Hilchos Chanukkah / Kindling the lights (e) – 12

1. It is forbidden to do anything before kindling the Chanukah lights, even to study Torah. The exception to this is to pray Ma’ariv, which should be done first if it is already after nightfall. [In general, there are differing customs regarding the ideal time to kindle the lights, and, consequently, whether Maa’rivalways precedes the lighting, as will be discussed elsewhere.] (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, 139)

2. Prior to kindling the lights, the family should be gathered to the place where they will be lit, in order to publicize the miracle.