Do you know about the Christmas Market?
The Christmas Market, which is said to have started in 14th century Germany, is a winter tradition held during the period known as Advent, from late November to around December 24. Wooden stalls line the squares and street corners, selling Christmas-related decorations, goods, food, and drinks.
Although the Christmas Market originated in Europe, its popularity has been increasing year by year in Japan, with many cities hosting their own events.
In Kurashiki, the Christmas Market began in 2023 at the Kurashiki Ivy Square.
In 2024, it will be held over two days, December 13 (Friday) and 14 (Saturday). I will introduce the atmosphere of the Kurashiki Christmas Market 2024, which was bustling with over 20,000 visitors.
What is the "Kurashiki Christmas Market 2024"?
The Kurashiki Christmas Market 2024 (hereinafter referred to as "Kurashiki Christmas Market") will be held at Kurashiki Ivy Square from 4 PM to 9 PM on December 13 (Friday) and 14 (Saturday), 2024.
57 vendors prepared Christmas-themed food and services for this day.
The vendors are as follows.
The Kurashiki Christmas Market, which was a great success with over 20,000 visitors
According to the official Instagram announcement, the number of visitors over the two days exceeded 20,000.
On both days, lines formed before the opening, and there were no shortage of customers until the event ended at 9 PM, making it truly a "great success" event.
I was also looking forward to the day, as I had a lot of fun at last year's (2023) Kurashiki Christmas Market.
I visited the venue around 4 PM to 6 PM on the 13th and around 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM on the 14th, so I will introduce the atmosphere of the day by area.
The lively courtyard square and in front of the pottery class with food and street performances
In early November, just before the Kurashiki Christmas Market was held, a 5-meter tall Christmas tree decorated by the Okayama-born decorator Nose Seiko was displayed in the courtyard square of Kurashiki Ivy Square.
The Christmas tree, adorned with red ornaments, was very cute, and the courtyard square, lined with 39 food stalls, was bustling with people enjoying taking photos of this Christmas tree.
With a variety of genres of shops offering freshly made warm dishes such as teppanyaki, lasagna, and rice balls, the venue was filled with delightful aromas.
Since the Christmas Market is held during the cold season, a variety of hot drinks, including hot wine, which is popular in Germany and Austria, were also available.
Christmas-themed sweets are often packaged, making them perfect as gifts for family or friends you plan to meet over the weekend.
On both days, there were also street performances by Kendama performer ISAMU, and the venue was filled with cheers at various impressive tricks.
Candles from Pegasus Candle were lit on the stage, and I was captivated by the performance in the enchanting atmosphere.
On the 14th, more food vendors participated, so food tents lined the street in front of the pottery class.
In 2023, food stalls were only in the courtyard square, so the increase in venues conveys a sense of upgraded experience for the Kurashiki Christmas Market 2024.
Ivy Gakkan filled with Christmas-themed goods and workshops
Ivy Gakkan features 13 stalls of goods and workshops.
Not only snow globes and candles that are reminiscent of Christmas, but I also discovered cute kagamimochi that can be used for New Year decorations.
Workshops that children can participate in were plentiful, so many families were seen attending.
Additionally, there were stalls featuring aroma goods made from the local peppermint "Shubi" and handmade works by parents of children with disabilities active in Kurashiki, such as Kurashiki Peppermint Display and handmade Usagi, showcasing the local flavor of Kurashiki.
Through the Kurashiki Christmas Market, it seemed to provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about various organizations active in Kurashiki City.
Aibi Akarenkan where you can enjoy a relaxed meal
For visitors who found the courtyard square, in front of the pottery class, and Ivy Gakkan too crowded to relax, Aibi Akarenkan is the place to go.
Aibi Akarenkan is perfect for enjoying purchased meals in a warm environment with air conditioning, or for holding strategy meetings on where to go next. In contrast to the hustle and bustle outside, a relaxed atmosphere flowed inside.
Inside, a large map of the venue was projected on a screen.
I also used Aibi Akarenkan for a break on the 13th and for a meal on the 14th.
Conclusion
On the 14th, just before the closing, when I asked Kanahara Kanae, a member of the executive committee, about her impressions of the two days,
she said, “Last year's Christmas market was well received, so I was anxious while preparing, wondering if customers would come again this year like last year. However, once it actually started, many customers came, and it turned out to be a great success for two days, which made me really happy.”
She spoke with a smile.
In the long nights of December, it’s easy to stay cooped up at home, but the Kurashiki Christmas Market, filled with a Christmas atmosphere, delicious food, and fun workshops, attracted many people, including families with strollers, couples, office workers returning from work, and students in uniforms.
This year marks the second year of the Kurashiki Christmas Market. I look forward to it becoming a winter tradition in Kurashiki.
Articles about the Kurashiki Christmas Market
Data for Kurashiki Christmas Market 2024
| Name | Kurashiki Christmas Market 2024 |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 13 (Friday) and 14 (Saturday), 2024 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Last order at 8:30 PM) |
| Location | 7-2 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free admission |
| Website | Kurashiki Christmas Market |
