Best Christmas Markets in Osaka and Kobe
Christmas Markets in Osaka and Kobe: Best Spots to Spend Christmas in Kansai!
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Feeling a little homesick about spending Christmas away from home? Although Christmas is not a traditional holiday in Japan but a celebration imported from abroad, it has quickly gained a lot of popularity, and now there are many activities to enjoy Christmas as if you were at home!
In addition to winter illuminations, going to Christmas markets is one of the best things in winter in Japan. If you are in the Kansai area, enjoy the European-inspired Christmas Markets with lots of traditional hot food, drinks, Christmas trees, illuminations, and decorations. Check this list of the best Christmas Markets in Osaka and Kobe 2024 and celebrate Christmas in a traditional way!
And if you need a general overview of Osaka, look no further and check out our All-in-One Guide to Osaka!
Evolution of Christmas Celebrations in Japan and the Local Market Charm
Christmas in Japan has gradually shifted from a niche, largely commercial event into a festive occasion celebrated with a modern, romantic twist. Largely devoid of religious roots, the holiday now serves as a time for couples, families, and friends to enjoy seasonal treats, dazzling illuminations, and special events. In Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto, Christmas markets offer a curated mix of European-inspired foods, handcrafted items, and seasonal décor, with each city adding its own local flavor to the experience.
Let’s not kid ourselves, as they remain distinct from the centuries-old traditions of European Christmas markets, but hey, for those of you choosing to spend the holidays in Japan, these markets manage to capture a warm and festive spirit, offering a unique perspective on the holiday season.
Best Christmas Markets in Osaka and Kobe
1. Osaka Christmas Market
The Osaka Christmas Market 2024 will be held at Tennoji Park’s, Tenshiba, for the first time from November 29 (Friday) to December 25 (Wednesday), 2024. After a successful debut in 2023 that attracted over 200,000 visitors, this year’s market will feature around 24 stalls, including seven new vendors. Guests can enjoy mulled wine in original mugs, German beer, sausages, pretzels, and festive items like snow globes and wreaths.
The market will also offer numerous photo spots with beautifully decorated Christmas trees, along with workshops for making candles and snow globes. It promises to be a joyful holiday experience for everyone!
 Access |
5 min walk from Tennoji Station |
|---|---|
 Address |
Venue: Tennoji Park Tenshiba |
 Business Hours |
Dates: 29 November to 25 December 2024 |
 Official Website |
https://osaka-christmasmarket.com/ |
2. Umeda Sky Building Christmas 2024
The Umeda Sky Building Christmas 2024 event runs from November 22 to December 25,2024, at the Umeda Sky Building in Osaka. This year’s theme is The Nutcracker, featuring activities for all ages, including a Christmas tree and an escape room game.
A highlight is the newly renovated symbol tree, celebrating the building’s 30th anniversary, with around 130,000 LED lights creating a stunning sound and light show. The event will showcase illuminations inspired by famous songs and focus on The Nutcracker, accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s music.
Surrounding the symbol tree, the Wonder Christmas Market will offer various festive foods and drinks, including mulled wine and warm chicken. Visitors can also enjoy photo spots featuring illuminated archways and original huts inspired by German architecture.
| Access |
10 min walk from Osaka Station or 14 min walk from Umeda Station |
|---|---|
| Address |
Umeda Sky Building, 1st Floor, Wonder Square |
| Business Hours |
Dates: 22 November to 25 December |
| Official Website |
https://www.skybldg.co.jp/new/2355.html |
3. Kobe Christmas Market 2024
The Kobe Christmas Market 2024 will take place from November 9 (Saturday) to December 25 (Wednesday),2024, at the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens and Ropeway, located 400 meters above sea level. This annual event features a festive atmosphere inspired by German Christmas markets, complete with holiday displays and illuminations.
Visitors can enjoy a marketplace modeled after Wartburg Castle, selling German crafts, ornaments, and advent calendars. The observation plaza will offer fine German beers, wines, and gourmet food, including special mulled wine, beef stew, and Christmas stollen. A 6-meter-tall Christmas tower and a giant wreath will add to the festive decor. Experience the magic of this authentic Christmas market!
| Access |
From the Shin-Kobe Station walks 5 minutes and then take the ropeway. |
|---|---|
| Business Hours |
Dates: November 9 to December 25. Regular Hours: 9:30-16:45 (ropeway up), 17:15 (ropeway down). Night Operations Hours: 9:30 – 21:00 (Last ascent at 20:15 ) Night operations are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. From December 13 (Friday) to December 25 (Wednesday), night operations will be daily. |
| Official Website |
https://www.kobeherb.com/topics/35759 |
If you like to enjoy Christmas events night illumination, here you have more top spots in Tokyo ▶︎Best Winter Illuminations in Western Japan 2024–2025
▽For more Christmas events in Kansai area▽
▶︎Best Winter Illumination Spots in Osaka 2024-2025
▶︎10 Best Things to Do in Osaka in Winter
▶︎Universal Studios Japan Christmas 2024-2025
If you are traveling to Osaka, in addition to the Christmas events, don’t miss the best tourist attractions available all year round with our Best Things to Do in Osaka.
For more information regarding Christmas in Japan, check these articles too!
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Written by
From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee & Adventure lover.
I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and dramas, but after my first trip to the country I found what I love the most: traveling around, the culture and history. I have travelled a lot in Japan, but I still have many places to discover that I want to share with you. Let’s discover Japan together!
Also, as a foreigner living in Japan for over 6 years I understand what kind of things are difficult when you move here and I want to help other people in the same situation that I have in the past.
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