Hokkaido’s winter charm begins to sparkle in late November. From dazzling light displays and festive Christmas markets to incredible ice sculptures and marching penguins, each event has its own unique magic. It’s a perfect destination for photographers, romantic getaways, and families looking for fun activities in a chilly, enchanting atmosphere.

As the weather cools and November draws to a close, Hokkaido’s vibrant winter festivals begin to come alive. If you’re planning a trip, knowing where and when to go is key. Here’s a list of the must-see events from late 2025 to early 2026.

Held in Sapporo’s Odori Park since 2002, this market celebrates the sister city relationship between Sapporo and Munich. You’ll find a delightful array of German-style food, warm drinks, festive Christmas decorations, and a truly European winter market vibe. It’s a fantastic spot to enjoy warm treats amid twinkling lights and soft-falling snow, especially in the evening when the atmosphere becomes incredibly romantic.

• Dates: November 21 – December 25, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Location: Odori Park, 2 Chome
• Link: https://www.sapporo.travel/en/event/event-list/munich_christmas_market/

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Sapporo White Illumination 

The Sapporo White Illumination is a breathtaking display of lights in the heart of Sapporo’s Odori Park. This festival has a long history, starting in 1981 with just 1,000 light bulbs and growing in size and scale every year. Spanning over 30 years, this event has attracted countless visitors who come to capture unforgettable photos. The 2025-2026 event will run for more than three months, with different areas lit up throughout the season.

• Dates: November 21, 2025 – March 14, 2026
• Time: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
• Link: http://white-illumination.jp/en-us/

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Sapporo Factory Christmas

Head to Sapporo Factory to see a massive Christmas tree, standing over 15 meters tall and decorated with more than 35,000 beautiful lights. The tree takes center stage in the main atrium and features a stunning light show that takes place every hour. Another can’t-miss sight is the beloved Santa Claus statue climbing into the warehouse’s chimney.

• Location: Sapporo Factory
• Dates: Early November – December 25, 2025
• Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Link: https://sapporofactory.jp/event/detail/218

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Penguin Parade at Asahiyama Zoo

Asahiyama Zoo is famous for its unique animal enclosures that are close to nature. One of its winter highlights is the “Penguin Parade,” where the penguins waddle in a line along a path, giving visitors an up-close and personal view. This event is incredibly popular with families and travelers, making the zoo a must-visit winter destination in Hokkaido.

• Location: Asahiyama Zoo (https://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/)
• Dates: Late December – Mid-March, 2026

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Otaru Snow Light Path Festival 2026

Nothing is more romantic than Otaru’s snow festival. Held at the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival, you can easily visit both in one trip. The event transforms the Otaru Canal into an ultra-romantic setting, with countless snow-covered lanterns and candles lighting the paths. Accompanied by the nostalgic sound of music boxes—the city’s symbol—you can stroll hand-in-hand along the canal. We recommend you hurry if you’re single, or all the romance might melt the snow!

• Location: Otaru Canal
• Dates: Mid-February, 2026
• Time: Evening
• Link: https://www.sapporo.travel/en/event/event-list/otaru-snow-light-path/

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Toyako Onsen Illumination Street / Tunnel

Lake Toya, a popular summer onsen town, transforms into a magical light display in winter. The Illumination Street and a 70-meter-long light tunnel are decorated with hundreds of thousands of bulbs, making a post-dinner stroll a warm and memorable experience. The light tunnel, in particular, makes you feel as though you’re walking among the stars.

• Location: Lake Toya
• Dates: November 1, 2025 – April 27, 2026
• Time: Evening – 10:00 PM
• Link: https://www.laketoya.com/event/illumination/

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Hakodate Christmas Fantasy

Hakodate, a port city with a European charm, holds its Christmas Fantasy festival near the Red Brick Warehouses and the bay. The main attraction is a giant Christmas tree floating in the bay, accompanied by a stage for performances and a “Soup Bar” offering a variety of hot soups from different regions. This event beautifully blends Western culture with the local flair of Hakodate.

• Location: Hakodate Bay area
• Dates: December 1-25, 2025
• Time: 4:30 PM – Midnight
• Link: https://www.hakodate.travel/en/events/hakodate-christmas-fantasy/

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Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

At Lake Shikotsu, one of Japan’s clearest caldera lakes, water is sprayed onto structures to create over 30 unique ice sculptures. These sculptures reflect the sunlight, glowing with a beautiful “Shikotsu Blue” hue. At night, they are lit up with colorful lights, creating a spectacular display. The festival also features performances and celebratory fireworks on certain nights.

• Location: Lake Shikotsu
• Dates: January 31 – February 23, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Link: https://hyoutou-special.asia/

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Susukino Ice World 2025

As part of the Sapporo Snow Festival, Susukino Ice World is known for its intricate ice carvings. Located in the city’s entertainment district, the sculptures glow beautifully against the neon lights, creating a striking contrast. The event often features over 60 ice sculptures, some of which you can even touch, along with food and drink stalls to keep you warm.

• Location: Susukino area, Sapporo
• Dates: February 4-11, 2026
• Time: Evening until midnight
• Link: https://www.snowfes.com/en/sites/susukino/

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Sapporo Snow Festival 76th

The Sapporo Snow Festival is arguably the most famous winter event of all. Held annually since 1950, it stretches for 1.5 kilometers through Odori Park, featuring an international snow sculpture contest, live performances, and countless food stalls. The nighttime light-up of the magnificent snow sculptures is a can’t-miss experience. For a breathtaking view of the entire festival, we highly recommend heading up the Sapporo TV Tower. With so many local and international visitors, it’s best to plan and book your accommodations and flights well in advance!

• Location: Odori Park
• Dates: February 4-11, 2026
• Link: http://www.snowfes.com/english/

More Unforgettable Winter Festivals!

The days are shorter than the nights in Hokkaido’s winter, with sunset around 3 PM, so it’s important to plan your itinerary carefully. Make sure to pack warm clothes and get ready for an adventure! Here are two more festivals to consider:

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Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival

The Ice Fall Festival in Sounkyo is one of Hokkaido’s most spectacular ice festivals. Set against a backdrop of natural cliffs and valleys, the event uses the “natural cold” of the environment to create stunning ice formations. The sculptures are beautifully lit at night, and you can enjoy activities like ice climbing or special nighttime events with fireworks on certain evenings.

• Location: Sounkyo Onsen
• Dates: Late January – Early March, 2026
• Link: https://sounkyo.net/hyoubaku/

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Goryokaku Star Dream Illumination

In Hakodate, the historic star-shaped Goryokaku Fortress is lit up with a brilliant star and other symbols during winter. The view from the Goryokaku Tower is especially romantic at dusk, as the historic site is transformed into a field of light perfect for photography and admiring the nighttime scenery.

• Location: Goryokaku Fort
• Dates: Early December – Late February
• Link: https://www.hakodate.travel/en/events/the-star-illumination-of-goryokaku/