Best Sukkah Decoration Ideas

Oct 30, 2023

Shop unique decor ideas that incorporate traditional Sukkot symbols.

After Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the next major holiday observed in Judaism is Sukkot, which is a joyful, week-long harvest festival. The main tradition for Jews who celebrate Sukkot involves building, decorating, and spending time with family and community in an outdoor dwelling called a sukkah. It's customary to eat meals in the sukkah, and for some, to sleep there as well. There are basic requirements for building a sukkah — it should be built under the open sky, have at least three walls, and a roof made of natural vegetation — but when it comes to sukkah decorations, there's no limit to how creative you can get.

There are some traditional sukkah decoration themes and customary Sukkot symbols that many people will incorporate, including Jerusalem-themed decorations, the 7 ushpizin (guests), arb'a minim (the four species), and shiv'at haminim (the seven species).

The lulav (date palm frond), etrog (citron fruit), hadass (myrtle), and aravah (willow) are four plants mentioned in the Torah, known collectively as the four species. Jews recite Sukkot blessings before bringing these symbols together and shaking them in six directions. Waving the four species is a mitzvah according to the Torah.

Nothing is off limits when it comes to decorating a sukkah. The walls, ceiling, and table are all canvases waiting to be adorned with festive decor. Whether you're going for a minimalist, garden party-worthy look featuring simple greenery and string lights, a fruit-filled sukkah that really says "harvest festival," or a colorful and cozy, kid-friendly space, we have sukkah decoration ideas for you.

Many of the sukkah decorations in our guide, from garlands to decorative fruit, are versatile staples that can be used (and re-used) in different ways within your sukkah. (Pro tip: With the help of zip ties, pretty much any decoration can be hung from the ceiling or attached to the walls.)

Blessings and other downloadable Sukkot decor can be printed and taped up as posters, hung using clothespins, or framed and displayed on the table. For another creative Sukkot table decoration idea, use string lights and greenery to create a unique table runner, then fill vases with faux pomegranates and branches.

If you'll be spending time in the sukkah day and night, you might opt for battery-operated, fruit-shaped string lights or paper lanterns with LED bulbs for decor that serves double duty. Enjoy your beautifully decorated sukkah during the day, then flip a switch and have the space light up with a gorgeous glow as the sun goes down.

Ahead, shop our top picks for modern and traditional sukkah decorations, including a feminist take on ushpizin sukkah decor — ushpizot banners highlighting remarkable Jewish women, and a kit with pre-cut construction paper strips to make DIY-ing decorative paper chains with your kids that much easier (and thus more enjoyable).

Jamie Kravitz (she/her) is the digital editor at Woman's Day, where she oversees the brand's digital platforms and covers holidays, food, and more. Before joining WD in 2021, she was a digital editor at the Rachael Ray Show. Jamie has over five years of experience writing relationship, entertainment, home, and gifting content for publications including The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings, Insider, and Elite Daily. She graduated from Emerson College with a BFA in Writing, Literature and Publishing and lives in Brooklyn with her cats, Lumos and Linus.

What Do You Say on Yom Kippur?

10 Rosh Hashanah Greetings

Important Prayers for Rosh Hashanah

The Best Diwali Gifts for Celebrating the Holiday

80 Happy Diwali Wishes to Welcome Love and Light

40 Fun Diwali Instagram Captions

The Meaning of Angel Number 143 — Revealed!

20 Best Rosh Hashanah Gifts

40 Unique Christian Gifts for Women

What Is the Enneagram Test?

What to Know About the Korean Holiday Chuseok

20 Best Quotes About Nirvana