Each December, Hakodate’s romantic bayfront glows for Hakodate Christmas Fantasy — a festive waterfront event built around a giant illuminated Christmas tree floating in the harbour. Set against the historic Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses and reflected in the water, the tree (a gift tradition linked to sister-city Halifax) is joined by sparkling illuminations, a nightly light-up “moment,” soup kitchens with hot food, and even fireworks. Combined with Hakodate’s world-famous night view from the mountain, it makes the city a magical place to be in early winter.

This guide covers the festival, what to see, the dates and how to get there.

🗓️ Quick Reference
When December (about a month into Christmas)
Where Bay Area, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses
Highlight Floating Christmas tree & illuminations
Admission Free
Good for Winter lights, couples, families, photos

The festival

  • A large Christmas tree floats in the harbour, lit up nightly with a daily “lighting” moment and music.
  • The surrounding Bay Area and Red Brick Warehouses sparkle with illuminations and seasonal markets.
  • Warm soup kitchens and food stalls, plus occasional fireworks, add to the cheer.

What else to see

  • Pair the festival with Hakodate’s other winter draws: the Mt. Hakodate night view (the city sparkles under snow) — see our Hakodate guide .
  • The star-shaped Goryokaku fort is beautifully illuminated in winter (“Hoshi no Yume”).
  • Fresh crab and seafood at the morning market warm up cold days — see our Hokkaido seafood guide .

Dates & tips

  • Runs through December (often late Nov to Dec 25) — check the year’s exact dates.
  • It’s cold and can be snowy — dress warmly and wear good footwear.
  • Evenings are the point — aim for the nightly light-up and the bay reflections.

Combine your visit

Hakodate is a southern Hokkaido winter base:

How to get there

  • The Bay Area is a short tram ride or walk from Hakodate Station.
  • Reach Hakodate by Shinkansen (Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto) + local train, or by air.