Hiroshima Events & Festivals December 2026: Winter Illuminations, Christmas Markets & New Year's Eve Celebrations
Hiroshima is one of the few cities in the world to have experienced an atomic bombing. While that fact often draws the most attention, the city has many other attractions as well.
I personally visit Hiroshima at least once a year, and each time I explore its shrines and temples and enjoy its outstanding local cuisine, discovering something new with every visit.
If you want to make your upcoming trip to Hiroshima even more memorable, I recommend being guided by a local. Hiroshima is home to many fascinating spots known mainly to residents.
In addition, places related to peace and history—such as the city’s peace memorial sites and its centuries-old shrines and temples—can be far more meaningful when explored with explanations from a local guide.
That's exactly why I want you to explore the city with locals who know the real Hiroshima. With tours from Magical Trip—winner of Tripadvisor's The Best of The Best in both 2024 and 2025—you can make that happen.
For those interested in Hiroshima’s peace-related sites, the “Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites” is highly recommended. Listening to a local guide makes visits to the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park much more meaningful.
If you plan to explore Miyajima, another symbol of Hiroshima, choose the “Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking Tour.” To fully appreciate sights such as Itsukushima Shrine, which offers scenery found nowhere else in Japan, having a local guide is a big plus.
And of course, Hiroshima’s local food should not be missed. If you want to enjoy Hiroshima cuisine—just as appealing as Osaka’s—at restaurants loved by locals, the “Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour” is an excellent choice.
Introduction
Hiroshima City is located in the western area of Japan and is a famous city known for its Peace Memorial Park. Hiroshima Prefecture, where Hiroshima City is located, faces an inland sea called the Seto Inland Sea and is also an area where you can enjoy abundant nature and delicious gourmet food.
In December, various Hiroshima events are held throughout Hiroshima City and Hiroshima Prefecture. In Hiroshima City, you can enjoy beautiful illuminations at Hiroshima Dreamination and traditional Kagura show events. Additionally, traditional New Year's Eve events are held at shrines and temples throughout the area, including the famous Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima.
This guide introduces recommended Hiroshima events in December 2026 that you can enjoy. We've compiled various types of events, so if you're looking for places to visit in Hiroshima, please use this as a reference.
Table of Contents
-Illumination Events in December Hiroshima Beloved by Locals
2 Highly Anticipated Events by the Author That You Can Enjoy in Hiroshima in December
-If You're Spending the New Year Period in Hiroshima, Try Experiencing New Year's Eve at Shrines and Temples
If You're Spending New Year's in Hiroshima, Enjoy the "Countdown Fireworks" at Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima!
The Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima New Year's Countdown Fireworks is a fireworks event held on December 31st on the Seto Inland Sea side of Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima, making it one of the most memorable Hiroshima events in December 2026 to look forward to.
The fireworks can be viewed from around the hotel and from guest rooms, but my personal recommendation is to watch them from the top-floor lounge. The lounge offers the wonderful experience of enjoying hors d'oeuvres plates and free-flow drinks while taking in the fireworks display.
I have used the lounge myself, and watching the fireworks while sipping drinks in the warmth of the indoors was truly wonderful — it made for a New Year's Eve I will never forget.
Since the lounge has a capacity limit, I recommend making a reservation early through the website.
Information:
- Date: December 2026 (date TBD) (In 2025, held on December 31)
- Address: 23-1 Motoujinacho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Access: Shuttle bus available from Hiroshima Station
- Admission: Free (accommodation and lounge usage are paid)
- Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/hiroshima/wedding/access/
Christmas Markets to Enjoy in Hiroshima: A Fusion of Japanese and Western Culture
Hiroshima Christmas Market
The Hiroshima Christmas Market is a Christmas event held at HIROSHIMA GATE PARK. At the venue, visitors can enjoy Christmas food and drink such as mulled wine and chicken, shop for Christmas goods like wreaths and snow globes, and take part in workshops making candles and keychains, among a wide variety of other activities.
