Winter illumination and Christmas markets to launch across Japan

Major winter illumination events and Christmas markets are scheduled to take place across several Japanese cities starting in late 2026.

In Fukuoka, the ‘Nakasu Hikari no Advent’ will run from November 2, 2026, to January 12, 2027. The festivities begin with a lighting ceremony at the Fuku-Haku Ai Bridge featuring vocalist the LACK Sachi. The event includes twin trees, jewelry trees, and street illuminations across the Nakasu district. This marks the start of a broader series of holiday events in the Fukuoka area, including Christmas markets in Hakata, Tenjin, and Kitakyushu.

In Yokohama, the ‘Christmas Market in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse’ is set for November 20 to December 25, 2026. The event will feature an 11-meter tall natural spruce tree, German-style wooden huts, and approximately 60 food and retail stalls offering traditional items like white glühwein and Krapfen. The celebration will also include a collaboration with Pokémon to commemorate the brand's 30th anniversary through special illuminations.