From the moment you approach it, the massive holiday pavilion in Jerusalem’s Safra Square feels less like a temporary installation and more like a statement of intent. What is usually the civic and administrative heart of the city is being transformed into a week-long communal space that blends tradition, culture and public celebration. For Sukkot 2025, the Jerusalem Municipality is turning the site into a large-scale gathering place that welcomes residents, visitors and tourists from across the country and abroad.
The world’s largest holiday structure returns
Covering roughly 800 square meters and accommodating around 650 people at a time, the pavilion has earned its title as the largest structure of its kind anywhere in the world. Thousands of visitors are expected over the course of the holiday, including families, organized groups, young adults, children and tourists. The municipality has prepared the site to function both as a festive landmark and as a cultural hub accessible to every community.
Sukkot in Jerusalem as a cultural destination
The program for the week includes concerts, children’s performances, traditional celebrations and public receptions. Scheduled appearances by artists such as Yaniv Ben Mashiach, Haim Israel, Ben Tzur and Shai Tsabari are set alongside family shows, telepathy acts, women’s panels and learning sessions on the eve of Hoshana Raba. The variety of events is designed to appeal both to those who plan in advance and to those who arrive spontaneously.
A civic space that opens its doors
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion framed the initiative as part of the city’s broader identity. “The Jerusalem pavilion, the largest in the world, is a tangible expression of the values that accompany us during the Tishrei holidays: unity, mutual responsibility and acceptance of others.” For him, it is not merely a tradition but a declaration about the character of the city and the way it welcomes anyone who walks through its gates.
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Family-friendly experiences for Sukkot 2025
The schedule was built to ensure that every type of visitor can find something that suits them. Families are drawn to free programming and children’s activities. Young audiences arrive for concerts, while tourists gain access to a festive Jerusalem that extends beyond the Old City and religious landmarks. Events run from morning until late evening throughout the intermediate days of the holiday, including Shabbat and Motzaei Shabbat programming.
Against this backdrop, the pavilion in Safra Square has become one of the most prominent destinations for Sukkot 2025 in Israel. Its scale, central location and open entry policy create a gathering point where culture, heritage and community meet. With musical performances, traditional celebrations, children’s programming, guest speakers and learning sessions, the space is evolving from a municipal landmark into a national magnet that draws thousands of visitors and reinforces Jerusalem’s standing during the holiday season.