I warmed myself up with a hot chocolate poured into a venue-exclusive mug as I strolled through the grounds. The illuminations decorated with approximately 55,000 LED lights and the array of Christmas goods lined up at the stalls created a festive atmosphere throughout the venue, and just walking around filled me with excitement.
Since the venue is right in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome, feel free to stop by after sightseeing.
Information:
- Date: December 2026 (date TBD) (In 2025, held on December 24–25)
- Address: 1-minute walk from the Atomic Bomb Dome
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://hiroshima-christmas.com/index.html
Hiroshima German Christmas Market
The German Christmas Market in Hiroshima is a Christmas event held at Motomachi Credo Fureai Hiroba. The event was launched in 2025 by Stephan Ballin, originally from Germany, with the goal of revitalizing the local community, and it draws large crowds of local residents every year.
At the venue, decorated with a large Christmas tree, visitors can browse and purchase German cuisine and Christmas goods at German-style food stalls, as well as enjoy stage shows. The stage shows feature live performances of Christmas music by both professional and amateur musicians, and I was able to spend a romantic and relaxing time listening to the pleasant melodies.
Although the venue is compact in scale, it has earned a reputation for offering an authentic Christmas market experience. It is especially recommended for those who want to enjoy a close-knit, community-oriented atmosphere.
Information:
- Date: December 2026 (date TBD) (In 2025, held on December 19–21)
- Address: 6-78 Motomachicho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Access: Immediately accessible from Kamiyacho-nishi tram stop
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://hiroshima-christmasmarket.jp/ (2025 site)
Explore the Venues by Riding the Special "Christmas Tram"!
The Christmas Train is an event in which a tram decorated with illuminations, wreaths, and other Christmas ornaments runs through the city during the Christmas season — and it stands out as a beloved Hiroshima event in December 2026.
The service has been running since 1991 and is cherished by locals as a defining feature of Hiroshima's winter season.
The tram is a 1928 Hannover tram imported from Germany, and its retro appearance pairs perfectly with the Christmas atmosphere. The sight of it traveling through the city is reminiscent of a picture-book world, and just watching it was enough to lift my spirits. Boarding the tram is only available through chartered hire, and advance applications must be submitted through the official website.
On December 24th, the final day of service, Santa Claus will hand out presents to children in elementary school or younger at designated locations. Since the number of gifts is limited, those who wish to participate are advised to arrive early.
Information:
- Date: December 2026 (date TBD) (In 2025, held from December 3–24)
- Address: Between Hiroden Head Office-mae and Hiroshima Station
- Access: Varies by stop
- Admission: Varies by route
- Website: https://www.hiroden.co.jp/topics/2025/1118-christmastrain2025.html (2025 site)
Illumination Events in December Hiroshima Beloved by Locals
Hiroshima Dreamination
Hiroshima Dreamination is an annual illumination event held in Hiroshima City every winter. The central area of Hiroshima City, including Peace Boulevard, is decorated extensively with fairy-tale illuminations.
The Hiroshima Dreamination illuminations feature numerous objects themed around "Fairy Tale Land" every year. The main venue, Peace Boulevard, is a wide, large street near Peace Park.
When I visited Peace Boulevard last year, there were many dream-filled objects that children could enjoy, such as jeweled castles and large ships, and children were delighted to view the illuminations. Additionally, booths selling Hiroshima specialties such as Sake are exhibited every year.
If you're visiting Hiroshima City in December, be sure to stroll leisurely along Peace Boulevard and enjoy the dream-filled illuminations.
<Information>
-Dates: TBA (November 17, 2025 - January 3, 2026)
-Access: Get off at Nishi-Hiroshima Station → 9-minute walk → Heiwa Boulevard (approx. 20 minutes)
Admission Fee: Free
-Website: https://www.dreamination.com/
Flower and Light Pageant
Flower and Light Pageant is a special nighttime illumination event held at the Hiroshima Botanical Garden. The garden is decorated with approximately 140,000 illumination lights and around 3,000 candles, allowing visitors to enjoy a fantastical and magical atmosphere throughout the grounds.
