchens available at certain estates make it easy to prepare traditional dishes, with the necessary supervision if guests wish to adhere to specific dietary requirements.
A private estate also provides the freedom to organize evening rituals—lighting the hanukkiah, prayers, and songs—at your own pace, without worrying about neighbors or closing times. Finally, it offers an exceptional natural setting, perfect for reflection and passing down traditions to the younger generation.
Domaine de Vaujoly: A sparkling celebration for the Festival of Lights
Located in Courville-sur-Eure (28), 1.5 hours from Paris, the Domaine de Vaujoly is a place full of energy and enthusiasm, ideal for a festive and warm Hanukkah celebration. It can host from 10 to 350 people and features 32 rooms with 129 beds, allowing the entire extended family to stay under one roof for all eight nights.
Its multi-hectare park provides a lush setting for group games and outdoor activities, even in December. The large reception hall can accommodate the lighting of the hanukkiah, buffets of sufganiyot and latkes, and lively evening events. The estate is also equipped with meeting spaces for moments of prayer and reflection in smaller groups.
For a Hanukkah celebration of between 50 and 350 people, the Domaine de Vaujoly is the perfect stage.
Domaine du Grand Morin: A poetic light in the heart of nature
In Jouy-sur-Morin (77), just an hour from Paris, the Domaine du Grand Morin invites you to celebrate Hanukkah in a natural and contemplative spirit. This estate hosts from 10 to 260 people and offers 25 rooms with 71 beds, perfect for an immersive, multi-day family stay.
The banks of the Morin, landscaped gardens, and cozy interiors create a poetic atmosphere where the light of the Hanukkah menorah resonates with the beauty of the surroundings. The Domaine du Grand Morin is perfectly suited for mid-sized gatherings looking to experience Hanukkah in a spirit of slow celebration: traditional meals prepared together, storytelling for children, and singing by the fire.
For an intimate and rejuvenating celebration for between 10 and 260 guests, the Domaine du Grand Morin is an exceptional choice.
How to organize your 2026 Hanukkah in a private estate?
Organizing Hanukkah in a private estate requires a few weeks of preparation. Here are the essential steps:
- Choose your dates : Hanukkah 2026 begins at sunset on December 4th. Book the estate for several days to enjoy the nightly lightings.
- Define the number of guests : whether for close family, extended family, or your community, both estates can accommodate from 10 to 350 people.
- Plan the program : lighting the menorah each evening, traditional meals, activities for children (dreidel games, chocolate gelt workshops), and musical evenings.
- Manage catering : check with the estate regarding catering policies and available kitchen facilities.
- Contact the Domaines & événements team : our teams will assist you in personalizing your event, from decor to service providers.
Domaines & événements: a collection of exceptional estates
The Domaine de Vaujoly and the Domaine du Grand Morin are part of the Domaines & événementscollection, which brings together eight private venues dedicated to weddings, seminars, and private events.
Each estate has its own unique identity:
- Domaine de la Vivande: authentic and intimate
- Domaine de la Thibaudière: elegant and enchanting
- Domaine de Vaujoly: sparkling and festive
- Domaine de la Roche Couloir: captivating and unique
- Domaine d'Aveny: majestic and historic
- Domaine des Barrenques: lush and enchanting
- Domaine du Grand Morin: natural and poetic
- Domaine de la Huguenoterie: rustic and welcoming
These venues share a common philosophy: to offer human, friendly, and inspiring experiences in heritage sites surrounded by nature.
Frequently asked questions
When is Hanukkah in 2026?
Hanukkah 2026 begins at sundown on Wednesday, December 4, and ends on the evening of Thursday, December 12. The holiday lasts for eight nights, during which an additional candle is lit each evening on the hanukkiah, the nine-branched candelabrum. In 2026, the Festival of Lights coincides with the start of winter, creating a particularly warm atmosphere perfect for family gatherings.
How many people can be accommodated at the Domaine de Vaujoly for Hanukkah?
The Domaine de Vaujoly, located in Courville-sur-Eure (28), can accommodate between 10 and 350 people depending on the chosen setup. It features 32 rooms with 129 beds, allowing a large family or community group to stay on-site for several nights of Hanukkah. It is one of the largest estates in the Domaines & événements collection, making it ideal for large celebrations.
Is the Domaine du Grand Morin suitable for a multi-day stay during Hanukkah?
Yes, the Domaine du Grand Morin in Jouy-sur-Morin (77) is perfectly suited for an immersive multi-day stay. It offers 25 rooms with 71 beds and can accommodate between 10 and 260 people. Its natural and poetic setting, bordered by the Morin river, makes it an ideal place to experience Hanukkah in an atmosphere of reflection and sharing, just one hour from Paris.
Can we prepare traditional Hanukkah dishes at the estates?
The estates in the Domaines & événements collection are equipped with professional kitchen facilities. We recommend contacting the team at your chosen estate directly to learn about kitchen usage policies and available catering options. Some estates can accommodate external caterers specializing in traditional Jewish cuisine, depending on your specific needs.
How do I book an estate to celebrate Hanukkah 2026?
To book the Domaine de Vaujoly or the Domaine du Grand Morin for Hanukkah 2026, contact the Domaines & événements team directly via the domainesevenements.com website. Given the fixed dates of the holiday (December 4–12, 2026), we recommend booking well in advance by autumn 2026. Our team will assist you in personalizing your event, from decor to logistics.


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