Featured Events in Sapporo in 2025 (November Updated)

The Autumn Art Festival, which began in 2005, brings Sapporo's streets to life for a month, showcasing art, fine arts, stage performances, and music. A variety of exciting events are held, including "Theater Go Round," showcasing original stage productions by over 30 performance groups; "Art Street," where artists from across Japan showcase their work in the Sapporo Station Underground; "Cross Roads Live," featuring live performances by musicians from across Hokkaido; and "Sapporo School Music Festival," featuring performances by elementary, middle, and high school wind bands at Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara. Citizens and artists, from children to professionals, gather to enjoy a variety of artistic activities.

"Sapporo Factory" is a commercial facility that integrates restaurants, cinemas, hotels, etc. For about two months starting from November, a giant Christmas tree made of Sakhalin fir appears in the high-ceiling atrium. It was transported from Hiroo Town in Tokachi and has become a winter landscape in Sapporo. The Christmas tree lights up from 4 pm to 10 pm, and the colorful decorations and lights are dazzling. Every hour, there will be a 5-minute music and light show. People enjoy food in the restaurant while watching the Christmas tree. The tall Santa Claus climbs the chimney of the former Sapporo Kaitakushi Beer Brewery located in the commercial facility. This interesting scene is also not to be missed.

The Sapporo White Illumination is Japan's first illumination event, which began in 1981 (Showa 56), adding color to Sapporo in winter. At the Odori venue, symbolic objects of various sizes will sparkle like light art. At the Ekimaedori venue, the Minami-ichi-dori venue, and the Sapporo Kitasanjo Square (Akapla) venue, standing trees are decorated with light bulbs, lighting up the city. A sound and light show will be held at the Sapporo Station South Exit Square venue.

Sapporo has been holding a Christmas market since 2002, the 30th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Sapporo and Munich, Germany. Odori Park hosts stalls displaying Christmas goods, mulled wine, and German cuisine for approximately a month. Each year, different commemorative mugs are released. There are also exciting events such as outdoor concerts and indoor workshops. If you're lucky, you might even receive a present from Santa Claus! Tents with seating are located near the food stalls, so you don't have to worry about snow. Starting in late November, Odori Park will also host the "Sapporo White Illumination," further enhancing the Christmas atmosphere.