The highlight is the light-up of Australia's largest baobab tree in Japan. The baobab is so tall that even adults have to look up at it, and the sight of it glowing against the darkness is truly breathtaking — I was completely overwhelmed by its commanding presence.
Beyond the illuminations, the event is also packed with hands-on activities, such as "Find Santa," where visitors search for hidden Santas throughout the garden, and "Flower Scooping," where you scoop flowers floating on water. Why not bring the whole family and enjoy the botanical garden at night, which holds a charm that daytime simply cannot offer?
This illumination is a standout Hiroshima Event December 2026 experience not to be missed for families and nature lovers alike.
<Information>
- Date: December 2026 TBD (In 2025, held on Saturdays from late November through December)
- Address: 3-495 Kurashige, Saeki-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Access: Take a bus from Itsukaichi Station; get off at the Botanical Garden (Shokubutsu Koen) bus stop, just a short walk away
- Admission: Adults ¥510 / Seniors & Children ¥170
- Website: http://www.hiroshima-bot.jp/
Higashihiroshima Towaie
Higashihiroshima Illumination (Towaie) is an illumination event held at Saijo Chuo Park. The park is bathed in approximately 100,000 lights, creating a heartwarming and picturesque landscape for all to enjoy.
During the event, there are days when a "Christmas Market" featuring various shops and businesses from Higashihiroshima also takes place simultaneously, along with the "Gochi Udon Project," where children and students can eat udon for free when an adult pays for theirs.
On the day I visited, the "Gochi Udon Project" was being held, so I enjoyed a bowl of udon before immersing myself in the glowing illuminations all around me.
The dates for the "Christmas Market" and "Gochi Udon Project" can be found on the official site, so be sure to check in advance and make the most of everything on offer. As a key Hiroshima Event December 2026, Towaie is well worth planning around.
<Information>
- Date: December 2026 TBD (In 2025, held November 21 – January 12, 2026)
- Address: Saijo Nishihonmachi, Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Access: 8-minute walk from Saijo Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/higashihiroshima_towaie/
National Bihoku Hillside Park Winter Illumination
National Bihoku Hillside Park is a beautiful park located in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Every winter, Winter Illumination is held here, and the vast grounds are gorgeously decorated with various themed illuminations.
At Bihoku Hillside Park, three illumination areas appeared last year. For example, in the park's "Naka-no-Hiroba" area, fairy-tale illuminations themed around Alice in Wonderland were displayed.
I particularly loved the Japanese-style illuminations decorated with traditional umbrellas and lanterns in the "Hibano-Sato" area. Hibano-Sato is an area where folk materials such as old Hiroshima houses are usually exhibited, and the Japanese-style decorations looked beautifully elegant.
There's also a paid area where you can see high-quality illumination art. If you want to see gorgeous illuminations, be sure to visit Bihoku Hillside Park, a very popular winter spot.
<Information>
-Dates: TBA (November 1, 2025 - January 12, 2026)
-Access: Bihoku Hillside Park (approximately 2 hours)
-Admission Fee: Adults: ¥450, Seniors: ¥210, Junior high school students and younger: Free
-Website: https://www.bihokupark.jp/special/winter (2025 version site)
Winter Fireflies
"Winter Fireflies" is an illumination event held in Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. At Yoshida Sports Park, a local sports ground for residents, you can enjoy warm, handmade illuminations created using plastic bottles.
The characteristic feature of Winter Fireflies is that the illuminations are made from approximately 35,000 plastic bottles. Everything is handmade by dozens of local volunteers, and while small in scale, there are impressive works including a large Santa face, Christmas arches, and heart-shaped objects.
When I visited, I was impressed by how the plastic bottles softly reflected the light, creating a softer and warmer glow than typical illuminations using only LED bulbs.
This is an event continued through the efforts of local people to revitalize the region. If you want to experience warm, heartfelt illuminations, why not extend your trip to Mihara City?
