Issue #301 Sun 29 Dec
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — December 29, 2024
The kitchen warms up as the candles are lit. A reliable rhythm of preparation takes over the dining room table.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Oil shimmering in a pan and the scent of frying starch hanging heavy in the air.
Traditional holiday culinary preparations
SEASONAL CULINARY TRADITIONS
Spangram 4 hints · 13 letters
The connector word
A single compound noun
13 letters.
Starts with H, ends with S.
HANUKKAHFOODS
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (10 letters)
- 2 B (7 letters)
- 3 C (7 letters)
- 4 K (5 letters)
- 5 L (6 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AP (10 letters)
- 2 BR (7 letters)
- 3 CH (7 letters)
- 4 KU (5 letters)
- 5 LA (6 letters)
Theme word 1 of 5 5 hints · 10 letters
A theme word
A smooth, sweet condiment often served alongside fried potato treats.
10 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AP.
APPLESAUCE
Theme word 2 of 5 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A slow-cooked cut of beef that anchors a celebratory dinner.
7 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BR.
BRISKET
Theme word 3 of 5 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A braided loaf of egg bread shared at the start of a meal.
7 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CH.
CHALLAH
Theme word 4 of 5 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A baked noodle casserole that can be sweet or savory.
5 letters.
Starts with K.
Starts with KU.
KUGEL
Theme word 5 of 5 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
Crispy fried patties made from grated root vegetables.
6 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LA.
LATKES
Spoiler zone
Complete Strands answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the spangram
Reveal all theme words
- APPLESAUCE
- BRISKET
- CHALLAH
- KUGEL
- LATKES
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on December 29, 2024. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for December 29, 2024, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on December 29, 2024?
NYT Strands on December 29, 2024 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 5 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the December 29, 2024 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 13 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "H" — the hints above ease you toward the rest one step at a time, without spelling it out.
What is the theme of NYT Strands on December 29, 2024?
We keep the theme under wraps here so nothing is spoiled — but the ladder above walks you into it, starting with the puzzle's overall vibe. Want it stated outright, with the spangram and all 5 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 5 theme words · 13-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 5 theme words · 13-letter spangram