We’ve rounded up the best festivals and events in Hokkaido to check out on your winter trip.
Every winter, Hokkaido transforms into a glittering snow-covered paradise. From enchanting light displays to world-renowned festivals, these seasonal events are perfect for travellers seeking the ultimate winter wonderland.
As you plan your snowy getaway to Hokkaido, make sure these highlights are on your radar:
November 2025
German Christmas Market in Sapporo
21 November – 25 December 2025
Step into the heart of Sapporo’s winter festivities at Odori Park, home to the beloved Munich Christmas Market. Wander through cozy wooden stalls offering authentic German street food, hot mulled wine, and charming holiday crafts, a nod to Sapporo’s sister-city relationship with Munich. As the evening sets in, the park transforms into a glowing wonderland for the Sapporo White Illumination, a seasonal light display featuring artistic installations, illuminated trees, and sparkling tunnels that bring the winter landscape to life.
While not the Snow Festival (which happens in February), this event sets the tone for Hokkaido’s festive season with its warm holiday atmosphere and enchanting nighttime lights.
Jumbo Christmas Tree at Sapporo Factory
Mid-November 2025 – Early January 2026
Each winter, the Sapporo Factory atrium turns into a Christmas wonderland anchored by a 15m Sakhalin fir with thousands of lights. Get into the festive cheer with hourly music performances to look forward to. You’ll even spot a giant Santa Claus climbing up the chimney of the Sapporo Kaitakushi Beer Brewery.
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Hakodate Christmas Fantasy
November 29 – 25 December 2025
Admire the towering Christmas tree at the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse district, a long-running tradition gifted by Hakodate’s sister city in Canada. Each evening, Hakodate Bay glows under the tree’s twinkling lights, followed by nightly fireworks at 6 PM that reflect beautifully across the water.
Beyond the illumination, the Hakodate Christmas Fantasy event brings festive charm to the port, with steaming soup stalls run by local restaurants, the perfect way to warm up after the show. Expect live performances, seasonal displays, and a cosy, romantic winter atmosphere along the historic waterfront.
Hakodate Illumination
27 November – 28 February 2026
Come December, the Motomachi district in Hakodate transforms into a festive scene when the streets are lined with twinkling lights, creating a romantic setting for an evening stroll. The enchanting illuminations make Hakodate a must-visit, especially ahead of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year holidays.
January 2026
Jozankei Onsen Yukitouro (Snow Candle Way)
27 January – 3 February 2026
Every year, Jozankei Shrine is illuminated by the serene glow of more than 1,000 snow candles. By night, visitors can wander around the pretty onsen village under the gentle flicker of candlelight for a magical winter experience.
Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival
Late January – Late March 2026
As night falls, visit one of Hokkaido’s most storied winter traditions, the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival, first held in the 1970s to celebrate the region’s dramatic gorge landscape and harsh winter beauty. Now approaching its 50th anniversary in 2026, the event has grown into a spectacular showcase of frozen artistry.
Wander through towering ice pillars, illuminated caves, and intricate sculptures carved from natural waterfall and river ice. Climb up the 15m observation platform for sweeping views of the glowing ice village, and stay for the nightly fireworks that cast colour across the frosted cliffs of Sounkyo Gorge.
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February 2026
76th Sapporo Snow Festival
4 – 11 February 2026
Now in its 76th year, Sapporo’s Snow Festival is a week-long celebration of winter art and culture that draws visitors from around the world. The festival features intricate snow and ice sculptures across three main sites, Odori Park, Tsudome and Susukino, as well as ice slides and a snow maze.
Asahikawa Winter Festival
Early to Mid February 2026
Head north to Asahikawa for a breathtaking display of incredible snow sculptures and festive lights that transform the city into a snowy wonderland.
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival
Early–Mid February 2026
For a serene and magical evening stroll, explore Otaru’s streets and canals as the coastal town becomes a sea of glowing snow candles and lanterns.
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Early- late February 2026
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival celebrates Hokkaido’s winter beauty in the form of ice sculptures, crafted from the lake’s pure water and illuminated in various colours each night. Visitors can wander among the frozen art, go ice skating, or enjoy the fireworks that bring festive cheer to the quiet lakeside.
April 2026
Swatch Nines Niseko — Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU, Hokkaido
6–11 April 2026 (Public Day: 11 April)
For the first time ever in Asia, Swatch Nines Snow is landing in Niseko. The iconic action-sports showcase will transform Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu into a creative snow playground, where elite skiers, snowboarders, and skate-inspired athletes will ride custom-built terrain features built for cinematic flair.
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Unlike typical contests, the focus here is on progression over podiums. Athletes will push the limits of style, trick design, and visual storytelling. Expect a public showcase (on 11 April) where fans can witness the action live, and anticipate jaw-dropping course features that fuse skate, snow, and creative expression.