From November 21 until December 25, part of Sapporo’s iconic Odori Park transforms into a Munich-inspired Christmas market. The two cities share a sister city relationship that’s in its 24th year. It’s hard to argue for a better location for such a celebration; Sapporo, the capital of Japan’s northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido, is well known for its chilly winters, which see the city streets and sidewalks coated in white for several months of the year.
Since Christians only account for 1% of the entire Japanese population, much of Japan is unacquainted with typical Christmas traditions. However, events such as the Munich Christmas Market offer a rare look at winter holiday celebrations from the west, as well as chances to participate in traditions and customs.
I spent some time at the Munich Christmas Market, soaking up holiday cheer from lights and decorations, tasty seasonal treats, and beautiful handicrafts.
The Munich Christmas Market 2025
As I approached the entryway to the market, my attention was immediately drawn to the first shop on the corner. The wafting scent of fresh pretzels, a German bakery staple, hit me as I grew closer. I had found my first stop — Brezel King. Despite the option for toppings, I opted for the standard butter pretzel, as I didn’t want to involve competing flavors. After the initial bite, I was justified in my decision; a crispy outside gave way to a warm, fluffy texture that was surprisingly lightweight, resolving with a slightly chewy finish. Running through the center of the toasty, golden brown knot was a vein of melted butter.
Unsurprisingly, I scarfed down the best pretzel I’ve ever had in a few short minutes while eyeing the shops further down the walkway. One stand was serving German sausages and roast chicken thighs, while right next door, another offered numerous types of gluhwine, or mulled wine. The warm alcoholic beverage, often made from a combination of dry red wine, spices, and citrus, is a popular choice around Christmas.
I then rounded the corner to find Hansen’s Almond Factory, where brightly colored mounds of red and white sugar-coated almonds lined the bottom of the windows. Flavors included cocoa, vanilla, and cinnamon sugar. I ordered a cone-shaped paper bag of cinnamon sugar almonds and immediately unwrapped the savory-sweet treats. As I expected, saving half for a later time was a legitimate test of my willpower.
Traditional Handcraft
As I finished snacking, I began to eye the craft vendors across the way. Keramik, Handarbeit, my first stop, kept its precious, delicate ceramics behind the windows and out of reach. Various handmade Christmas-themed homes and buildings, intricately shaped and painted, lined the shelves, waiting to be illuminated with a candle.
German Pewter and Woodcraft Shop kikori had beautiful decorations I didn’t see elsewhere, including classic bearded nutcrackers, big and small. The craftsmanship was evident in the fine details and quality of each figure.
As I made my way through the market, I encountered the coffee and sweets shop. It was filled with Christmas cookies and candies, coffees, and teas. And, of course, fresh coffee was also available. A rotating schedule of Hokkaido coffee shops was posted on the wall; every few days, a new shop takes over the coffee stand, so there’s always something new to try. I enjoyed a warm cup of Christmas Blend from Tokei No Nai Kissaten as I continued to explore the market.
Spending time at Hakodate Christmas Factory was like visiting my grandmother’s home during the Christmas season. Dazzling decorations, like illuminated sleigh-shaped snow globes filled with glittering snow, were a departure from the traditional German crafts I had seen before. This was the magic of Santa I had grown up with as a child.
My next stop was the Christmas Card Collection 2025 shop, where every inch of the walls was covered with festive cards. Many designs cleverly blended Hokkaido and holiday themes, like Santa guiding his reindeer around the Sapporo TV Tower. The card designs were all submitted by independent artists, and a profile for each artist was on display. I was pleased to see creatives being supported and promoted at the market.
Immerse Yourself in the Christmas Glow
The Munich Christmas Market offers more than treats and decorations. Over the course of several weeks, various events, like musical performances and Christmas raffles, are scheduled almost daily. There are even workshops where you can make a snow globe, craft an ornament with embroidery on wood, or bring the little ones for story time with German picture books. For those of age, a lesson in mulled wine making is available, too.
As the sun went down, I waited in anticipation of the evening’s big event: the illumination lighting ceremony. Several attendees volunteered for a chance to switch on the lights, some coming from as far as Tokyo. Lined up on stage in front of their respective red buttons, the MC counted down from 10. With the press of a button, lights beamed throughout the market square as cheerful holiday music pumped through the speakers. It was the perfect way to close out my day of Christmas fun.
The 2025 Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo runs from November 21 to December 25 in Odori Park. Daily business hours are 11am to 9pm. Entry to the market is free.
Odori Park
PARK- Japan, 〒060-0042 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Odorinishi, １〜１２丁目
- ★★★★☆
Photo rights belong to Sapporo City.
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