The "Jumbo Christmas Tree" at Sapporo Factory is a popular event that heralds the arrival of winter in Sapporo. In 2025, the lighting ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 1, and the tree will magically illuminate the building for about two months until Thursday, December 25. Here's a detailed look at this year's theme, highlights, and the lighting ceremony that draws large crowds every year.

The "Jumbo Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony," adorned with about 40,000 LEDs, will be held on Saturday, November 1.

The Jumbo Christmas Tree in 2024

The Jumbo Christmas Tree display has been a beloved winter tradition since Sapporo Factory opened in 1993. The approximately 15-meter-tall tree is decorated with about 40,000 LED lights and ornaments. The theme for 2025 is "A Town Soaring into Christmas." Every hour, a roughly 5-minute light and music show will take place, enhancing the Christmas mood.

The decorations and presentation change each year according to the theme

At the lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 1, ten publicly chosen "Light-Up Kids" will press the switch in time with a countdown, simultaneously illuminating the Jumbo Christmas Tree, the Christmas arches in the atrium, and the ceiling lights.

The tree comes from Hiroo Town, Hokkaido, the "Hometown of Santa Claus"

The tree used is a Sakhalin fir (Todomatsu) donated annually by Hiroo Town in Hokkaido. Hiroo Town is home to "Hiroo Santaland," the first place outside of Norway to be officially recognized by Oslo, Santa's hometown. This year again, the tree will make the approximately 270-kilometer journey to be displayed at Sapporo Factory.

The city is filled with Christmas cheer! The illumination period is from Saturday, November 1 to Thursday, December 25.

The Jumbo Christmas Tree and its lighting ceremony are bustling with families and couples every year. Why not visit Sapporo Factory and get into the Christmas spirit?

*Photos are from past events.