Life in Fukuoka "English"

【DJ Recommended～Christmas events and lightups～】

In Japan, as you may have noticed, the moment Halloween is over, Christmas starts taking over. Personally, I don't think it should start until late November, but there really aren't any big holidays in November in Japan to stop the Christmas creep. In the US, we've got Thanksgiving to look forward to before Christmas. Of course, even in the US, the Christmas stuff starts early though.

I do like Christmas however and really look forward to it. I usually hold a Christmas dinner and gift exchange at my house for my friends, something I'll probably do again this year. We like to do it pot luck style, so everyone brings a dish to share, and I usually make a main dish. In the past I've done roast chicken, roast pork, beef wellington, ham...I haven't decided on the dish this year though. Any recommendations? I've still got plenty of time to plan my menu.

Christmas Illuminations

Of course, with Christmas here, you've also got loads of lights up around the city, from Tenjin to Hakata, on shops and in the parks, a big old Christmas tree and all the decorations up, making for a pretty beautiful sight.

This year, I'm planning to go to the illuminations at the Across Building. It's a new set up, it seems, and I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Speaking of all these illuminations and everything else Christmas, we've also got the Fukuoka Christmas Market, something that you don't want to miss.

Christmas Market

The Fukuoka Christmas Market is held every year from November to December, up until Christmas day, in the Hakata and Tenjin areas. It's Fukuoka's winter story, you could say. In Japan, it is the biggest Christmas market and at each of the venues there are a whole load of shops, Christmas lights and decorations. With hot wine, hot chocolate, delicious food and everything else, it's a cozy, fun event to be at.

This year's theme is Light and Hope. The market venues are located at the Hakata Station plaza and in Tenjin at the City Hall's Fureai Hiroba and the Passage at Daimaru. There are different things to see and buy at each venue and the mugs made for the event every year are one of the most popular souvenirs to get. I like to go for the atmosphere, at the Hakata venue, there is often live music, which is always enjoyable.

Also, in the Nakasu area and at Tenjin Chuo Park, from 5pm to midnight, you'll see a variety of illuminations set up, Fukuoka's newest illumination spot. We've got about one month left until Christmas, so get out and enjoy these wonderful events. Make great memories and enjoy Fukuoka's Christmas to the fullest.