Sukkos 2026 begins at sundown on Friday, September 25. Outside Israel the first two days are Yom Tov — Shabbos, September 26 and Sunday, September 27 — with Chol Hamoed running from Monday, September 28 through Friday, October 2 (Hoshana Rabbah). Shemini Atzeres falls on Shabbos, October 3, and Simchas Torah on Sunday, October 4. In Israel there is one day of Yom Tov, Chol Hamoed begins on Sunday, September 27, and Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah fall together on Shabbos, October 3.

What do I need to prepare for Sukkos?

Beyond the sukkah itself, most families prepare sukkah decorations for the walls, a lulav case and esrog box to protect the arba minim, and outdoor-friendly table pieces — chargers, napkin wraps, cup covers, and a silverware caddy that travels between kitchen and sukkah. This collection gathers all the Sukkos essentials in one place.

Why do we sit in a sukkah for seven days?

The Torah commands us to dwell in sukkos for seven days as a remembrance of how Hashem sheltered the Jewish people in the desert after leaving Mitzrayim — whether in actual huts or under the Clouds of Glory. For the week of the holiday, the sukkah becomes the home: meals are eaten there, and many have the custom to sleep there as well.

What are the arba minim (four species)?

The arba minim are the lulav (palm branch), esrog (citron), hadassim (myrtle), and aravos (willow), held together and waved during Hallel and Hoshanos on Sukkos. Because the esrog is delicate — especially its pitom — most people carry it in a dedicated esrog box or esrog bag, with the lulav in its own case.

Is the lulav shaken on Shabbos?

No — the lulav and esrog are not taken on Shabbos. In 2026 the first day of Sukkos falls on Shabbos, September 26, so the first netilas lulav is on Sunday, September 27, and continues each day of the holiday except Shabbos, through Hoshana Rabbah on Friday, October 2.

What is a good Sukkos gift?

Leather esrog bags and lulav cases are classic Sukkos gifts for men, while decoration sets, table accessories, and sukkah murals suit families and hosts. Because Sukkos comes just days after Yom Kippur, gifts ordered around Rosh Hashanah time arrive comfortably before the sukkah goes up.

When should the sukkah be decorated?

Many families begin building the sukkah right after Yom Kippur — some start motzei Yom Kippur itself — leaving the days before Yom Tov for hanging decorations. With Sukkos 2026 starting Friday afternoon, September 25, decorating earlier in that week avoids the erev Shabbos-Yom Tov rush.

How do I choose the right sukkah decorations?

Start by considering how much wall space you want to cover. A full-wall vinyl sukkah mural creates a focal point, while smaller vinyl panels, Lucite decor, and coordinated decoration sets can fill smaller areas or complement pieces you already own. Review the listed dimensions, hanging details, and included pieces before choosing.