Carol Boyd Leon

happy hanukkahHappy Hanukkah CD cover

After hearing Feliz Navidad played on the radio numerous times throughout the holiday season, Carol  vowed to compose a Hanukkah song whose melody, rhythm, simple lyrics and strong percussion would have a contemporary sound that encourages radio listeners and concert-goers -- young and old alike -- to sing along.

Soon thereafter, Carol composed Happy Hanukkah and dedicated it to her children Sarah, Jacob and Jamie.

Happy Hanukkah was recorded and arranged by Derek Wille with vocals by Larry Eschler, percussion by Steve Bloom, trumpet by Curt Christensen, and mastering by Bill Wolf in Spring 2008.

Sarah Brett England arranged Happy Hanukkah for vocal/piano/guitar and also created choral scores for unison choir (or solo voice), for 2-part choir (appropriate for grade 5/6 through adult) and for SAB choir (with optional trumpet) for use in schools, community concerts, synagogues and elsewhere.

The SAB arrangement debuted at a holiday concert of the Encore Chorale at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 16, 2008, the 2-part arrangement was performed by a high school showchoir around the same time, and a youth choir debuted the unison version using the prerecorded studio accompaniment. 

 

Maybe Happy Hanukkah will never receive air time or be sung throughout the holiday season like Feliz Navidad. (although more than 25,000 people have viewed the Happy Hanukkah youtube video).

 

But who knows?  Miracles do happen.

Video Clip on YouTube
Happy Hanukkah Video Clip

Happy Hanukkah
Play Song | Stop

Happy Hanukkah performance track
Play Song | Stop

Happy Hanukkah CD
(includes vocal and performance tracks) $8.00 + shipping

Happy Hanukkah Pop Sheet Music (piano/vocal/guitar) $3.95 each + $2 total shipping (regardless of number ordered). Click here for pdf preview.

 Happy Hanukkah choral arrangements for unison, 2-part and SAB choirs

  

Music & lyrics by Carol Boyd Leon

 

Verse:

At this time of year, we wish you good cheer

As we say, “Have a happy Hanukkah” – Happy Hanukkah!

Festival of lights for eight days and nights,

Candles are glowing far and near.

 

Refrain:

Wondrous holiday of light,

Freedom shining more each night.

Wondrous holiday of light,

Freedom shining more each night.

 

Bridge:

Tell the story of days gone by

As the candle flames grow bright.

Ancient glory defies the night

Turning darkness into light.

 

Final verse:

At this time of year, we wish you good cheer

As we say, “Have a happy Hanukkah” – Happy Hanukkah!

Festival of Lights for eight days and nights,

Happy Hanukkah to those we hold most dear.

Happy Hanukkah year after year.

Carol's other Hanukkah songs, available in Gan Shirim, A Garden of Songs or as lead sheets:

  • Come See The Candles (a simple 2-part round)
  • Counting Candles
  • The Maccabees

Also, for preschoolers, available as lead sheets:

  • Don't Blow Them Out
  • One Little Latke