Your Guide to Celebrating Sukkot in Lehigh Valley

Nestled on the east coast of Pennsylvania and home of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, Lehigh Valley offers a plethora of family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures, and kosher-friendly & sukkah dining options that promise an unforgettable experience.

Written by Billy Thompson, Christine Patriarca, and Carl Zebrowski, Jewish Federation of Lehigh Valley

Where to Stay Kosher Certified & Sukkah Dining Outdoor Adventures

If you are unfamiliar, Sukkot is a weeklong Jewish holiday that comes five days after Yom Kippur. Sukkot celebrates the gathering of the harvest and commemorates the miraculous protection G‑d provided for the children of Israel when they left Egypt. Sukkot is celebrated by dwelling in a foliage-covered booth (known as a sukkah) and by taking the “Four Kinds” (arba minim), four special species of vegetation.

Besides being close to New York and Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley allows you to step away from bigger city traffic, crowds, and larger costs. Explore these captivating reasons why the Lehigh Valley should be at the top of your vacation list for the week of Chol Hamoed Sukkot, October 2-6, 2023.

Where to Stay

When it’s time to dine, Muhlenberg College, the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Allentown, and Da Vinci Science Center will have sukkahs available to visitors, along with various synagogues throughout the region. Check out some of the below hotels that are in close proximately to sukkahs to make your dining experience in Lehigh Valley as easy as can be. Be sure to inquire about discounted room rates being offered for the Jewish community.

Allentown Park Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Delta by Marriott
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Allentown West
Renaissance Allentown Hotel
SureStay Plus by Best Western Lehigh Valley

Check out more hotel options, on the Jewish Federation of Lehigh Valley's website.

Kosher Certified & Sukkah Dining

For certified kosher food, you can't go wrong with the Noshery at Muhlenberg College in Allentown. It is open to the general public with daily menu offerings that include matzah ball soup (from its Star-K-certified meat kitchen), falafel & grilled cheese sandwiches (from its Star-D-certified dairy kitchen), and much more. Check out the Noshery's website for more information on their hours and menu options.

Stock up on some staple bakery and other assorted items from supermarkets such as Weis and Giant in Allentown. Be sure to keep a lookout during Chol Hamoed week, as arrangements are in the works for kosher food to be brought in from established New York area restaurants on certain evenings.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Lehigh Valley features kid-friendly & educational attractions that are perfect for the family. Indulge in creative activities at the Crayola Experience, explore science at the Da Vinci Science Center, embrace the excitement of a hockey game with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, or connect with nature at the Lehigh Valley Zoo. This region is a haven for memorable family adventures. Looking for something different? Explore more of Lehigh Valley's endless attractions.

Be sure to check out the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley's website for intricate details and discount codes for various attractions during Sukkot!

Outdoor Adventures

Outdoorsy fun for the family! You won’t want to miss these natural marvels that capture the serenity and beauty particular to the Lehigh Valley. You won't have to stray far from your hotel to experience natural beauty, either! These locations are easy to visit and offer a unique experience.

Columcille Megalith Park
Lost River Cavern

From naturally formed expansive caves to spreads of land with impeccable views, Lehigh Valley has something for everyone. Interested in more area excursions? Check out more of Lehigh Valley’s outdoor recreationfor OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN LEHIGH VALLEY scene.

There you have it - interesting and family-friendly attractions, kosher food and sukkah dining, discounts, and more! It’s all you need this Sukkot, besides the synagogues - and Lehigh Valley has those too, 10 of them to be exact. To learn more about Sukkot and planning your vacation, visit the Jewish Federation of Lehigh Valley's website!