Hanukkah is full of joyous traditions, from latke-making to dreidel-playing, but there’s no ritual more important to the holiday than lighting the menorah—so you should buy one that suits your style. Sure, the heirloom your grandparents thoughtfully handed down to you is special, but the odds are high that it’s not your aesthetic. And you may not have the time or energy to devote to a DIY menorah project. Luckily, there are many cool, contemporary menorahs on the market nowadays.
Our Top Picks
Whether your home leans maximalist or minimalist, midcentury modern or boho, there is a modern menorah to match your vibe. You can make a statement with Jonathan Adler’s dachshund menorah, go classic with Georg Jensen, or keep it simple with an alabaster arch that provides year-round utility. These options won’t only punch up the festival of lights, they’ll also double as home decor year-round. Consider them centerpieces that set the mood as much as they are for celebrating the holiday. This year, Hanukkah starts on December 14, so make sure to invest in a design-forward menorah before the fun begins.
Best Simple Menorah
Originally designed for Areaware, Josh Owen’s solid cast-iron menorah became an instant classic for those in search of a modern menorah. Since its release, it’s been added to the permanent collections of the Memorial Art Gallery, the National Museum of American Jewish History, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Best Artisanal Design
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Virginia Sin, the Brooklyn–based artist behind Sin, created this ribbon-like stoneware menorah to honor both new and old traditions. It comes in black, cream, and sand finishes, each of which expresses the ethereal movement of the piece in its own way.
Best Contemporary Piece
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West Elm Cast Glass Menorah
Sleek and minimalist, this handsome glass model from West Elm impersonates a crystal menorah (without the price point) and allows your candlesticks to do the talking. Keep it simple with classic white candles or bring in pops of color. The vessel’s block style is great for any contemporary home.
Best Understated Design
Design Within Reach Ascalon Menorah
Designed by Brad Ascalon, this sleek menorah is made of solid Carrara marble. Its diagonal plane isn’t just chic—it’s also symbolic, intentionally angled at 18 degrees, a holy number in Judaism that represents chai, which means “life” in Hebrew.
Best Playful Design
Jonathan Adler Dachshund Menorah
Pup lovers will swoon over this white ceramic dachshund menorah by Jonathan Adler, which is finished with a soft satin matte glaze. The hot dog’s elongated body is perfect for eight candles, with the shamash resting regally atop her head.
More AD-Approved Menorahs
Three ceramic arches fuse together in this sculptural menorah by Los Angeles–based home goods brand dumæ. For a moody look choose the bronze finish, or stick to a minimalist aesthetic with the ivory option. Either way, your mantel is getting an upgrade.
A distinct departure from the classic gold-plated or solid brass menorah, the Via Maris Trace menorah is made with powder-coated steel. The brand aims to redesign Judaica for the 21st century using a pared-down approach and largely industrial materials. Browse their site for more thoughtfully designed Jewish gifts like mezuzahs and kiddush cups reinterpreted with a modern lens.
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Crate & Barrel Beaded Polished Chrome Menorah
Inspired by strung beads, this brass-cast, nickel-finished piece ups the ante on the classic menorah without straying too far from its design principles. If you’re someone who likes their holiday decor and Hanukkah decorations to have purpose a bit outside the three-week window of festivities, this is a home decor add with versatility.
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CB2 Alabaster Hanukkah Menorah
This white alabaster, while far from a traditional menorah, offers the sort of sophistication that suits other polished holiday decorations perfectly. This is an elegant and stream-lined decoration that bears design relevance far beyond Hanukkah.
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Via Maris Glass Chanukiah
Via Maris collaborated with French American glassware designer Sophie Lou Jacobsen on this playful borosilicate glass number that comes aglow when oil candles are lit within it. The smoke version offers a minimalist vibe, while the amber and rose variety will bring warm, inviting hues to any table.
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To add height to a table or on an otherwise festive credenza, this classic menorah is available in both silver and gold. It achieves a balance between contemporary and traditional designs and its stature calls attention to itself as a centerpiece.
Simon Pearce Riverstone Menorah
Inspired by the smooth, flattened stones found in the rushing waters of Vermont’s rivers, the hand-blown glass base of this Simon Pearce menorah is rounded and sleek. It’s also polished so that the flickering of the Hanukkah candles is reflected beautifully each night.
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Georg Jensen Cobra Stainless Steel Menorah
This gorgeous menorah courtesy of Danish silversmithing brand Georg Jensen. Aside from its beautiful, sterling silver, fluted design, this option comes with free next day delivery if you are celebrating in a pinch.