DIY Sukkah Decorations for Kids

What if decorating your sukkah could be as meaningful as building it? Sukkah decorations (noy sukkah) are more than just pretty additions. They fulfill the concept of hiddur mitzvah, beautifying the mitzvah, and they give children a personal connection to the Sukkot holiday. Here are creative, easy decoration ideas that kids of all ages can make and enjoy.

Paper Chains

The classic sukkah decoration that never gets old. Cut colored construction paper into strips and loop them into chains. Hang them across the sukkah ceiling or along the walls. For a Sukkot twist, use fall colors (orange, red, yellow, gold) or alternate colors of the Israeli flag (blue and white). Older kids can make more complex chain patterns or add symbols like stars, leaves, or fruit shapes between the links.

Fruit and Vegetable Hangings

Hanging real or artificial fruit from the schach is a beautiful tradition. Thread string through small holes in artificial fruits (apples, pomegranates, grapes, bananas) and hang them at varying heights. For real fruit, poke a hole through the top of an apple or pear, thread twine through it, and hang it up. Just be aware that real fruit may attract bugs and will need to be replaced during the holiday.

A fun variation: make fruit garlands by stringing dried fruit slices (apple rings, orange wheels) or cranberries on thread or fishing line.

Welcome Signs and Banners

Create a welcome sign for the sukkah entrance. Decorate poster board with the word Bruchim HaBaim (Welcome) or Shanah Tovah. Kids can draw pictures of the four species, a sukkah, or festive scenes. Laminate or cover with clear contact paper to protect from moisture.

Make individual Ushpizin signs for each of the seven holy guests. Each night, display the sign for that evening's guest alongside a short description of who they were and what they represent.

Painted Gourds and Pumpkins

Since Sukkot falls during autumn, small gourds and mini pumpkins are widely available and make excellent decoration surfaces. Kids can paint them with acrylic paint, adding Jewish symbols, faces, or abstract designs. Display them on the sukkah table or along the walls on small shelves.

Star Viewing Window

Create a special star viewing area in the schach. Leave a small section where the schach is thinner, and frame it with a decorated cardboard frame. This becomes the family's star viewing window, perfect for the mitzvah of seeing the stars through the schach at night.

Handprint Art

Have each family member dip their hand in paint and make a handprint on a large piece of paper. Label each handprint with the person's name and the year. Do this annually and display all the handprints together to watch the family's hands (and the family) grow over the years. This becomes a treasured family keepsake.

Four Species Art

Create artwork featuring the four species (lulav, etrog, hadassim, aravot). Use real leaves or pressed plants to make prints or collages. Draw or paint the four species and label them. Younger kids can color pre-drawn templates while older children can create detailed botanical-style illustrations.

Hanging Lanterns

Make simple paper lanterns from folded and cut paper. Use battery-operated tea lights inside (never real candles for safety). These add a warm glow to the sukkah in the evening. Mason jars with battery-powered fairy lights also create a beautiful effect.

Photo Gallery

String a line of twine across the sukkah and hang family photos with mini clothespins. Include photos from past Sukkot celebrations, family gatherings, and special moments from the past year. This creates a visual timeline of family memories and gratitude.

Tips for Success

Use weatherproof materials when possible, as sukkot are exposed to the elements. Laminate paper decorations or use clear contact paper. Hang decorations securely so wind does not blow them away. Remember that decorations hanging from the schach should not hang lower than about 16 inches from the schach to avoid halachic issues. Most importantly, let kids take ownership of the decorating process. Their imperfect, heartfelt creations will make the sukkah more beautiful than any store-bought decoration ever could.

For more on building and enjoying your sukkah, see our guides to building a kosher sukkah, eating in the sukkah, and the complete guide to Sukkot.