Duration

[Hikari no Machi・HAKATA]
Period: Friday, November 1, 2024 - Sunday, January 5, 2025
Lighting hours: 17:00 - 24:00　

[Christmas Market in Hikari no Machi HAKATA]
Period: Friday, November 1, 2024 - Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Hours: Weekdays: 16:45 - 23:00 / Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 12:00 - 23:00 / All days in December: 12:00 - 23:00
 

This year the city will once again welcome the beloved winter holiday scenery of the Hikari no Machi HAKATA for the 14th time. 

The theme of the illumination this year is “Pray for Piece”.

Winters in Fukuoka come alive with this spectacular festival of light and wintry scenery in front of Hakata Station. The theme of this year is “Pray for Piece”. 

Of course, we have to address the spelling of “piece” here. The idea is that by uniting all of our individual prayers, or ‘pieces’, we can achieve ‘peace’ together, much like how the coordinated brilliance of many singular lights unites to create the beautiful scenery in front of the station. 

Come for the lights, stay for the Christmas Market!

This year the “Hikari no Machi” will begin at the same time as the yearly Christmas Market. Enjoy the brilliant scenery as you soak in the vibes of a European Christmas Market right here in Fukuoka (The Christmas Market will last until December 25th, 2024).

Featuring statues of Santa Claus! 

Four Santa Claus statues will be set up around the “Wish flower”, bringing festive holiday cheer to all. They will be there until December 25th, just like the Christmas Market. 

The “spots” at this year’s Hikari no Machi

01. The Symbol Tree

Standing at a height of 14.9 meters is the centerpiece of the show, the “Symbol Tree”. The tree itself symbolizes the many collected dreams of people during the holidays, with each dream taking the form of a flower on the tree. 

02. Stardust Wave

The “Stardust Wave” is meant to resemble a tapestry of stars in the night sky. The many lights of affixed to the outdoor plaza’s roof glitter and glimmer, with each individual combining to form a meaningful whole.

03. Christmas Market in Hikari no Machi HAKATA

Enjoy traditional mulled wine, cuisine, and goods specific to the holiday season. There will be musical performances in the market every evening for the duration of the event. 
Duration; 11/1 (Friday) ~ 12/25 (Wednesday)

04. The Gate of Light

In 2023 this new attraction was set up as a kind of gateway to the illuminations. Newcomers and visitors who haven’t been to Fukuoka in a while will likely be greeted by this new scenery!

05. Wish Bouquet 

The base of the zelkova tree surrounding the “Wish Flower” will be decorated for the occasion. 

06. The Forest of Light

In the plaza there are 30 trees that will be illuminated with blue lights, serving as a kind of prologue to the rest of the light-up. Their combined light bathes the area in a gentle glow. 

07. Wish Flower

A flower blooming in the “Forest of Light” will make your dreams and wishes come true. Make a wish as you approach it!

08. Flower Tiara

Lights are arranged so as to resemble a floral tiara. The petals that comprise it represent the connection between people. 

09. Curtain of Light

A symphony playing in the sky. The wave of fluctuating lights creates a synchronized performance overhead. 

10. LED Sky Walk

An LED display approximately 5m wide and 70m long. Represents a path leading into the sky, the future, and Hakata. The Sky Walk brims with excitement and energy.