In some places, Sukkot begins on the calendar. In Jerusalem, you can actually watch it arrive in the streets. Ahead of the holiday, Valero Square next to Mahane Yehuda Market will once again fill with etrogs, lulavs, myrtle and willow branches, along with colorful sukkah decorations, as the traditional Four Species Market returns to the city.
The market will open on Tuesday, September 22, and operate for four days through Friday, September 25, the eve of Sukkot. In addition to stalls selling the Four Species, visitors will also find sukkah decorations, Judaica items and other products associated with the holiday.
Where is the Four Species Market in Jerusalem?
The Four Species Market will take place at Valero Square, next to Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem. Its location makes it an easy stop both for shoppers visiting the market and for tourists looking to experience the atmosphere of Sukkot in Jerusalem.
Beyond the shopping itself, this is one of the most distinctive sights of the pre-holiday season in the city: tables piled high with etrogs, shoppers carefully inspecting lulavs, bunches of myrtle and willow branches, and colorful decorations hanging above the square.
What are the opening hours of the Four Species Market in Jerusalem?
From Tuesday through Thursday, September 22-24, the market will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. On Friday, September 25, it will operate from 8:00 a.m. until approximately one hour before the holiday begins.
Visitors looking for a calmer experience may prefer the morning hours, while the afternoon and evening are expected to be busier, particularly as Sukkot approaches.
What can visitors find at the Four Species Market near Mahane Yehuda?
At the center of the market are the Four Species – etrog, lulav, myrtle and willow – alongside sukkah decorations, Judaica and additional holiday items. For visitors from outside Jerusalem, the experience is not only about shopping, but also about seeing a longstanding local tradition take over a central public space.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion noted that “the Four Species Market is a longstanding Jerusalem tradition that connects city residents, visitors and the diverse communities that make up Jerusalem.” He added that “Sukkot is a holiday of tradition, family, hospitality and joy.”
Ahead of the Tishrei holiday season, the Jerusalem Municipality is also increasing cleaning, maintenance, security and enforcement activity in commercial and entertainment areas. But for visitors to Valero Square, the main attraction will be much simpler: a few days in which Sukkot takes on color, scent and form in the heart of Jerusalem.
