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Enjoy Christmas & Winter Cuisine! Top 10 Hokkaido Events for December 2024
December in Hokkaido is packed with unique winter events, from dazzling Christmas illuminations to festivals celebrating seasonal delicacies! From glamorous Christmas festivities to gourmet events where you can savor local specialties, here are our top 10 recommended events for December.
- Enjoy Winter Fireworks Launched from Okurayama at the "Okurayama Winter Fireworks 2024 supported by Takeda GEAD" (Sapporo)
- A Major Event that Brightens Up Christmas in Hakodate: "Hakodate Christmas Fantasy" (Hakodate)
- Packed with Hiroo's Delicacies like Horsehair Crab and Shishamo: "Hiroo Manpuku Festival (The 55th Hiroo Horsehair Crab Festival)" (Hiroo)
- Drones Cast a Spell on the Night Sky of Kamishihoro: "Kamishihoro Christmas Drone Show 2024" (Kamishihoro)
- A Lineup of Tokachi's Prized Seafood: "Tokachi Seafood Umai-mon Festival" (Obihiro)
- A Marche & Workshop at a Venue Adorned with a Tree: "Kohaku Night and Marche" (Otofuke)
- Experience Parfait and Ornament Making at "Rumoi x Nordic Fest: Rumoi de Christmas" (Rumoi)
- End the Year with a Disco: "Year-End DISCO Party" (Muroran)
- Featuring Live Performances by Professional Artists: "Christmas Dinner Buffet 2024" (Sapporo)
- A Stage Where Children Shine: "Charity Children's Musical -TREE is TRUE-" (Sapporo)
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Enjoy Winter Fireworks Launched from Okurayama at the "Okurayama Winter Fireworks 2024 supported by Takeda GEAD" (Sapporo)

Image source: Sapporo Promotion Corporation Co., Ltd.
Brilliant fireworks will light up the night sky from the Okurayama Jump Stadium, heralding the start of winter in Hokkaido. The venue will feature food trucks offering delicious gourmet food, and as a special treat, the Sapporo Olympic Museum will be open for free exclusively for fireworks spectators. With a full lineup of activities to enjoy even while you wait, be sure to experience this early Christmas present from Okurayama.
■Date & Time: Saturday, December 7. Doors open 16:00 / Fireworks start 19:00
■Fee: Viewing Ticket 4,000 yen
■Venue: Okurayama Jump Stadium (1274 Miyanomori, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)
Click here for details and map information for "Okurayama Winter Fireworks 2024 supported by Takeda GEAD"
2
A Major Event that Brightens Up Christmas in Hakodate: "Hakodate Christmas Fantasy" (Hakodate)

Image source: Hokkaido Tourism Organization
At Hakodate's major winter event, "Hakodate Christmas Fantasy," the area in front of the Red Brick Warehouses is transformed into a Christmas wonderland. A giant Christmas tree floats on the sea in front of the warehouses, and decorative illuminations beautifully adorn the venue.

Image source: Hakodate International Tourism and Convention Association
There are plenty of features to heighten the Christmas spirit, such as the "Premium Red Tree," where the tree turns crimson for 15 minutes three times a day, and fireworks that are launched daily from 18:00 during the event period. A soup bar is also available, perfect for warming up a chilled body.
■Date & Time: Saturday, November 30 - Wednesday, December 25
・Tree Lighting: 16:30-17:45, 18:00-22:00 *From 18:00 on Nov. 30
・Premium Red Tree: 18:30, 19:30, 20:30 *For 15 minutes
・Fireworks: From 18:00
・Soup Bar: 16:30-20:00
■Venue: On the sea in front of the Red Brick Warehouses (14-12 Suehiro-cho, Hakodate)
Click here for details and map information for "Hakodate Christmas Fantasy"
3
Packed with Hiroo's Delicacies like Horsehair Crab and Shishamo: "Hiroo Manpuku Festival (The 55th Hiroo Horsehair Crab Festival)" (Hiroo)

Image source: Hiroo Town Tourism Association
Hiroo's popular event, the "Hiroo Horsehair Crab Festival," will be held again this year as the "Hiroo Manpuku Festival." A grand gathering of Hiroo's delicious flavors, including horsehair crab, shishamo, salmon roe, and salted salmon, will be available at the venue. Of course, you can enjoy them fresh on the spot.

Image source: Hiroo Town Tourism Association
There will also be a luxurious "Crab Speed-Eating Contest" to see who can eat the most horsehair crab within a time limit, and a lottery where you can win local specialty products. From gourmet food to attractions, please enjoy the seasonal tastes of Hiroo.
■Date & Time: Sunday, December 8, 9:00-13:00
■Venue: Seaside Park Special Venue (989 Unozuka, Hiroo-cho, Hiroo-gun)
Click here for details and map information for "Hiroo Manpuku Festival (The 55th Hiroo Horsehair Crab Festival)"
4
Drones Cast a Spell on the Night Sky of Kamishihoro: "Kamishihoro Christmas Drone Show 2024" (Kamishihoro)

Image source: Kamishihoro Town
One of Hokkaido's largest drone shows, featuring 500 drones, will be held in Kamishihoro. A fireworks display is also planned for the climax, making the winter night sky even more brilliant. At the outdoor venue, you can enjoy Tokachi gourmet food, and there is also a special viewing seat plan at the indoor restaurant, making it a great option to watch the sky slowly while enjoying dinner.
■Date & Time: Saturday, December 21 - Wednesday, December 25. Part 1: 18:15-18:25 / Part 2: 19:40-19:50
Outdoor food sales start from 17:00
■Fee: General standing area (outdoor) Free / Light meal plan with viewing seat 3,000 yen / Dinner plan with special viewing seat 15,000 yen
■Venue: Michi-no-Eki Kamishihoro (227-1 Higashi 3-sen, Kamishihoro, Kato-gun)
Click here for details and map information for "Kamishihoro Christmas Drone Show 2024"
5
A Lineup of Tokachi's Prized Seafood: "Tokachi Seafood Umai-mon Festival" (Obihiro)