<Information>
-Dates: TBA (December 1, 2025 - January 3, 2026)
-Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from Mihara Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line → Mihara City Yoshida Sports Ground
-Admission Fee: Free
-Website: None
Motomachi Credo Pacela Christmas Tree
At Motomachi Credo Pacela, a shopping facility in central Hiroshima City, a beautiful Christmas tree decorated with illuminations is installed in December.
Every year from around the end of October, a Christmas tree decorated with approximately 55,000 LED bulbs and standing 15m tall appears in the first-floor plaza of Credo Pacela. As a symbol announcing the arrival of Christmas in Hiroshima City, this tree has been beloved by locals for many years.
In recent years, a Christmas market has also been held in the same plaza. Kitchen cars and shops selling cute Christmas goods are set up.
Additionally, in 2024, the rooftop garden on the 6th floor of Credo Pacela was also beautifully decorated with illuminations. The well-maintained rooftop garden is also recommended as a rest spot while exploring Hiroshima City.
If you're visiting the central area of Hiroshima City, be sure to stop by Credo Pacela and check out the Christmas tree.
<Information>
- Dates: December 2026 (TBD) (In 2025, held in December)
-Access: Get off at Hiroshima Electric Railway "Kamiyacho Nishi" or "Kamiyacho Higashi" → 3 minutes walk → Motomachi Credo Pacela
Admission Fee: Free
-Website: https://www.pacela.jp/ (event page not yet open)
Shimose Art Museum Night Museum & Illumination
At Shimose Art Museum in Otake City, Hiroshima Prefecture, you can enjoy a night museum and illuminations in December. During the exhibition period held in December, special nighttime admission is available on limited dates, and the museum interior is beautifully lit up.
Shimose Art Museum is popular not only for its attractive exhibitions but also for its modern and stylish architecture that makes extensive use of glass and mirrors. On special illumination days, the beautiful facility is lit up, creating an even more fantastical atmosphere.
When I visited last year, I was particularly impressed by how the container-type exhibition rooms were colorfully lit up and glowing in the darkness of night.
I was also amazed to discover that these container-type exhibition rooms were made with special shipbuilding technology and were floating on water. Be sure to visit the night museum at Shimose Art Museum, a stylish museum full of attractions.
<Information>
-Dates: TBA (In 2025, held from December 22 – January 31, 2026)
-Access:Get off at Kunami Station → 20-minute bus ride → 5-minute walk → Shimose Art Museum
-Admission Fee: Around ¥1,800 (depending on the exhibition)
-Website: https://simose-museum.jp/event/post-2902/
At Night, Let a Local Guide Who Knows Hiroshima Inside and Out Show You to Shops Loved by Locals!
If you're spending the evening in Hiroshima City, join a tour where you can enjoy exquisite local gourmet food and drinks.
The Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour is a tour where you can go bar hopping in Hiroshima's entertainment district, the Nagarekawa area, together with a local Hiroshima guide. You'll enjoy drinks and local gourmet food at three bars and izakayas.
By using this tour, the guide will take you to renowned establishments truly loved by local people. The friendly guide will provide an entertaining explanation of Hiroshima's food culture, which features many specialty dishes.
At local establishments you wouldn't be able to find on your own, thoroughly savor Hiroshima's specialty Japanese-style pancake, Okonomiyaki, and Hiroshima's famous sake. Since you'll be introduced to many local gourmet foods, this tour is highly recommended even for those visiting Hiroshima for the first time.
Just as travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences in Hiroshima enjoy this bar hopping tour, those interested in traditional Japanese culture might also appreciate the Kanazawa Samurai Experience, another immersive cultural activity available in Japan.
<Information>
Meeting point: In front of the Gucci display outside Hiroshima Fukuya dept. store, near Hatchobori station/6-26 Ebisumachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Tour area: around Nagarekawa area
Start time: 18:00, 19:00
2 Highly Anticipated Events by the Author That You Can Enjoy in Hiroshima in December
HIROSHIMA KAGURA Regular Performance 2026
At the Hiroshima Prefectural Cultural Center, HIROSHIMA KAGURA Regular Performance 2026 is being held, where you can see traditional Hiroshima Kagura performances.
