Nagoya, like much of Japan, truly embraces the Christmas season with stunning illuminations and festive winter events throughout December.
One of the highlights of winter in Nagoya is the breathtaking illuminations that begin in mid-November and often last until January or even February. These light displays create a magical atmosphere that’s hard to miss.
In addition to the illuminations, Nagoya hosts a variety of fun Christmas and New Year events at different locations around the city, making it a perfect time to experience the holiday spirit.
If you’re in Nagoya this year and looking to get into the Christmas mood, here’s a list of must-see winter illuminations and events.
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Nagoya Station Illumination
The Nagoya Station illumination lights up each year in this area. This is a collection of outdoor displays and multiple small exhibits and events happening inside buildings all around the Nagoya Station area.
The outdoor illumination along the main street in front of Nagoya Station is an exceptionally beautiful sight.
If you are looking for a great place to stay in Nagoya, check out this post: The 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Nagoya.
JR Central Towers/JR Gate Tower Illumination
The JR Central Towers and JR Gate Tower are the skyscrapers connected to Nagoya Station. They feature outside illumination in front of the station, along with a beautiful 12 meter tall Christmas tree inside.
The event is called “The Wonder Gift of Christmas” and the main attraction is a magically decorated tree that is surrounded by presents that Santa has brought for everyone.
JR Central Towers/ JR Gate Tower Illumination
Event Period: Nov 13th – Dec 25th 2024, 17:00 – 24:00
Address: 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-6490
Website (Japanese only) | Google Map
JP Tower Nagoya/KITTE Nagoya Illumination
At JP Tower Nagoya and KITTE Nagoya, you can also experience the magic of the holidays.
This year’s Christmas theme at KITTE Nagoya is ‘Sync Link Christmas.’ The tree this year is interactive, and visitors can change it to their favorite of eight colors from the nearby “Shake Sync.”
There are several music and art shows also scheduled during the event period.
JP Tower Nagoya/KITTE Nagoya Illumination
Event Period: Nov 13th – Dec 25th, 2024, 17:00 – 23:00. Light up show: 12:30, 14:30, 16:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00, 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:00 (subject to change)
Address: 1-1-1 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 452-0002
Website (Japanese only) | Google Map
Dai Nagoya Building Illumination
Dai Nagoya Building not only holds a beautiful outside illumination event in front of the building but also in the sky garden on the 5th floor.
The theme of the 2024 “Great Nagoya Christmas Illumination” is “Crystal Christmas.” The illumination features silver LED lights and decorations and a photo spot to immerse yourself in the magic of the holidays. The underground level as well as the 3rd floor also have beautiful Christmas objects on display.
Dai Nagoya Building Illumination
Event Period: Nov 11th – Dec 25th, 2024, 17:00 – 23:00
Address: 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-6490
Website | Google Map
Nagoya Lucent Tower Illumination
The exterior of Nagoya Lucent Tower transforms into an ocean of blue light that synchronizes with the music. Ample seating is available for you to sit down and enjoy the show for a couple of minutes.
Nagoya Lucent Tower Illumination
Event Period: Nov 13th, 2024 – Jan 31st, 2025, 17:00 – 23:00
Address: ６-1 Ushijimacho, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-6090
Google Map
Midland Square Illumination
The stylish Midland Square has a yearly stunning outdoor illumination and this year CO2-free electricity has been introduced for the illumination. In addition, there are some botanical lights set up, which generate electricity with the power of microorganisms, and also decoration ornaments made using recycled plastic. Inside the building, a floating tree with dancing angels decorates the atrium.
Midland Square Illumination
Event Period: Nov 13th – Dec 25th 2024, 17:00 – 23:00
Address: 4-7-1 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002
Google Map
Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Market
If you are looking for authentic German Christmas decorations, be sure to explore the Christmas Market inside Midland Square. Käthe Wohlfahrt, the most popular brand of German Christmas decorations worldwide, is featured at this charming market. Here, you can find adorable objects for your home or select them as gifts for friends and family.
Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Market
Event Period: Nov 17th – Dec 22nd 2024, 11:00-20:00
Address: 4-7-1 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002
Google Map
Sasashima Live Illumination
Officially, the illumination event around the Sasashima Live area is part of the bigger Meieki Illumination. However, because it is technically a different area, we are going to mention it separately here.
The event here features an outside illumination in the station area as well as illuminations and other events at Strings Hotel Nagoya, Global Gate, and Market Square.
Sasashima Live Illumination
Event Period: Nov 13th, 2024 – Feb 14th 2025, 17:00-23:00
Address: 4 Hiraikecho, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 453-0872
Google Map
For info on how to get around Nagoya check out this post: How to get Around Nagoya? A Complete Nagoya Transport Guide
Noritake Garden Christmas Garden
Noritake Garden, the expansive grounds of the Noritake porcelain manufacturer not far from Nagoya Station, are beautifully decorated each year for Christmas.
Santa and a gigantic Christmas tree welcome you to the lit-up garden, with its old red-brick buildings serving as a scenic backdrop.
