Last updated: 9:00 PM ET, Fri September 25, 2026
Jerusalem is preparing for Sukkot with a wide range of events, traditions and activities for the whole family taking place across the city. Highlights include the traditional Four Species Market, the Mayor's Sukkah at Safra Square, the Sahrane celebrations, a sustainability festival and the traditional Jerusalem March.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion said: The Tishrei holidays in Jerusalem are always a special time, when the entire city fills with visitors, prayer, tradition and a unique atmosphere. This year, once again, Jerusalem is opening its gates and inviting residents and visitors from across Israel to experience the sanctity of the holidays and the special spirit of Jerusalem. The Tishrei holidays are an opportunity to draw strength from unity, mutual responsibility and hope for a better and safer future. The Jerusalem Municipality is fully prepared for the holiday period and will work to ensure that every resident and visitor can enjoy the city, its events and its traditions.
Following the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, which brought large numbers of visitors to Jerusalem, the city will continue its tradition of festive holiday events. Streets, squares and sites across Jerusalem will take on a celebratory atmosphere, welcoming residents and visitors throughout Sukkot.
The Four Species Market: A Decades Old Jerusalem Tradition
The traditional Four Species Market will open ahead of Sukkot at Valero Square in the Mahane Yehuda Market. The market, one of Jerusalem's best known holiday traditions, will offer a wide range of stalls selling the Four Species, sukkah decorations and other holiday items.
The market will operate during the days following Yom Kippur through the eve of Sukkot, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to experience Jerusalem's distinctive holiday atmosphere.
Tuesday through Thursday, 22 to 24 September, from 8:00 to 23:00. Friday, 25 September, from 8:00 until one hour before the start of the holiday.
The Mayor's Sukkah: Jerusalem Welcomes Everyone
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Throughout Chol HaMoed Sukkot, the traditional Mayor's Sukkah will be set up at Safra Square and will serve as a center for performances and activities open to the public. The sukkah reflects Jerusalem's spirit of hospitality, community and mutual responsibility, and will welcome residents, families and visitors from across Israel throughout the holiday.
The Jerusalem March: A Chol HaMoed Family Tradition
One of the main events of Chol HaMoed Sukkot will be the traditional Jerusalem March, taking place on Monday, 28 September 2026, 17 Tishrei 5787. Thousands of participants are expected to take part in the event, which will feature walking routes of varying levels of difficulty, suitable for both experienced hikers and families. The routes will pass through Jerusalem's distinctive landscapes and scenic areas before concluding at Sacher Park, where a festive family event will take place with a variety of activities and attractions.
Activity stations and musical performances will be located along the routes, with communities, families and visitors from Jerusalem and across Israel expected to participate.
Shuttle and transportation services will be available for participants. Visitors arriving by private car are encouraged to park in designated parking areas and use public transportation or shuttle services to reach the starting points.
The Sahrane Celebrations
On Sunday, 27 September 2026, during Chol HaMoed Sukkot, Jerusalem will host the Sahrane celebration, dedicated to the heritage and traditions of Kurdish Jewry.
The event will take place at the Museum of Tolerance, 32 Hillel Street, from 16:00 to 23:00, with free admission.
The program will include musical performances, cultural and heritage displays, traditional food stalls and appearances by leading artists from the community. The main performance will begin at 21:30.
The event is being held in cooperation with the Jerusalem Municipality and the Ministry of Culture and Sport.
Green Inside and Out Festival
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On 28 and 29 September 2026, during Chol HaMoed Sukkot, Jerusalem will host the sixth annual Green Inside and Out Festival, celebrating sustainability across the city.
The festival will feature dozens of tours, activities and events for the whole family focusing on urban nature, sustainability, community and the environment. It will also showcase local initiatives led by Jerusalem residents and communities.
The events will offer residents and visitors an opportunity to explore the city's natural and community spaces and experience Jerusalem from a greener and more connected perspective.
Derech Beit Lehem Festival
The Derech Beit Lehem Festival will take place on Sunday, 27 September 2026, during Chol HaMoed Sukkot, transforming the street into a lively space for art, culture and community.
From 15:00 to 22:30, neighborhood residents and visitors will be able to enjoy music, performances, art, creative workshops, children's activities, family attractions and a food and art fair, all in a festive community atmosphere.
Ein Kerem Festival
The Ein Kerem Festival will take place during Chol HaMoed Sukkot on Thursday and Friday, 1 and 2 October 2026, from 17:00 to 23:00.
The festival will offer two days of music, art, nature and community amid the picturesque lanes of Ein Kerem.
The program will include performances in private courtyards and homes, open houses and artists' studios, guided tours, children's performances, workshops and activities in the community forest, a procession, food stalls and a main stage operating into the evening.
Participating artists include Yael Dagon, Nadav Dagon with Aviv Bachar, Adi Agai, Olga Avigail, Yair Dalal and Ja'ala, alongside local artists and creators. Admission is free.
The Jerusalem Municipality Is Prepared for the Holidays
Ahead of the Tishrei holiday period, the Jerusalem Municipality will increase cleaning, sanitation, maintenance, security and enforcement operations throughout the city, with particular attention to entertainment areas, tourist sites, the Old City and the city center.
The Jerusalem Municipality and the Moriah company are also setting up fully equipped festive sukkahs along the light rail construction route for the benefit of residents, visitors and pilgrims, while also supporting local businesses.
The sukkahs will include the Four Species, lighting and artificial turf, allowing families to sit comfortably and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. They will be open to the public at six locations in the German Colony, the renewed Talpiot district, Hebron Road and King George Street.
The initiative is intended to keep these areas welcoming and lively and to encourage the public to continue visiting local businesses during the holiday period.
The Jerusalem Municipality encourages residents and visitors to use public transportation whenever possible and to take advantage of Park and Ride facilities, which offer free parking when used in combination with public transportation and the light rail.
Jerusalem invites everyone to visit, explore, pray, celebrate and experience the Tishrei holiday atmosphere in Israel's capital.
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