Since 2002, Sapporo’s German Christmas Market Has Returned

Sapporo has held its German Christmas Market since 2002, when the city marked thirty years of sister-city ties with Munich. At Odori Park, stalls bring together Christmas items, hot wine and German food for a run of about a month 👀 The commemorative mugs change design each year, so take a moment to spot what this edition looks like.

Mug or market food: which one would you seek out first? If you want something to keep, start with the mug; if you’re hungry, browse the food stalls and see what catches your eye 🤭 Tents with seats stand near the food stalls, offering a place to sit when snow is around.

The market’s outdoor concerts bring live performances into the park, while indoor workshops offer a change of setting. The Sapporo White Illumination also begins at Odori Park as the market gets underway, giving visitors two seasonal displays to find in the same park ☺️

Would you rather catch an outdoor concert or settle into an indoor workshop? Choose by the experience you want, and keep the workshop option in mind if you’d rather spend some time indoors. Santa Claus may give visitors a gift, too, though that depends on luck!

Start with the Sapporo White Illumination if lights are your main draw, then wander through the market stalls nearby. For a pause, head to the seating tents by the food stalls; they offer a practical place to sit when snow makes an outdoor visit less comfortable 👌