Mark the Seventh Day at the Western Wall
On the seventh day of Sukkot, Hoshanah Rabah, the Western Wall plaza fills before sunrise. Hundreds of Kohanim — men of priestly descent — gather to recite the Priestly Blessing over the assembled worshippers, their voices carrying across the stones in a low, rolling wave. The prayer order runs 8:45 Shacharit, 9:30 Priestly Blessing of Shacharit, 10:15 Mussaf, and 10:30 Priestly Blessing of Mussaf. In 2026, the Priestly Blessing falls on Thursday September 28 (17 Tishrei, the second intermediate day) and again on Sunday October 1 (20 Tishrei, the fifth intermediate day). A reception follows, hosted by the Chief Rabbis of Israel and the Rabbi of the Western Wall. Arrive early; the plaza fills quickly.
Walk the Jerusalem March Through the Hills
The Jerusalem March is the centrepiece of the intermediate days. Tens of thousands of marchers from Israel and abroad set out on three walking routes — 12 km, 9 km, and 5 km — threading through nature trails before converging on Sacher Park for performances, a main artist, and family activities. In 2026 the march starts at 07:00 on September 28. Wear shoes you don't mind dusting off, bring water, and plan to end at Sacher Park where the crowd gathers for the afternoon.
Shop the Four Species Market and Taste Your Way Through Mahane Yehuda
Between Yom Kippur and Sukkot, stalls appear across the city selling the Four Species — the lulav, etrog, hadassim, and aravot — alongside sukkah decorations, with produce brought in from across the country. Entry is free; exact dates and location shift year to year, so check locally when you arrive. For eating, pick up a Yami Shuk tasting card: a digital card with ten coupons redeemable at more than 40 stalls in Mahane Yehuda Market, with kosher, vegan, and gluten-free options. Use it to graze through the market's alleys — halva, sabich, grilled meats, and pastries — at your own pace.
Stay Out Late for Lights, Laser Shows, and the Kite Festival
After dark, head to the Armon Hanatziv Promenade for High LIGHT JLM, a laser show running 20:30–21:30 during Sukkot. It's free, with no advance registration. During the day, the Israel Museum (Ruppin Road 11) holds its traditional kite festival and stays open throughout the holiday. Cinema City hosts Animals in Cubes: more than 50 giant animal displays built from over 2 million toy blocks, roughly 8,000 hours of work, created by Duncan Titmarsh — a Guinness World Record holder since 2016 for the largest cube display. At the Tower of David Museum you can climb the Phasael Tower observation balcony, join experiential activities in the citadel, and watch the "King David" audiovisual show; dates and hours are published closer to the holiday.
Dig Into the City's Museums and Ancient Sites
The Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Archaeology Campus in Givat Ram runs family tours, a researcher booklet for children, and craft workshops including mosaic-making. The Bloomfield Science Museum on Museum Boulevard, also in Givat Ram, offers special Sukkot activities and workshops. At the Hurva Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter, entry is free during operating hours, space permitting, in cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage — inside is one of the largest Holy Arks in the Jewish world, and a 360° dome balcony view over the rooftops. The Biblical Zoo (Aharon Shulov Road 1) holds guided feedings, a petting corner, story time about the baby elephant Gavi, and an insect exhibit throughout October. At the City of David National Park you can walk the Siloam Channel with flashlights, or take the dry lit route above.
Jerusalem in late September and early October runs on its own rhythm: prayers at dawn, parades by mid-morning, markets and museums through the afternoon, laser shows after dark. The dates are set — Sukkot eve Friday September 25 through Saturday night September 26, intermediate days Sunday September 27 to Friday October 2, and Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah Friday October 2 (eve) through Saturday night October 3. Book your stay near the Old City or the market quarter, and let the week unfold around you.