Nagoya, and in fact Japan, really embrace the Christmas season with illuminations and other winter events going on in December each year.
One highlight of winter in Nagoya is the amazing winter illuminations that go up each year around the middle of November and mostly stay up until January or even February of the new year.
Fun Christmas and New Year events also take place at different locations around Nagoya.
So if you happen to be in Nagoya this year and you are wondering how to really get into the Christmas spirit and to enjoy the cold season, here is a list of winter illuminations and events in Nagoya.
Nagoya Station illumination
The Nagoya Station illumination lights up each year around this area. This is a collection not only of outside spots but also multiple small displays and events going on in buildings all around the Nagoya Station area
The outside illumination along the main street in front of Nagoya Station with the lit-up spiral monument 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
The following buildings around Nagoya Station have illuminations going on on the inside and/or outside:
JR Central Towers/JR Gate Tower Illumination
The JR Central Towers and JR Gate Tower are the skyscrapers directly connected to Nagoya Station. They feature an outside illumination in front of the station as well as a beautiful 12 meter tall Christmas tree. The tree is lit with the 7 colors of the rainbow bringing hope to the hearts of all beholders.
JR Central Towers/ JR Gate Tower Illumination
Event Period: Nov 9. – Dec 25. 2022, 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
JP Tower Nagoya and KITTE Nagoya has an outside illumination as well as a beautiful inside illumination with a gigantic handmade sparkling white Christmas tree called the Heartfelt Tree. 8 times during the day the Heartfelt Tree changes its colors in tune to the music.
JP Tower Nagoya/KITTE Nagoya Illumination
Event Period: Nov 9. – Dec 25. 2022, 17:00 – 23:00
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 on the outside terrace on the 5th floor. Under the topic of “White Gold Christmas”, the illumination features white and gold LED lights and decorations. The underground level as well as the 3rd floor also have beautiful Christmas objects on display.
Dai Nagoya Building Illumination
Event Period: Nov 9. – Dec 25. 2022, 17:00 – 23:00
Address: 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-6490
Website (Japanese only) | Google Map
Nagoya Lucent Tower Illumination
The outside of Nagoya Lucent Tower becomes an ocean of blue light that changes in tune with the music. There is ample space to sit down and enjoy the show for a couple of minutes.
Nagoya Lucent Tower Illumination
Event Period: Nov 9. 2022 – Jan 31. 2023, 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 outside illumination and this year CO2-free electricity has been introduced for the illumination. In addition, some there are set botanical lights that generate electricity with the power of microorganisms and decorating ornaments using recycled plastic.
Midland Square Illumination
Event Period: Nov 9. – Dec 25. 2022, 17:00 – 23:00
Address: 4-7-1 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002
Website (Japanese only) | Google Map
Endoji Shopping Street Illumination
At theEndoji Shopping Street Illumination, you will find charming curtain-shaped lighting that extends both sides of the arcade from east to west.
Endoji Shopping Street Illumination
Event Period: Nov 18 – Feb 28, 2023
Address: 1 Nagono, Nishi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 451-0042
Website (Japanese only) | Google Map
Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Market
If you were looking for real German Christmas decorations you should check out the Christmas Market inside Midland Square. Käthe Wohlfahrt is the most popular brand of German Christmas decorations worldwide and at this small market, you can buy adorable objects for your home or as gifts for friends and family.
Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Market
Event Period: Nov 9. – Dec 24. 2022 11:00-20:00
Address: 4-7-1 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002
Website (Japanese only) | Google Map
Sasashima Live Illumination
Officially the illumination event around the Sasashima Live area is part of the bigger Meieki Illumination. But 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 9. 2022 – Feb 14. 2023 17:00-23:00
Address: 4 Hiraikecho, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 453-0872
Website (Japanese only) | 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 spacious grounds of the Noritake porcelain manufacturer not far from Nagoya Station are decorated beautifully each year for Christmas.
Santa and a gigantic Christmas tree welcome you to the lif-up garden with its old red-brick buildings as a scenic backdrop.
Noritake Garden Christmas Garden
Event Period: Nov 12. – Dec 25. 2022 16:30-19:00
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 could 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 lit up with illuminated artwork at 4 crossings.
Hirokoji Avenue Illumination
Event Period: Otc 22. 2022 – Jan 15. 2023 17:00 – 24:00
Address: 4-27 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 450-0002
Google Maps
Winter Illumination at Sea Train Land
The Sea Train Land is a cute little amusement park at the port of Nagoya. It has a couple of aged attractions including a ferries wheel.
A small but beautiful winter illumination is held each year at the sea train land that you can enjoy with your family.
Winter Illumination at Sea Train Land
Event Period: Dec. 3, 2022 – Feb 26, 2023, 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 where the Port of Nagoya Aquarium is located boasts a beautiful and impressive winter illumination each year. This year the topic is Over the Rainbow, with lights in the 7 colors of the rainbow. You can also borrow a shining umbrella to keep social distance and for an even more colorful experience.
Nagoya Port Winter Illumination
Event Period: Dec. 3, 2022 – Feb 26, 2023 16:30-21:00
Address: 1 Minatomachi, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0033
Website (Japanese only)| Google Maps
Isogai Xmas Hanabi Fireworks
The yearly Isogai Fireworks around Christmas are an amazing opportunity to enjoy Japanese fireworks in winter. The fireworks display has a different story each year (in Japanese only) but even if you cannot understand the story it is an amazing and beautiful spectacle.
*This year the event is reservation only.
Isogai Xmas Hanabi Fireworks
Event Date: Dec 24. 2022
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 in a beautiful blue light each year using around 300.000 lights.
Sakae Minami Osu Winter Illumination
Event Period: Nov 18. 2022 – Feb 26. 2023 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 infos:
The Ultimate Nagoya Shopping Guide
Nagoya Christmas Market
The Nagoya Christmas Market at Hisaya Odori Park in Sakae District is the best biggest and best known Christmas Market in Nagoya.
This Christmas market like so many others in Japan is inspired by European Christmas markets serving German sausages, beer, and mulled wine.
Live performances are held throughout the day and you can even buy some handcrafted items as Christmas presents or to decorate your home.
Nagoya Christmas Market
Event Period: Dec 9. – 25. 2022
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 Sakae district. It is fun for the whole family and especially great for beginners. Around the skating rink, other events take place regularly.
Toyota Gosei Iceless Skate Rink
Entry Fee: Weekdays adults 900 yen, children 500 yen,
weekends adults 1300 yen, children 500 yen
Event Period: Dec 3. 2022 – Mar 12. 2023
Address: 1-11-1 Higashisakura, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0005
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
First Sunrise of the Year at Nagoya TV Tower
For a special new year’s day enjoy the first sunrise of the year from the observatory at the newly renovated Nagoya TV Tower.
Nagoya TV Tower First Sunrise
Entry Fee: 3300 yen
Event Date: Jan 1. 2021 6:00-8:00
Address: 3-6-15 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003
Website (Japanese only) | Google Maps
Updated by Elisabeth Llopis
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