Your Guide to Christmas & New Years in Niseko

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Every year thousands of people visit the snowy wonderland of Niseko in December for a stay and holiday. Niseko is, after all, one of the best places in the world to experience a "White Christmas" and New Year (or Chinese New Year just a few weeks later).

To ensure our guests can make the most of it the team at NISADE has compiled this helpful guide to let you know everything happening in Niseko (and Rusutsu and Furano) over this holiday season! Don't forget to join NISADE for our own fantastic Christmas events!

Our Top Niseko Christmas and New Year Recommendations

1. See the Weekly & New Years Fireworks in Niseko - 16th December to 24th February
Head to the slopes over at Hanazono Niseko for fireworks EVERY Saturday night at 5pm until February 25th! Hanazono is also hosting a pretty beautiful Christmas tree display, as well as a special luxury pop up event.

2. Participate in the Torch Light Display and fireworks in Rusutsu - 31st December
See Rusutsu's epic 1200 firework display or join their light up by skiing down the slopes (yes, guests can participate, but be quick as space is limited!). Complimentary hot drinks from 8pm and fireworks from 8.30pm. Rusutsu is just a short drive from Niseko - with The Vale Rusutsu nearby - and never fails to deliver on New Years Eve.

Rusutsu Fireworks Supplied — Rusutsu Resort know how to put on a show

3. Experience the first sunrise of the New Year - 1st January
Make your way to the Niseko Gondola to celebrate in a truly unique way! Tickets are available from 6.15am and boarding is from 7.30am. Priced at just ¥1,500 for an adult and ¥1,000 for your child. Details have yet to be updated for this event in 2024 - but we're assuming it is going ahead!

4. Meet Santa Claus - 25th December from 4pm
Santa will be visiting our two biggest hotels - The Vale Niseko and The Maples Niseko on Christmas Day. See more

Furano Kan Kan Mura Supplied — Furano's Kan Kan Mura is great for all ages

5. Go dog sledding or experience and Ice Bar in Furano! - 23rd December – 28th February
Not far from Fenix Furano is the Furano Kan Kan Mura (winter village) - where you can enjoy tubing for just ¥300/person (kids u12 free with adult) and dog sledding from ¥2500! Fun for kids of all ages (sign me up!). Attendees also can get a free soft drink in an ice bar and see ice sculptures.

Celebrate Christmas with NISADE

Christmas is perhaps the most sought-after dates in to visit Niseko, and for good reason! For many, a white Christmas is something you will only see in movies, but here in Niseko you can expect to enjoy a white Christmas like no other, with some of the best powder in the world at your doorstep. Guests at The Vale and The Maples will be welcome to Mochi in the afternoon and can enjoy these nice warm drinks while Santa visits to hand out presents to all the good boys and girls!