During winter, Sapporo hosts a wide variety of enchanting events where snow and light illuminate the city, making it one of Japan’s most celebrated winter destinations.

Iconic winter traditions like the Sapporo White Illumination, known as Japan’s first light-up event,  the Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo, where people enjoy the authentic feel of Germany, and the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival envelop the entire city in winter magic.

Sapporo blends stunning snowy scenes with stress-free urban convenience, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide range of winter events within walking distance, together with shopping and food. Its snow-and-light scenery continues to captivate travellers from both Japan and abroad.

1. Sapporo White Illumination

Brightening Sapporo’s winter in spectacular fashion, the Sapporo White Illumination, which began in 1981 as Japan’s very first light-up event, now marks its 46th edition. Today, it stands as a defining winter icon of northern Japan, enchanting viewers from around the world.

A Dreamlike Cityscape Where Light and Urban Life Intertwine

The event spans central Sapporo, stretching across the city’s main east-west and north-south corridors. Each block of Odori Park, the main venue, is filled with large light installations with distinct themes, creating a surreal ambient with a striking contrast between the white snow and dazzling illuminations. Along major streets such as Ekimae-dori and Minami-Ichijo-dori, trees are wrapped in dazzling lights that elegantly trace the rhythm of the city. The sparkle of Odori Park from east to west, combined with the glowing Ekimae-dori running north to south, transforms Sapporo’s night into a jewelry box, guiding visitors through a corridor of light.

Environmental Care and Sustainable Initiatives

Beyond its beauty, the event also functions as a forward-looking, environmentally conscious initiative. Some of the illuminations at Odori Park are powered by on-site generation, using biodiesel fuel recycled from used cooking oil collected from households. These lights not only reduce environmental impact but also add a deeper sense of warmth.

The shimmering lights shine even more brilliantly in the crisp winter air. This is a one-of-a-kind winter spectacle where Sapporo’s snowy landscapes, cutting-edge illumination design, and environmental care come together in perfect harmony.

Come and admire this world of light with someone special, or simply take in the atmosphere on your own. A deeply moving moment awaits, where even the harsh cold of Sapporo fades away in the magical scenery.

https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/
*After opening, please select “English” from the pull-down menu in the bottom right.

2. Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo

A uniquely jovial note in Sapporo’s winter, the Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo brings a fun German holiday vibe to the city.

First launched in 2002 to mark the 30th anniversary of the sister city relationship with Munich, the Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo is a richly international winter celebration. Symbolising the deep ties between the two cities, first connected through the historic 1972 Summer and Winter Olympics, it has now become a classic winter tradition in Sapporo, standing alongside the Sapporo White Illumination.

Revel in an Authentic German Christmas with all five senses

At Odori Park 2-Chome, wooden stalls known as “Hütte,” reminiscent of traditional German Christmas markets, line the venue, their displays featuring finely crafted wooden ornaments and charming Christmas goods available exclusively here, warmly welcoming visitors as they wander.

The food is just as authentic, from “Glühwein” spiced mulled wine to traditional German sausages and roasted almonds, time-honoured festive flavours abound. Gathering around steaming food in the falling snow is a uniquely Sapporo Christmas experience, both comforting and memorable.

A Cultural Hub of Exchange and Discovery

Beyond being a market, the event also serves as a vibrant cultural hub. Inside the Weihnachts Pavilion, visitors can join workshops introducing German culture and story readings, while outdoor stage performances rev up the festive atmosphere. Encounters with Santa Claus and Advent calendar countdown events let both children and adults share in the joy of Christmas.

Illuminating a Sustainable Future

Like the Sapporo White Illumination, this event is also committed to reducing its environmental impact. Eco-conscious energy is used in parts of the venue’s operations and heating systems, reflecting a commitment to preserving the beautiful setting while passing on cultural traditions.

For one month, Sapporo and Munich, two cities far apart, are brought together through light and food. Amid the sea of illuminations spreading across Odori Park, enjoy a heartwarming moment with someone special. Here unfolds a gentle, atmospheric winter experience that northern Japan proudly shares with the world.

https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/event/munich/
*After opening, please select “English” from the pull-down menu in the bottom right.

3. Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival is a winter jewel that captivates the globe.

First held in 1950, when local high school students built six snow statues in Odori Park, the Sapporo Snow Festival has grown into one of the world’s largest winter events, now attracting over two million international visitors. Transforming Sapporo’s harsh winter into a celebration of creativity and joy, it is today one of Hokkaido’s most iconic cultural treasures.

Breathtaking Art made of Snow and Ice

The festival’s highlight is its vast collection of giant snow sculptures at the main Odori Site. Carefully crafted over several weeks by the Japan Self-Defense Forces and local volunteers, these monumental works rise up to 15 metres in height. Ranging from historical landmarks and world-famous buildings to popular characters, each sculpture is rendered in striking, intricate detail.

By night, cutting-edge projection mapping and lighting transform the site entirely, shifting the sculptures into a dynamic, immersive spectacle that contrasts sharply with the calm clarity of the daytime display.

Different Venues With Unique Character

In Susukino, the Susukino Ice World transforms the area with intricate ice sculptures incorporating seafood with fantastical carvings, all shimmering like jewels beneath neon lights. Meanwhile, the family-friendly Tsudome Site offers a wide range of outdoor winter activities, including giant slides and snow rafting, to fully experience the thrill of Hokkaido’s snowy landscape.

A Celebration of International Exchange and Community Spirit

Since 1974, the International Snow Sculpture Contest has brought together teams from around the world, each competing with creations that reflect their cultural heritage. This global exchange elevates the festival beyond tourism, turning it into a symbol of peace and friendship. In addition, community snow sculptures showcase the creativity and ingenuity of local residents, and the way the entire city unites around the shared spirit of “enjoying the snow” deeply moves those who witness it.

In the crisp winter air, snow and ice combine to form a pure expression of beauty. Admiring this “white art,” shaped by Sapporo’s history and pride, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A truly magical moment awaits, found only in winter Sapporo.

https://www.snowfes.com/
*After opening, please select “English” from the pull-down menu in the bottom right.

4. Jozankei Onsen Yukitouro (Snow Candle Way)

＊＊Information for 2027 will be published once confirmed.＊＊