Kagura is a song and dance performance historically performed throughout Japan as Shinto religious rituals. A major characteristic of Kagura is that its style differs by region.
Hiroshima has many Kagura traditions that have been carefully passed down by region, and at this performance you can watch Kagura from various regions depending on the day.
The performances are based on legends and folktales passed down throughout Hiroshima, including stories such as battles against traditional monsters called Yokai.
I love watching traditional performances, so I was very much looking forward to going to see this performance during my Hiroshima trip. While it was a performance where you could feel traditional beauty, I was impressed that there were comical movements and modern productions throughout, making it enjoyable to watch without getting bored.
If you're interested in Hiroshima's unique traditional culture, please check out the performance.
<Information>
-Schedule: TBA
-Access: Get off at Kamiyacho Station → 5 minutes walk → Hiroshima Prefectural Cultural Center
-Website: https://www.rccbc.co.jp/event/kagura/en/
Morota Gonbo Festival
The Morota Gonbo Festival is a famous burdock root sale held in Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Morokecho in Fuchu City is a famous burdock root production area, known for producing thick, fragrant burdock roots due to the good soil quality.
At the sale, bundles of fresh burdock roots are sold for 500 yen and 1,000 yen. Professional chefs come from far away to obtain the rare Morota burdock, making this a hidden popular event despite its small scale.
At the venue, I was overwhelmed by the sight of incredibly thick burdock roots bundled together and lined up in large quantities. The event also sells warm burdock soup, where you can enjoy the distinctive rich aroma.
Hadaka Lake Forest Park, which serves as the venue, is located in the mountains, and the roads often freeze in December. Please be careful when accessing by car.
<Information>
-Date: Held annually on the third Sunday of December
-Access: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Hiroshima Station → Hadaka Lake Forest Park
-Admission fee: Free admission
-Website: https://fuchu-kanko.jp/ssevent/ssevent-1052/
If You're Spending the New Year Period in Hiroshima, Try Experiencing New Year's Eve at Shrines and Temples
Japan's New Year period features many unique customs and events. For example, at midnight on December 31st, large temple bells are rung and local communities gather to listen to the sound in New Year's Eve bell events held throughout Japan.
Additionally, the first visit to a shrine or temple in the new year is called Hatsumoude in Japan. It's a major New Year event, and many Japanese people go out for Hatsumoude.
In many cases, people listen to the New Year's Eve bell at shrines and temples on the night of December 31st, and then do Hatsumoude at the shrine after midnight on January 1st.
Here we introduce famous shrines and temples in Hiroshima City, Miyajima, and Onomichi City where you can experience a uniquely Japanese New Year celebration. These Hiroshima events in December 2026 offer wonderful opportunities to immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture.
Itsukushima Shrine - Fire Prevention Festival
The Fire Prevention Festival at Itsukushima Shrine is a traditional event held every year on December 31st. Itsukushima Shrine is located on an island called Miyajima floating in the Seto Inland Sea, and is famous for its shrine buildings and torii gate that appear to float on the water.
Starting at 18:00 on the 31st, a ceremony is conducted by shrine priests at Mikasahama Beach on Miyajima, and fire is lit on a special altar. This fire is considered sacred and is believed to have the power to purify one's mind and body of impurities accumulated over the year.
The fire is first transferred to a large torch carried by dozens of residents. At the end of the festival, island residents receive fire on small torches, which they extinguish and take home as household talismans. Only residents can receive torches, but the ceremony can be observed by non-residents as well.
When I observed it before, I was amazed by the powerful sight of dozens of people carrying the large flaming torch. The large flames viewed in the darkness of night were also a very beautiful scene that remained in my heart.
After watching the ceremony, I also recommend doing Hatsumoude at Itsukushima Shrine, which opens its gates at midnight on January 1st.
