Every winter, the city of Sapporo transforms into a twinkling wonderland filled with lights, laughter, and the warm aromas of hot wine and roasted snacks. The Christmas Market in Sapporo, officially known as the Munich Christmas Market, brings the spirit of Europe’s festive season to the snowy streets of Hokkaido. Set in Odori Park from November 21 to December 25, 2025, this month-long celebration is one of Japan’s most magical winter experiences.
How did Sapporo’s Christmas Market begin?
The Christmas Market in Sapporo began in 2002 to celebrate 30 years of friendship between Sapporo and Munich, Germany. Since then, it has become one of the city’s most loved winter events. Locals and visitors gather at the market each year to enjoy the same warm, festive atmosphere you’d find at traditional European Christmas fairs, complete with wooden stalls, glowing decorations, and cheerful holiday music.
This market is more than just a cultural exchange; it’s a fusion of German charm and Hokkaido hospitality. Over the years, it has grown into a seasonal icon that represents Sapporo’s connection to the world, showcasing how winter can bring people together through good food, laughter, and tradition.
What makes the Christmas Market special?
Held in Odori Park’s 2-chome area, right at the heart of downtown Sapporo, the Christmas Market in Sapporo lights up the city’s icy evenings with cozy colors and joyful sounds. Wooden huts, built in a German style, line the snow-dusted paths, each offering something delightful, from handmade ornaments to steaming mugs of hot drinks.
The highlight of the event is its delicious seasonal food. Visitors can enjoy juicy German sausages, freshly baked pretzels, potato stews, roasted nuts, and the crowd’s favorite: Glühwein (German mulled wine). Served in collectible mugs that change design every year, this warm, spiced drink is the very taste of winter.
If you prefer something non-alcoholic, there’s also hot chocolate, spiced apple juice, and creamy latte blends to keep your hands toasty. Many of the market’s stalls are run by local and international artisans, allowing visitors to find handcrafted gifts, candles, and traditional glass ornaments made with care.
What can you see and do at the market?
The Christmas Market in Sapporo isn’t just about shopping; it’s also full of fun activities and live entertainment. Outdoor concerts fill the crisp night air with music, from Christmas carols to local performances. There are art and craft workshops for both kids and adults, where you can create your own ornaments or greeting cards to take home. You might even spot Santa Claus himself! He often makes appearances to hand out small gifts and pose for photos, especially in the evenings when the lights begin to glow.
If the snow falls heavily, visitors can relax under warm tents set up around the food area, sipping their drinks while listening to carols and watching the white world sparkle around them. Every year, the Christmas Market in Sapporo captures that perfect “winter postcard” feel, the kind that makes you forget the cold altogether.
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How does it connect with White Illumination?
One of the reasons the Christmas Market in Sapporo draws so much attention is that it takes place at the same time as another famous Sapporo event: the White Illumination. Starting on the same day, the light display fills Odori Park and nearby streets with over 770,000 sparkling bulbs, turning the center of the city into a sea of light.
The market’s location at 2-chome in Odori Park places it right in the middle of the illumination area, making it the perfect place to grab a bite or a drink while enjoying the glowing trees and displays. With both events happening side by side, it feels like Sapporo itself becomes one big winter festival.
Why do people love the Sapporo Christmas Market?
The magic of the Christmas Market in Sapporo lies in its atmosphere. It’s not just about food and gifts, it’s about the feeling of warmth in the coldest season. The scent of cinnamon and fir trees fills the air, candles flicker in tiny glass jars, and music echoes between glowing stalls. Couples stroll hand in hand, families laugh over shared meals, and travelers pause to take photos of Mount Moiwa shining in the distance.
Locals treat the market as a place to relax after work or meet up with friends for a quick mug of hot wine. Tourists, on the other hand, often find themselves surprised at how authentic it feels. The German influence remains strong, but touches of Japanese design, such as polite staff, neat displays, and artistic decorations, lend the event its own Hokkaido charm.
What are some tips for visiting?
Because the Christmas Market in Sapporo runs only from late November to Christmas Day, weekends and evenings can get very busy. It’s best to visit earlier in the day if you want to browse comfortably, but nighttime is when the lights and music truly shine. Bundle up warmly, as Sapporo’s winter temperatures often drop below freezing, and wear good shoes for walking on snow.
For the whole experience, try pairing your visit with a stop at the nearby Sapporo TV Tower, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the illuminated park below. You can also visit the Jumbo Christmas Tree at Sapporo Factory, a 15-meter-tall fir sourced from Tokachi and decorated with dazzling ornaments. It’s another must-see part of the city’s winter celebration.
If you find yourself in Japan during the holiday season, head to Sapporo’s Odori Park. The Christmas Market in Sapporo offers a little touch of Germany, a lot of Japanese charm, and endless winter cheer that will make your trip unforgettable. Have you visited this Christmas market, or do you plan to visit it this year? Let us know in the comments below!
