The Jerusalem Sukkot Market is not just another seasonal fair – it is a cultural ritual that returns each year, filling the city with color, sound, and the fragrance of the holiday. In the alleys around Mahane Yehuda, a tradition that began as a modest gathering of merchants on Beit Yaakov Street has become a carefully organized event that attracts residents and visitors from across the country.
A Living Tradition in Mahane Yehuda
The market stretches across more than 40 stalls offering the four species – etrog, lulav, hadas, and arava – alongside sukkah decorations, sacred ornaments, and unique items that add a personal touch to the holiday. Beyond the products, it is a meeting place between generations, where grandparents and grandchildren walk together, choose carefully, and feel the excitement of preparing for Sukkot.
Within this setting, the market is more than commerce – it has become a cultural and communal landmark that underscores Jerusalem’s unique character.
Valero Square as the Center of Festivities
Valero Square, on the edge of the Mahane Yehuda market, has positioned itself as the central stage of the Sukkot celebrations. Its accessible location in the heart of the city makes it a bridge between ancient tradition and modern urban life, creating a festive atmosphere in the public sphere. Visitors often describe the experience as a direct link between the spiritual and the everyday – a moment where Jerusalem of heaven and Jerusalem of earth converge.
Opening Hours – From Market to Holiday Table
To match the rhythm of the city with Sabbath and festival times, the opening hours for 2025 have been set as follows:
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Friday, October 3: 8:00 a.m. until about an hour before Shabbat.
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Saturday night, October 4: 8:00 p.m. until midnight.
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Sunday, October 5: 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
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Monday, October 6: 8:00 a.m. until about an hour before the start of Sukkot.
This schedule ensures that every family has the opportunity to choose the four species in peace and prepare for the holiday.
(An old Jerusalem alley comes alive – reviving the past)
A Message of Belonging and Pride
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion emphasized: “The Jerusalem Sukkot Market is a true celebration of tradition, color, and atmosphere that cannot be replaced. It is a place where children, parents, and grandparents prepare together for the holiday and feel a deep sense of belonging to the city and Jewish heritage. As every year, we are proud to continue the tradition and give residents and visitors a moving holiday experience in the heart of the capital.”
For full details about the Jerusalem Sukkot Market in Valero Square, information is available on the official Jerusalem Municipality website.
