Family-friendly ways to celebrate Sukkot—the feast of the booths

The leaves are beginning to turn from green to vibrant reds, yellows and browns, there is a definite chill in the air, and we’re starting to smell smoke from our neighbors’ fireplaces. These annual transitions can only mean one thing: Autumn is here!

And with autumn comes an array of holidays! In Judaism, the new year is celebrated on Rosh Hashanah, followed by Yom Kippur, a solemn occasion that calls for reflection and atonement. Shortly after Yom Kippur is Sukkot, otherwise known as the Feast of the Booths.

Sukkot is celebrated to honor the 40 year desert pilgrimage that Jews made over 3300 years ago after being freed from slavery in Egypt. As they made their journey, they slept in make-shift huts called sukkahs. Today, many Jewish people make sukkahs at their homes or synagogues as a way of remembrance. Screenwriter, producer and blogger Tori Avey writes, “As a temporary dwelling, the sukkah also represents the fact that all existence is fragile, and therefore Sukkot is a time to appreciate the shelter of our homes and our bodies.”

Meals are eaten by candlelight in the sukkah for eight days—there’s singing and delicious harvest-inspired foods, and of course, a whole lot of fun. Since Sukkot occurs during autumn it is full of harvest-themed foods and decorations the entire family will enjoy.

Are you thinking about unique ways to celebrate the Jewish holiday? Here are some gorgeous sukkahs to get you inspired, plus a few of our favorite family friendly ways to celebrate the Feast of the Booths.

How to celebrate Sukkot at home

Gathter the family around gorgeous displays of the sukkah. Check out these Sukkkot ideas everyone will love.

Simple sukkah with sheets & greenery

Harvest-inspired sukkah

Tie-dye sukkah

Repurposed chuppah cover

Blue walls and your child’s artwork

Bright and colorful Sukkah

Family-friendly Sukkot activities

One way to involve your kids in the celebrations and preparations is through baking and cooking together. Little hands can help in the kitchen by adding sprinkles, stirring and helping mix ingredients. Sukkot foods include traditional dishes but you can always opt for easy to bake or decorate sweet treats. Kids can also have a blast with coloring and creating artwork that you can use as Sukkot decor!

Kid-approved harvest-themed cookies

Candied rice krispies

Paper crafts

Autumn glow with tissue paper covered jars

Swap that gingerbread house for a Sukkot house

A version of this post was published September 21, 2020. It has been updated.