Noritake Garden Christmas Garden
Event Period: Nov 9th – Dec 25th, 2024, 16:30-21:00
Address: 3-1-36 Noritakeshinmachi, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-8501
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Noritake Garden also has a very interesting museum you can visit. Check out this post for more info: 9 Must-Visit Industry and Technology-related Museums in Nagoya
Hirokoji Avenue Illumination
The Hirokoji Avenue Illumination is also part of the Meieki Illumination. The 4-kilometer-long Hirokoji Avenue, from the crossing of Hirokoji Avenue and Meieki Avenue all the way to Shin Sakae, is adorned with illuminated artwork at four intersections.
Hirokoji Avenue Illumination
Event Period: Oct 26th, 2024 to mid-Jan, 2025, 17:00 – 24:00
Address: 4-27 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Winter Illumination at Sea Train Land
The Sea Train Land is a charming amusement park at the port of Nagoya, featuring a few nostalgic attractions, including a Ferris wheel.
Every year, a small but beautiful winter illumination is held at Sea Train Land, providing a delightful experience for you and your family to enjoy.
Winter Illumination at Sea Train Land
Event Period: Nov 16th, 2024 – Feb 24th, 2025, weekdays 17:00-19:00, weekends Dec 17:00-21:30, weekends Jan/Feb 17:00-20:00
Address: 1-51 Nishikuracho, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0034
Website (Japanese only)| Google Maps
Nagoya Port Winter Illumination
The Nagoya Port area, home to the Port of Nagoya Aquarium, boasts a beautiful and impressive winter illumination each year. In addition to last year’s waterfall of light, center tree, and heart objects, this year will feature a new ‘tunnel of light’ and a corridor of light that visitors can pass through near the waterfall of light.
Nagoya Port Winter Illumination
Event Period: Dec. 6th, 2024 – Dec. 25th, 2024, 16:30-21:00
Address: 1 Minatomachi, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0033
Website (Japanese only)| Google Maps
Isogai Xmas Hanabi Fireworks
The annual Isogai Fireworks around Christmas is an amazing opportunity to enjoy Japanese fireworks in winter. The fireworks display features a different story each year (in Japanese only), but even if you cannot understand the narrative, it remains an amazing and beautiful spectacle.
Isogai Xmas Hanabi Fireworks
Event Date: Dec 21, 2024, from 18:30
Address: 1 Minatomachi, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0033
Website (Japanese only)| Google Maps
Sakae Minami & Osu Winter Illumination
The trees along the central street leading from Osu to Sakae light up each year using around 300,000 lights. Starting last year, the illumination has been completely changed to a beautiful champagne gold color.
Sakae Minami & Osu Winter Illumination
Event Period: Nov 15th, 2024 – Jan 6th, 2025, from 17:00-24:00
Address: Otsu-dori Street, Nagoya, Aichi
Website (Japanese only)| Google Maps
Otsu Dori, Sakae, and Osu are great places for shopping in Nagoya, check out this post for more info: The Ultimate Nagoya Shopping Guide.
Nagoya Christmas Market
The Nagoya Christmas Market at Hisaya Odori Park Edion Hisaya Plaza, in the Sakae District, is the biggest and best-known Christmas Market in Nagoya.
Like many others in Japan, this Christmas market is inspired by European Christmas markets, offering German sausages, beer, and mulled wine. Live performances are held throughout the day, and you can even purchase handcrafted items as Christmas presents or to decorate your home.
Nagoya Christmas Market
Event Period: Dec 6th – 25th 2024; weekdays: 16:00 to 21:00, weekends and December 25th: 14:00 to 21:00
Address: 3-65 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008
Website (Japanese only)| Google Maps
Toyota Gosei Iceless Skating Rink
An iceless skate rink pops up every year at Oasis 21 in the Sakae district. It is fun for the whole family and especially great for beginners. Other events regularly take place around the skating rink.
Toyota Gosei Iceless Skate Rink
Entry Fee: Weekdays adults 1200 yen, children 600 yen,
weekends adults 1400 yen, children 600 yen
Event Period: Nov 30th, 2024 – Mar 9th, 2025; weekdays: 13:00 – 20:00, Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and winter holidays: 10:00 – 20:00
Address: 1-11-1 Higashisakura, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0005
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
First Sunrise of the Year at Chubu Electric Power Mirai Tower
For a special New Year’s Day enjoy the first sunrise of the year from the observatory at the newly renovated Chubu Electric Power Mirai Tower (former Nagoya TV Tower).
Chubu Electric Power Mirai Tower First Sunrise
Entry Fee: 3300 yen
Event Date: Jan 1. 2025 6:00-8:00
Address: 3-6-15 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
This post was last updated in November 2024.
Although we strive to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information possible, please note that changes may occur nonetheless. We recommend you confirm any relevant information such as event cancelations or changes, opening hours, or possible restrictions using a direct source. Please keep in mind that these sources might be in Japanese only.
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