Image source: Tokachi General Subprefectural Bureau
Held for the first time in five years, the "Tokachi Seafood Umai-mon Festival" will feature a grand gathering of prized seafood from the Tokachi region, including freshly boiled horsehair crab, soy-marinated salmon roe, salmon rice sushi, and boiled octopus. These items are perfect for your home, and they also make great year-end gifts.
■Date & Time: Sunday, December 15, 9:00-11:00 *Ends when sold out
■Venue: Tokachi General Subprefectural Bureau Special Venue (1 Higashi 3-jo Minami 3-chome, Obihiro)
Click here for details and map information for "Tokachi Seafood Umai-mon Festival"
6
A Marche & Workshop at a Venue Adorned with a Tree: "Kohaku Night and Marche" (Otofuke)

Image source: Tokachigawa Onsen Ryokan Cooperative
An amber-colored, sparkling tree will appear at Michi-no-Eki Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen. This symbolic tree, incorporating motifs of nature, agriculture, and animals unique to Tokachi, shines in an amber color that represents the Moor Onsen. Visitors will receive a set of Tokachi sake (or a soft drink) and a snack. There will also be sales of Tokachi food and handcrafted items, as well as workshops.
■Date & Time: Friday, November 1 - Wednesday, December 25. Reception: 19:30-21:00 / Closing: 21:30
■Fee: Junior high school students and older 1,000 yen / Elementary school students 500 yen / Preschoolers Free
■Venue: Michi-no-Eki Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen (14-1 Kita, Tokachigawa Onsen, Otofuke)
Click here for details and map information for "Kohaku Night and Marche"
7
Experience Parfait and Ornament Making at "Rumoi x Nordic Fest: Rumoi de Christmas" (Rumoi)

Image source: NPO Rumoi Tourism Association
This hands-on event will be held at Michi-no-Eki Rumoi. It is divided into two parts: the "Nordic x Wood Education Project," where you can try Mölkky and make a stool, and the "Christmas Project," where you can make Christmas ornaments and create your own original parfait with fruits and cream. It's perfect for a weekend outing with your family.
■Date & Time: Sunday, December 15, 13:00-16:30
Nordic x Wood Education Project: 13:00-14:30 / Christmas Project: 15:00-16:00
■Fee: Nordic x Wood Education Project 600 yen / Christmas Project 1,600 yen
*Advance registration required by 17:00 on Wednesday, December 11.
■Venue: Michi-no-Eki Rumoi (2-114 Funaba-cho, Rumoi)
Click here for details and map information for "Rumoi x Nordic Fest: Rumoi de Christmas"
8
End the Year with a Disco: "Year-End DISCO Party" (Muroran)

Image source: Muroran Disco Lovers Association
A disco party hosted by the "Muroran Disco Lovers Association," a group of disco music fans. This will be the last event of the year, following five successful events since the association's launch. You can join with friends or colleagues, and walk-ins are also welcome. Why not wrap up the year with your friends and disco music?
■Date & Time: Saturday, December 14, from 20:00
■Fee: 2,000 yen (includes 1 drink)
■Venue: PPS (5th Avenue Building 2F, Nakajima-cho, Muroran)
Click here for details and map information for "Year-End DISCO Party"
9
Featuring Live Performances by Professional Artists: "Christmas Dinner Buffet 2024" (Sapporo)

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 Municipal Subway. The event will take place at the hotel's first-floor restaurant, "Southwest," offering a variety of dishes perfect for Christmas.

Image source: Sapporo Tokyu Hotels Co., Ltd.
The main live cooking stations will feature three types of dishes: meat, fish, and dessert. Live performances by professional artists will further enhance the special Christmas atmosphere. With menu items that even young children can enjoy, such as fried chicken and chocolate fondue, it is recommended not only for couples and friends but also for family Christmas dinners.
■Date & Time: Saturday, December 21 - Wednesday, December 25, 17:30-21:00 (Last entry 19:30, L.O. 20:30) *120-minute limit
■Fee: Adults 6,000 yen / 65 and over 5,000 yen / Elementary school students 3,000 yen / 4-6 years old 1,500 yen / 3 and under Free
■Venue: Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel 1F Restaurant Southwest (5-1 Minami 4-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)
Click here for details and map information for "Christmas Dinner Buffet 2024"
10
A Stage Where Children Shine: "Charity Children's Musical -TREE is TRUE-" (Sapporo)

Image source: Theater Company Mebic
A charity children's musical performed by children aged five to high school who belong to Theater Company Mebic. It's a TRUE story about three TREEs who have grown towards their dreams. Based on the company's desire to "give children the experience of being in the spotlight in their lives," please watch as the children perform and shine on the big stage.
■Date & Time: Friday, December 20. Doors open 18:30 / Show starts 19:00
■Fee: 3,500 yen
■Venue: Sapporo City Education and Culture Hall, Main Hall (13-chome, Kita 1-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)
Click here for details and map information for "Charity Children's Musical -TREE is TRUE-"
※All information is current as of the article's publication in November 2024.
※All information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.
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