<Information>
-Date: December 31, 2026
-Access: Take the JR Sanyo Main Line from Hiroshima Station → Get off at JR Miyajimaguchi Station → Take the ferry from Miyajimaguchi Pier → Miyajima Mikasahama Beach (approx. 50 minutes)
- Admission: Adults ¥300 / High school students ¥200 / Elementary & junior high school students ¥100
-Website: https://www.miyajima.or.jp/event/event_chinka.html
Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine - December Purification/New Year's Eve Festival
Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine is a large shrine in the center of Hiroshima City. It's a famous shrine that attracts many visitors every year for New Year's Eve and Hatsumoude, and starting around 17:00 on the 31st, December Purification and New Year's Eve Festival ceremonies are held.
December Purification is a traditional Shinto ritual for cleansing one's mind and body by removing impurities accumulated over the year. Many people gather at the shrine to observe December Purification and the New Year's Eve Festival ceremony that concludes the year.
Many people stay at the shrine to welcome January 1st at midnight, and from 0:00, traditional dances by shrine maidens are also performed. Starting from December 31st, many food stalls appear in front of the shrine, creating a festive atmosphere that continues for several days through the New Year Hatsumoude period.
If you're spending the New Year period in Hiroshima City, why not try spending time at Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine starting from the night of the 31st? This Hiroshima event in December 2026 is perfect for experiencing authentic Japanese New Year traditions.
<Information>
-Date: December 31, from 17:00
-Access:Get off at Hiroshima Castle Station → Walk for about 5 minutes → Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine (about 12 minutes)
-Admission: Free
-Website: https://www.h-gokoku.or.jp/info/2024/12/2312/
Senkoji Temple - New Year's Eve Bell
Senkoji Temple is a historic temple in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. At Senkoji Temple, an event is held on December 31st to ring the New Year's Eve bell at the temple's famous bell tower.
The vermillion bell tower built on a high cliff has become one of Onomichi City's attractions due to its beauty. The New Year's Eve bell rung at this bell tower is an event so beloved by local people that it's broadcast on television and radio.
If you go to the temple on December 31st and receive a numbered ticket distributed from around 22:00, you can participate in the bell-ringing that begins at 23:30. The New Year's Eve bell is a custom believed to eliminate various worries with each ring of the bell, allowing you to welcome the new year with fresh feelings.
If you'd like to participate in a traditional Japanese New Year's Eve event at a beautiful bell tower, why not visit Senkoji Temple in Onomichi City?
<Information>
-Date: December 31, 2026, from 23:00
-Access: Get off at Shin-Onomichi Station → Take a taxi to Senkoji Park Parking Lot → Walk for about 10 minutes → Senkoji Temple (about 1 hour)
-Admission: Free
-Website: https://www.senkouji.jp/discovery/detail.php?id=8
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onomichi.senkouji/
For Those Interested in Tradition and Culture, Tours with Local Guide Explanations Are Recommended
If you have a deep interest in Hiroshima's traditions and culture, try participating in tours where you can sightsee Hiroshima City and Miyajima while listening to detailed explanations from local guides.
The Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking Tour is a tour where you spend five and a half hours exploring Miyajima's main spots together with a local guide. You'll visit the beautiful Itsukushima Shrine floating in the Seto Inland Sea and historic temples.
Tour the island with a guide and thoroughly experience Miyajima's charm from a local's perspective.
Also, if you're interested in Hiroshima City's history, participating in the Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour is recommended.
Tour the city's atomic bomb sites such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and places where you can feel Hiroshima's reconstruction history together with a guide who was born and raised in Hiroshima. It should be a valuable opportunity to directly hear local people's thoughts on peace.
<Information>
Meeting point: In front of Coin Operated Locker at outside of JR Miyajimaguchi Station/1-3-23 Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Tour area: Miyajima
Start time: 9:30, 10:00
Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking Tour
<Information>
Meeting point: In front of the mont-bell store near Nishi Kamiyacho Station/1-2-22 Kamiyacho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Tour area: Hiroshima City
Start time: 9:00, 10:00
Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites
