By Fadil, Independent local guide in Sapporo
Published
Things to Do in Sapporo in November: Events & Illuminations
Cozy lights, crisp air, and the first hints of winter: November in Sapporo is all about illumination festivals, early holiday markets, and creative events. Here are our curated picks to make the most of the season.
Planning ahead or catching up on fall festivals? Peek at October events in Sapporo or browse all our Hokkaido travel guides.
Past Events
Missed these? Many run annually. Bookmark this guide for next year.
Hokudai Konyosai (Ginkgo Festival) (Past Event)
November 1 (Sat.)–2 (Sun.)
Walk through Hokkaido University’s glowing Ginkgo Avenue and enjoy student performances, food stalls, and crafts. Lighting 6–9 p.m. (until 8 p.m. on Sun.).
Location: Hokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue
Address: Kita-ku, Kita 13, Nishi 5, Sapporo
Learn MoreChrysanthemum Festival (Kiku Matsuri) (Past Event)
November 1 (Sat.)–3 (Mon./hol.)
The 63rd Chrysanthemum Festival displays over 800 chrysanthemum plants across underground venues in central Sapporo.
Location: Chikaho Aurora Square & Lilac Gallery (Hokuhoku Sapporo Bldg.)
Address: Chuo-ku, Odori 2-chome, Sapporo
Learn MoreJumbo Christmas Tree (Sapporo Factory) (Past Event)
November 1 (Sat.)–December 25 (Thu.)
A 15 m Sakhalin fir illuminated with ~40,000 LEDs in the atrium. 5-minute music & light show every hour after 4 p.m.
Location: Sapporo Factory Atrium
Address: Chuo-ku, Kita 2, Higashi 4, Sapporo
Learn MoreSapporo Art Stage 2025 (Past Event)
November 1 (Sat.)–30 (Sun.)
Citywide arts programs including Music Showcase, Theater Go Round, School Music Festival, and School Art Live.
Location: Chikaho, Sapporo Community Plaza & theaters
Address: Chuo-ku, Kita 1, Nishi 1, Sapporo
Learn MoreZine Festival Sapporo (Past Event)
November 9 (Sun.)
Independent publishers and creators sell small-press booklets and zines. Admission: ¥300.
Location: Sapporo Convention Center
Address: Shiroishi-ku, Higashi Sapporo 1-1, Sapporo
Learn MoreHiraoka Greenery Center Autumn Colors (Past Event)
Until November 16 (Sun.)
Peak autumn foliage in landscaped Japanese and Western gardens with 3,000+ trees. Closed on Mondays. Admission free.
Location: Hiraoka Greenery (Hiraoka Jyugei) Center
Address: Kiyota-ku (Hiraoka), Sapporo
Learn MoreSapporo White Illumination (Odori / Ekimae / Minami 1-jo / Akapla / JR Ekimae Hiroba) (Past Event)
From November 21 (Fri.) (end dates vary: Odori 1–6 chome until Dec. 25; Ekimae-dori until Feb. 11, 2026; Minami 1-jo, Akapla & JR Ekimae Hiroba until Mar. 14, 2026)
Signature winter lights across central Sapporo. Lighting 4:30–10 p.m. (until midnight during Christmas period and at JR Sapporo Sta. Ekimae Hiroba).
Location: Odori Park 1–6 chome; Ekimae-dori; Minami 1-jo-dori; Akapla; JR Sapporo Sta. Ekimae Hiroba
Address: Chuo-ku & Kita-ku, Sapporo
Learn MoreGerman Christmas Market in Sapporo (Past Event)
November 21 (Fri.)–December 25 (Thu.)
Seasonal stalls, warm drinks, and live programs held alongside Sapporo White Illumination.
Location: Odori Nishi 2-chome
Address: Chuo-ku, Sapporo
International Animation Festival (New Chitose Airport) (Past Event)
November 21 (Fri.)–25 (Tue.)
Global creators gather at the airport terminal for screenings, performances, and animated art. Admission free.
Location: New Chitose Airport Terminal Building
Address: Chitose (access from Sapporo via JR)
Learn MoreNigiwai Market Sapporo (Past Event)
November 21 (Fri.)–23 (Sun.)
Meet producers and shop Hokkaido specialties. Hours: 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. (until 4 p.m. on Sun.). Admission free.
Location: Axes Sapporo
Address: Shiroishi-ku, Ryutsu Center 4-3, Sapporo
Learn MoreMikaho Ice Skating Rink (Public Sessions) (Past Event)
November 1 (Sat.)–April 10 (Fri.) 2026
Indoor rink open daily for public skating. Rental skates available (figure/half-speed/ice hockey). Gloves required. Admission: Adults ¥640; Sr. high ¥310; Age 65+ ¥150; Jr. high & under free.
Location: Mikaho Gym
Address: Higashi-ku, Kita 22, Higashi 5, Sapporo
Learn MoreFlea Market at Yumeichiba Atsubetsu (Past Event)
November 2 (Sun.)
Outdoor flea market. Cancelled in case of rain.
Location: Yumeichiba Atsubetsu
Address: Atsubetsu-ku, Atsubetsu Chuo 1-5, Sapporo
Morning Market at Higashi Honganji Temple (Past Event)
November 8 (Sat.), 23 (Sun.)
Fresh vegetables, baked sweets, accessories, and more. Cancelled in case of stormy weather.
Location: Higashi Honganji Temple
Address: Chuo-ku, Minami 7, Nishi 8, Sapporo
Antiques at Toyohira Shrine (Past Event)
November 16 (Sun.)
Outdoor antiques fair within the shrine grounds.
Location: Toyohira Shrine
Address: Toyohira-ku, Toyohira 4-13, Sapporo
Sapporo Mono Village 2025 (Past Event)
November 23 (Sun.)–24 (Mon./hol.)
Hokkaido’s biggest handmade goods festival. Admission: ¥700 (advance ¥600) per day; free for elementary school children and younger.
Location: Daiwa House Premist Dome
Address: Toyohira-ku, Hitsujigaoka 1, Sapporo
Flea Market at Sun Plaza 1F Hall (Past Event)
November 24 (Mon./hol.)
Indoor community flea market at Sun Plaza.
Location: Sun Plaza 1F Hall
Address: Kita-ku, Kita 24, Nishi 5, Sapporo
Nihongo de Hanaso! Perapera Wednesday (Past Event)
Every Wednesday in November (5, 12, 19, 26)
Free Japanese conversation sessions for foreign residents; themed talk on the last session of the month. No reservation required.
Location: Sapporo International Communication Plaza Foundation (SICPF)
Address: Chuo-ku, Kita 1, Nishi 3, MN Bldg. 3F, Sapporo
Learn MoreHIWA International Regular Meeting (Past Event)
November 28 (Fri.)
Talk: “From ‘Happiness’ to ‘Peace,’ and then to ‘SDGs/ESD’” by Prof. Emeritus Kazuko Otsu (Hokkaido Educational University). Admission: ¥300 (members & non-members). Apply by Nov. 21.
Location: Kaderu 2.7, 9F #920
Address: Chuo-ku, Kita 2, Nishi 7, Sapporo
Ready for the full winter magic? Our December events guide is up next. Keep exploring!
