Illustration of a small village Christmas market at night with a brass band and children holding lanterns (Imari Candle Christmas)

Imari Candle Christmas

Visitors can wander through the historic porcelain district of Okawachiyama illuminated by glowing chimney candles, candle gardens, and a ten-meter-tall Santa Claus. The festivities feature a Christmas market selling warm food, drinks, and local goods, alongside live music and DJ sets at the candle stage. Guests can also participate in Nabeshima ware pottery workshops, factory tours, and a crossword puzzle quest across local kilns.

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Browse Christmas in Fukuoka

Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

入場無料。会場内の飲食やコンテンツ体験は別料金が発生する場合があります。.

Hours

11:00〜20:00.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Okawachiyama

Food & Drink

The market offers warm food and drinks, chimney-shaped cotton candy and churros, and limited dishes including reservation-only Curry no Akimbo; some purchases may cost extra.

Parking

事前参加登録は駐車場の確保を保証しません。駐車場情報はリンク先で案内されています。有田駅とアリタセラ間でシャトルバス運行予定ですが、詳細は後日公開とされています。.

Going?

Location

伊万里市大川内山 · 佐賀県伊万里市大川内町乙1806, 伊万里市, 佐賀 848-0025 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and visitors interested in pottery and christmas lights

Vibe

Festive and atmospheric

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Register in advance through the event's LINE account, which gets you the candy-scooping perk, though it doesn't guarantee a parking space.
  • Come during the afternoon or early evening for the free amazake and candy scooping, both offered only while supplies last.
  • Entry is free, but bring money for food, drinks and hands-on experiences like wheel throwing and painting, which can cost extra.
  • Pick up the Candle Quest crossword and work your way round the Okawachiyama kilns to learn about Nabeshima ware and win a prize.
  • If you can't make the main weekend, the giant Santa and chimney candles light up the village from 1 to 25 December.

Special Events & Promotions

  • New this year: a 10-metre giant Santa Claus on display through the light-up period, 1–25 December
  • For the kiln's 350th anniversary: free amazake and candy scooping for LINE registrants, while supplies last
  • New: 'chimney cotton candy', billed as Japan's longest, in colours you choose
  • New: candles and illuminations lighting the historic main street

Links & Contact

Run by 鍋島藩窯クリスマスイベント実行委員会

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is it for?

It's set up for everyone from children to adults. There's a Christmas market, a stage, kiln collaborations and hands-on pottery activities.

What hands-on activities are there?

You can try the potter's wheel, porcelain painting and candle workshops. About 20 kilns run their own programs, including factory tours and event-only goods.

What can I eat and drink?

The Christmas market sells food and drinks along with candles and gifts. There's limited-edition food served on local Okawachiyama ware, including dishes from the well-known Saga restaurant Curry Akinbo. You can also make your own 'chimney cotton candy', billed as Japan's longest, in the colours you choose.

Do I need to register before coming?

Visitors are asked to pre-register through the event's official LINE account. Registration only helps gauge numbers. It doesn't guarantee parking or entry.

What is the Imari Candle Quest?

Go round the Okawachiyama kilns solving a crossword about Nabeshima ware and Imari, and win a prize.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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