Written by Kylie Van Zyl
Researched by Jane Pipkin
Christmas really does come early in Nagasaki.
What happens?
As soon as Halloween ends, the whole faux-Dutch “village” (it’s more like a theme park) of Huis Ten Bosch reinvents itself by donning festive lights and ringing up Santa Claus.
Highlights 2025
The Melody of Christmas show runs in Amsterdam City with choir singing and dramatic lights; the highlight comes when the chandelier tree illuminates the whole square.
In the Art Garden, the Shower of Lights combines fountains, fireworks, and music.
Note that there’s no show on Saturday, 15 November, when Kyūshū’s biggest fireworks festival takes place.
Fireworks
- Kyūshū’s Biggest Fireworks Festival: 15 November (Sat.)
- Christmas Holy Night Fireworks: November 22 (Sat.), November 23 (Sun.), December 24 (Wed.), December 25 (Thu.) from 8:45 to 8:57 p.m.
- Grand Finale Fireworks: 26–30 December (Fri.–Tue.)
- Countdown Fireworks: 31 December (Wed.)
- New Year’s Celebration Fireworks: 1–4 January (Thu.–Sun.)
Dinner cruise
On 22–23 November and 24–25 December, you can book the Christmas Holy Night Fireworks Dinner Cruise, which serves a course or buffet Christmas dinner with a view of the fireworks from the water.
Tickets
Get your tickets online and avoid the rush. No one likes queuing during the holiday season, after all.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
