Do you know about the Christmas market?
Christmas markets, said to have originated in 14th-century Germany, are a winter tradition held during the period known as Advent, from late November until around December 24. Wooden stalls line squares and street corners around the country, selling Christmas-themed decorations and goods, as well as food and drinks.
Although Christmas markets originated in Europe, their popularity has grown year by year in Japan, and they are now held in many cities.
In Kurashiki, too, a Christmas market began in 2023 at Kurashiki Ivy Square.
In 2024, it was held over two days, Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14. Here’s a look at Kurashiki Christmas Market 2024, which drew more than 20,000 visitors.
The information presented was current when this article was published in December 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What Is “Kurashiki Christmas Market 2024”?
Kurashiki Christmas Market 2024 was held at Kurashiki Ivy Square from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14, 2024 (hereafter referred to as “Kurashiki Christmas Market”).
Fifty-seven vendors offered Christmas-themed food and services prepared especially for the occasion.
The vendors were as follows.
Kurashiki Christmas Market Draws More Than 20,000 Visitors
According to an announcement on the official Instagram account, more than 20,000 people visited over the two days.
On both days, lines formed before the gates opened, and visitors kept coming until the event ended at 9 p.m. It was truly an event that could be described as a huge success.
I had a wonderful time at last year’s (2023) Kurashiki Christmas Market, so I was one of those eagerly looking forward to the event.
I visited the venue from around 4 to 6 p.m. on the 13th and around 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the 14th, so here’s a look at the day’s events area by area.
Courtyard Plaza and the Area in Front of the Pottery Studio Buzz with Food and Street Performances
In early November, ahead of Kurashiki Christmas Market, a 5-meter-tall Christmas tree decorated by Okayama-born decorator Nose Seiko went on display in the Courtyard Plaza at Kurashiki Ivy Square.
The Christmas tree, adorned with red ornaments, was very charming and drew crowds of people taking photos every day. Around it, 39 food vendors lined the Courtyard Plaza.
The vendors offered a wide variety of freshly prepared hot dishes, including teppanyaki, lasagna, and onigiri, filling the venue with delicious aromas.
Since Christmas markets are held during the cold season, there was also a full selection of hot drinks, including mulled wine, a favorite in Germany and Austria, the home of the Christmas market.
Many of the Christmas-themed sweets came in packaging, making them ideal as gifts for family or friends you planned to meet over the weekend.
On both days, the stage also featured street performances by kendama performer ISAMU, with the crowd cheering at his many impressive tricks.
Candles from Pegasus Candle lit the stage, and I found myself captivated by the performances in the enchanting atmosphere.
On the 14th, more food vendors took part, so food tents were also set up along the street in front of the pottery studio.
In 2023, food vendors were set up only at Courtyard Plaza, so the addition of more venues also gives a sense of how much Kurashiki Christmas Market 2024 has leveled up.
Ivy Gakkan is packed with Christmas-themed goods and workshops
Thirteen vendors selling goods and offering workshops set up at Ivy Gakkan.
Along with Christmas-themed snow globes and candles, we also spotted adorable kagami mochi rice cakes that can be used as New Year decorations.
There were also many workshops that children could take part in, and many families were among the visitors.
There were also vendors that reflected Kurashiki’s character, such as Kurashiki Hakka Display Shop, which sells aroma goods made with “Shubi,” a Japanese mint variety developed in Kurashiki, and handmade Usagi, which sells handmade items by parents of children with disabilities who are active in Kurashiki.
The Kurashiki Christmas Market seemed to give visitors an opportunity to learn about the many different groups active in Kurashiki City.
Enjoy a leisurely meal at Aibi Red Brick Hall
If Courtyard Plaza, the area in front of the pottery class, and Ivy Gakkan are too crowded to relax, head to Aibi Red Brick Hall.
Aibi Red Brick Hall is warm and climate-controlled, making it the perfect place to enjoy food you’ve purchased or plan where to go next. In contrast to the lively scene outside, time passed at a leisurely pace here.
Inside, a projector displayed a large map of the event venue.
I also used Aibi Red Brick Hall to take a break on the 13th and have a meal on the 14th.
From the Writer
As the venue was about to close on the 14th, we asked event committee member Kanae Nagahara about her impressions of the two-day event.
“Last year’s Christmas market was well received, so while we were preparing, I was worried whether people would come this year as they did last year. But once it actually got underway, so many visitors came, and the two days were truly a great success. I’m really happy about that.”
she said with a smile.
December brings long nights.
It’s easy to end up staying cooped up at home, but many people gathered at the Kurashiki Christmas Market, filled with a festive Christmas atmosphere, delicious food, and fun workshops. They included families pushing strollers, couples, office workers on their way home from work, and students in uniform.
Now in its second year, the Kurashiki Christmas Market is something we look forward to becoming a winter tradition in Kurashiki.
Articles about Kurashiki Christmas Market
Kurashiki Christmas Market 2024 Information
| Name | Kurashiki Christmas Market 2024 |
|---|---|
| Dates | Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14, 2024 4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. (last order at 8:30 p.m.) |
| Location | 7-2 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Free admission |
| Website | Kurashiki Christmas Market |
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