December in Hokkaido is full of winter-only events where you can enjoy Christmas illuminations and seasonal flavors! From extravagant Christmas events to gourmet events where you can taste local specialties, here are 10 recommended events for December.
1 ‘Okurayama Winter Fireworks 2024 supported by Muda GEAD’ (Sapporo City), where you can enjoy winter fireworks launched from Okurayama.
Image source: Sapporo Promotion Corporation Co., Ltd.
At the Okurayama Jumping Stadium, colorful fireworks decorate the night sky, marking the beginning of winter in Hokkaido. A kitchen car will be installed at the event venue so you can enjoy delicious food, and the Sapporo Olympic Museum will be open to the public for free only for fireworks viewers. We hope you will experience Okurayama’s Christmas gift as soon as possible, with content that will allow you to fully enjoy the event even while waiting.
2 “Hakodate Christmas Fantasy”, a large-scale event that decorates Christmas in Hakodate (Hakodate City)
Image source: Hokkaido Tourism Organization
At “Hakodate Christmas Fantasy,” an event representing Hakodate’s winter, the front of a group of red brick warehouses is transformed into a Christmas atmosphere. A huge Christmas tree floats in the sea in front of a group of red brick warehouses, and decorated illuminations beautifully decorate the event venue.
Image source: Hakodate International Tourism and Convention Association
There are plenty of displays to make Christmas even brighter, such as the ‘Premium Red Tree’, which turns the tree bright red for 15 minutes three times a day, and fireworks that are launched from 18:00 every day during the period. There is also a soup bar to warm up your cold body.
3 “Hiroo Manpuku Festival (55th Hiroo Moganimatsuri)” filled with Hiroo-cho’s delicious food such as Moganiyashamo (Hiroo-cho)
Image source: Hiroo Town Tourism Association
Hiroo Town’s popular event ‘Hiroo Crab Festival’ will be held as ‘Hiroo Manpuku Festival’ following last year. Hiroo-cho’s delicious tastes, such as moganiyashamo, salmon roe, and shinmaki salmon, are gathered at the event venue. Of course, you can taste it to your heart’s content on the spot.
Image source: Hiroo Town Tourism Association
There will also be a ‘Crab Eating Contest’ where people compete to see how many crabs they can eat within a certain amount of time, as well as a lottery for special products. From food to attractions, you can enjoy Hiroocho’s seasonal tastes.
4 ‘Kamishihoro Christmas Drone Show 2024’ where drones work their magic in the night sky of Kamishihoro-cho (Kamishihoro-cho)
Image source: Kamishihorocho
Hokkaido’s largest show using 500 drones will be held in Kamishihorocho. A fireworks display is also scheduled for the climax, making the winter night sky even brighter. There is also a plan that includes Tokachi’s food sales at the outdoor event venue and special seating at the indoor restaurant, so it is also recommended to slowly admire the starry sky while enjoying dinner.
Date and time: December 21st (Sat) ~ 25th (Wed) Part 1 18:15~18:25 / Part 2 19:40~19:50
Outdoor food sales start time 17:00 ~
Fee: Free for general standing (outdoor) / Snack plan with bleachers 3,000 yen / Dinner plan with special bleachers 15,000 yen
Location: Michinoeki Kamishihoro (Kamishihoro-cho Kamishihoro Higashihoro Higashihoro Higashihoro Higashihoro Higashihoro Line 3 227-1)
Click here for detailed information and map information on ‘Kamishihoro Christmas Drone Show 2024’
5 “Tokachi Seafood Umaimon Festival” (Obihiro City), where Tokachi’s proud marine products are plentiful.
Image source: Tokachi General Promotion Bureau
The Tokachi Seafood Umaimon Festival, held for the first time in five years, brings together Tokachi’s proud marine products, including hairy crabs boiled on the beach, soy sauce salmon roe, salmon rice sushi and stews, etc. It is sure to be a satisfying gift not only for home use but also as a year-end gift.
6 Marche & Workshop ‘Amber Night & Marche’ held at an event hall decorated with trees (Otofukemachi)
Image source: Tokachigawa Onsen Ryokan Cooperative
A tree sparkling in amber color appears at Michinoeki Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen. Tokachi’s unique symbol tree with motifs of nature, agriculture, and animals glows in amber, symbolizing the mall hot springs. Visitors are provided with a set of Tokachi alcohol (or soft drinks) and snacks. Sales of Tokachi’s food and handicrafts, as well as the opening of a workshop, are also planned.
7 Parfait and ornament making experience ‘Rumoi × Nordic Festival Rumoi de Christmas’ (Rumoesi)
Image source: NPO Rumoi Tourism Association
An experiential event held at Michinoeki Rumoi. It is divided into the ‘Northern Europe It’s perfect for a weekend outing for parents and children.
8 ‘Year-end Disco Party’ to end the year with a disco (Muroran City)
Image source: Muroran Disco Lovers Association
A disco party hosted by the Muroran Disco Lovers’ Association, a gathering of people who love disco music. Since the launch of the enthusiasts’ association, five events have been held, and this is the last event of the year. It’s a good idea to participate with a friend or co-worker, or to participate right away on the same day. How about ending this year with disco music with your colleagues?
9 ‘Christmas Dinner Buffet 2024’ where you can enjoy live performances by professional artists (Sapporo City)
Image source: Sapporo Tokyu Hotels Co., Ltd.
A special Christmas dinner buffet held at the Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel, located near Susukino Station on the Sapporo City Subway. A variety of menus suitable for Christmas are offered at the restaurant ‘South West’ on the first floor of the hotel.
Image source: Sapporo Tokyu Hotels Co., Ltd.
The main demonstration menu includes three types of meat, fish, and dessert, and live performances by professional artists further highlight the specialness of Christmas. There are also menus that even young children can enjoy, such as fried chicken and chocolate fondue, so it is recommended for Christmas dinner with families as well as couples and friends.
Date and time: December 21st (Sat) – 25th (Wed) 17:30 – 21:00 (Last entry 19:30 LO 20:30) ※120 minute system
Fee: Adults 6,000 yen / 65 years and older 5,000 yen / Elementary school students 3,000 yen / 4 to 6 years old 1,500 yen / 3 years old and younger free
Location: Restaurant Southwest, 1st floor, Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel (1 Minami 4jo Nishi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)
More details and map information for ‘Christmas Dinner Buffet 2024’ here
10 A stage where children shine ‘Charity Children’s Musical -TREE is TRUE-‘ (Sapporo City)
Image source: Theater Company Mevik
A charity children’s musical featuring children from the age of 5 to high school students belonging to the theater company Mevik. A TRUE story told by THREE TREEs, the main characters of which are three trees that have grown toward their dreams. In accordance with the wish of the theater company Mevik, which ‘wants to give children the experience of being in the spotlight in their lives,’ please pay attention to the children shining as they perform on the big stage.
All published information is current at the time of article publication in November 2024.
All published information may change in the future, so please check the official website for further details.
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