Sapporo Munich Christmas Market and White Illumination

Sapporo is Japan’s snowiest city, making it one of the best places in the country for a white Christmas. If you’re skiing in Hokkaido in December, it’s well worth building a night or two in Sapporo into your itinerary for some sightseeing while the christmas market is on.

More than 10 ski resorts sit within two hours of central Sapporo, so you can spend the afternoon at the market and still be back at your Niseko accommodation by bedtime. Or if your ski trip is wrapping up, stay a night in Sapporo before your flight home and make the airport run easier the next morning.

Sapporo White Illumination

After the sun goes down, Odori Park lights up with elaborate sculptures and christmas lights. The tradition goes back to 1981, when Sapporo first opened the “White Illumination”, making it Japan’s first proper Christmas lights event.

Sapporo Christmas Market

The Christmas Market began in 2002 to celebrate 30 years since Sapporo and Munich became sister cities, and the German influence is everywhere. Stalls across Odori Park serve mulled wine, sausages and pretzels, alongside handmade Christmas decorations and gifts. Outdoor concerts and workshops also run throughout the event and Santa shows up to hand out gifts.

Food is one of the highlights. Look for bratwurst and other German sausages, fresh pretzels and breadsticks, and roasted almonds (follow your nose, you’ll smell them before you see them). For something warm, grab a mug of mulled wine, hot chocolate, a latte or spiced apple cider. There are heated tents with seating near the food stalls if you’d rather not eat while standing in the cold.

If you’re after something to take home, snow globes, hand painted baubles, clock tower candle holders, and the year’s commemorative mug are the most popular gifts.

Entry to the market and illuminations is free. Mulled wine costs around ¥800 to 1,000, snacks around ¥600 to 1,300, and larger dishes such as sausages or stew around ¥1,000 to 2,000. ¥10,000 should comfortably cover a meal, a few drinks and a souvenir.

Sapporo Christmas Market runs from late November until December 25 in Odori Park 2-Chome, right next to Sapporo TV Tower.

If you’re planning on visiting the Sapporo Christmas Market and thinking about tying in a few days of skiing, contact us and we’ll get back to you within one business day with quotes for the best accommodation in Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano.

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Written by

Stu Buckland

Content Creator

Originally from the UK, Stu has called Japan home for many years. A passionate snowboarder, he loves riding the resorts of Hokkaido and exploring mountains and nature across Japan. Stu brings his marketing expertise to the JSE team as content creator.

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