Japan's Best Xmas and New Year's Celebration

Night Rider

When it comes to New Year's Eve celebrations, both Rusutsu and Annupuri's Night Rider stands out as a truly unforgettable experience. During this special occasion, both resorts generously open their lifts for free night riding until 11:30 pm and 11:00 p.m respectively. 

The real magic, however, unfolds as participants join the display, riding down the hill with flaming torches to create a mesmerising spectacle as they carve down the mountain together. The grand finale includes a spectacular fireworks display perfectly synchronised with three other Niseko resorts, ensuring a magical start to the New Year.

Meet Santa at Rhythm

We know, it’s pretty hard to book the big guy on the one day of the year he’s busily working, but we managed to convince Santa to take some time off the slopes and drop into our Rhythm stores instead. So if you’re looking to meet the big guy and score some epic goodie packs, get down to either Rhythm Furano, Rhythm Hirafu or Rhythm Wadano on the 24th of December!

Fireworks Display in Hanazono

Illuminate your holiday celebrations with the breathtaking sight of Hanazono's night sky ablaze with fireworks. Starting from 7:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and midnight on New Year's, this dazzling showcase is a must-see, offering a unique opportunity to experience Niseko in a whole new light.

Tree Lighting Celebration

Start the Niseko season right by joining the festive kickoff at Hanazono's Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Coinciding with the first night of Hanazono's night skiing, visitors can relish complimentary hot apple cider and cookies while enjoying a dazzling firework display. For the little ones, there's a chance Santa Claus might be stopping by for a special appearance, making it a delightful event for the entire family.

After this special opening event, Hanazono will continue to sparkle with festive brilliance as the magnificent 12-metre tall Christmas tree, adorned with 10,000 OLED lights, takes centre stage at the base of Niseko's Hanazono Resort for the remainder of the season.

Hanazono Gondola Light Up

Starting from the 13th of December, Hanazono will add festive flair to their lifts by incorporating the vibrancy of changing colours into each gondola’s LED lights. Perfect for families, couples, and photographers looking to capture world-class scenery.

Juicy Fruits Christmas Rail Jam

Nothing quite screams Christmas like a rail jam does. Whether you’re looking to wow the crowd with your freestyle skills or wanting to watch local shredders demolish a selection of rails and a specially set up jib section, Juicy Fruit’s Christmas rail-jam is the perfect option for you. 

The First Sunrise of the New Year (EDIT COPY)

Make your way to the Niseko Gondola to celebrate the new year with an unforgettable experience, a sunrise gondola overlooking all of the Niseko region! Trust us, these will be some of the best Yotei views imaginable.

Christmas normally filled with mulled wine and hearty roast goose and you're starting to crave a taste of home, check out the Sapporo German Christmas Market!

Spanning from the 21st of November - 25th of December, Sapporo, a sister city of Munich, hosts it's annual Christmas market!

Happo Firework Show

Bring in the New Year watching Happo’s night sky illuminated with a sea of fireworks. 

Happy Christmas! Event at Hakuba 47

Free chocolate from Santa Clause? Say less, we’re in. Head to Hakuba 47 to enjoy your free goodies before a day out riding. Kicking off at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on both the 24th and 25th of December, Hakuba 47’s ‘Happy Christmas’ event will have you starting off your morning right.

Cocktails at Sugar

Amidst Hakuba's lively nightlife, Sugar stands out as a go-to spot for cocktails. For a special Christmas event, Sugar will be hosting local legend Wata Igarashi to spin tracks before he takes on the European circuit. There's something oddly right about clubbing on Christmas–it's a unique experience not to be overlooked.

Local Cuisine

In the laid-back atmosphere of Furano, experience a culinary delight. Whether indulging in traditional okonomiyaki at Teppan Okonomiyaki Masaya or savouring delectable desserts at Delice Honten, Furano ensures your dining needs are effortlessly satisfied with a variety of delightful options.

Northern Daimonji Wildfire Festa

Welcome the New Year with the captivating Northern Daimonji Wildfire Festa. Witness the snowy expanse of Hinode Park transform into a spectacle of flames, forming the kanji word 'big.' This mesmerising event showcases a 70-metre-long and 50-metre-wide character crafted from 300 steel rods, offering an incredible sight for fortunate spectators attending the annual celebration.

Kan Kan Mura

Embark on a truly magical New Year's celebration at Kan Kan Mura. With an enchanting snow dome, cozy snow cafe, Japan's longest Snow Tubing course, and a dazzling array of illuminated snow sculptures all on offer, Kan Kan Mura promises an unforgettable and festive experience to welcome the New Year.

Ningle Terrace

Hidden away in a forest near the New Furano Prince Hotel is Niggle Terrace, an oasis of 15 log hunts bathed in warm glowing lights. Step into a fairytale winter wonderland this Christmas by exploring the tiny stores of Niggle Terrace, where you’ll find unique one-of-a-kind handmade gifts and souvenirs. 

Furano New Years Festival

Celebrate the arrival of the new year with local live music at the New Furano Prince Hotel. Each year, the hotel hosts a New Year's Festival featuring a live performance by a top Japanese artist in the hotel's chapel. Stay tuned for the festival announcement on the hotel's website to ensure you don't miss out on this fantastic New Year's event.