Osaka might be thought of as Japan’s second city, but as all good boys and girls know, in Santa’s eyes, everyone comes first. Christmas in Japan is not a national holiday, and celebrated religiously by a small minority, but the aesthetics and sense of joy permeate the country in December, and Osaka is no exception.
In addition to festive decorations and menu changes at KFC that take place all across Japan, Osaka has its own special events to celebrate the happiest day of the year. Here are a few of our favorites!
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Midosuji Illumination
Starting in early November and ending on New Year’s Eve, this illumination begins in Dotonbori and stretches down Midosuji, a 4km street through Namba, Umeda, and Shinsaibashi. All the trees along the road are wreathed in colorful lights, making it a beautiful stroll during the bracing festive season.
Osaka Castle Illuminations and Winter Events
A winter spectacular, this year’s illuminations in the Osaka Castle Park are inspired by Japan’s Sengoku or “Warring States” period. Running from November 1 to February 1, 2026, it will showcase light displays of battleships and samurai armor, as well as a 3D illumination of takoyaki, to emphasize the fun and unique side of Osaka.
Universal Christmas Joy
A highlight for visitors to Osaka, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) goes all-out for Christmas. Running from November 19 to January 4, 2026, it offers a spectacular light show filled with music and pyrotechnics, a rock show, and a charming illumination of Hogwarts Castle. When you get hungry, you can visit the Universal Christmas Food Festival, where limited edition Christmas treats await!
Osaka Christmas Market
Based on a traditional German Christmas market, this market in Tennoji Park opens November 28 and lasts until December 25. As with many Christmas markets, the real appeal of visiting is to indulge in delicious Christmas and German foods, including curry wurst, schnitzel, and mulled wine.
Seasonal Foods and Limited-Time Treats
As well as the delicacies available at Osaka Christmas Market, you will also see special menus — and even reservation options — at the city’s various KFCs. Supermarkets and convenience stores will also begin stocking Christmas cakes — Victoria sponge cakes with whipped cream and strawberries. It’s also not unknown for hotels — which will often open their buffets to non-staying guests — to have roast beef, potatoes, and perhaps even turkey at this time of year.
Romantic Spots for Christmas Eve in Osaka
Osaka has no shortage of spots to hang out with your sweetheart: essential, as Christmas Even in Japan is a night for lovers. As well as USJ and the Osaka Christmas Market, there are a number of other places you can go that will impress.
Firstly, we have the Osaka Harukas Observatory, at the top of the Abeno Harukas tower, once the tallest building in Japan. It’s a wonderful place to look out over the cityscape as it appears at night, glittering in light just as the stars sparkle in the sky.
There’s also the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, that demonstrates the broad biomes of the Pacific Ocean. Walking through this underwater kingdom is both enchanting and romantic.
There are also a number of boat tours, including the Nakanoshima River Cruise which takes you on a brief trip around the river to show off some of Osaka’s best sights while you sit on a comfortable sofa. Especially romantic at night.
Osaka has a wide range of things to see and do any night of the year, and Christmas is no exception. For anyone looking for a little winter wonderland magic, Osaka will not disappoint in 2025.
