Osaka in December is a city of dazzling energy, where the crisp winter air is filled with the scent of street food and the glow of massive illuminations. The city’s famous bravado shines brightest this month as it decks itself out in millions of lights, hosts lively food expos, and prepares for the New Year with its own unique, spirited traditions. From cozy kotatsu Ferris wheels to spectacular light-and-music shows, December in Osaka is an unforgettable feast for the senses.
One Hundred Years of Ukiyo-e Poster – Photo Credit: Higashiosaka Citizen Art Center
Special Exhibition “One Hundred Years of Ukiyo-e”
Running until mid-December, this special exhibition at the Higashiosaka Civic Art Center features works from the late Edo period to the Meiji period, showcasing the “Prosperity of Great Edo” through stunning ukiyo-e (woodblock) prints. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see rare and beautiful art, offering a quiet, cultural break from the city’s winter buzz and a deep dive into Japan’s artistic history.
Date: October 31th, 2025 – December 14th, 2025
Timing: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Location: Higashiosaka Art Museum
Website (Japanese Only): https://hos-higashiosaka-art.com/exhibition/
Admission Fee: ¥500
Grand Wish Christmas Poster – Photo Credit: PRTIMES
Grand Wish Christmas
The area around Grand Front Osaka and Osaka Station transforms into a spectacular Christmas wonderland. The main attraction is the “Champagne Gold Illumination” along the Zelkova trees, creating a luxurious and sparkling tunnel of light. This event is famous for its elegant, large-scale displays and festive atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for an evening stroll and capturing the city’s sophisticated holiday spirit.
Date: November 6th, 2025 – December 25th, 2025
Timing: Weekdays 4:00 PM to Midnight – Weekends 3:00 PM to Midnight
Location: Grand Front Osaka
Website: https://www.grandfront-osaka.jp/xmas2025/
Admission Fee: Free
Umeda Sky Building Christmas 2025: The Circus of Light – Photo Credit: Umeda Sky Building
Umeda Sky Building Christmas 2025: The Circus of Light
The Umeda Sky Building hosts one of Osaka’s most iconic Christmas events. The base of the building becomes a “Circus of Light,” featuring a massive, classic Christmas tree, an antique merry-go-round, and a festive German-style market. You can sip on hot cocoa or warm drinks, browse for handmade ornaments, and soak in the magical, old-world holiday atmosphere, all under the shadow of one of the city’s most futuristic landmarks.
Date: November 14th, 2025 – December 25th, 2025
Timing: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last admission 9:30)
Location: Umeda Sky Building
Website: https://www.skybldg.co.jp/event/xmas/
Admission Fee: Free
Sky Kotatsu Ferris Wheel – Photo Credit: Sora News 24
Sky Kotatsu Osaka Ferris Wheel
For a uniquely Japanese winter experience, you can’t beat this. The Redhorse Osaka Wheel, one of the tallest in Japan, equips its gondolas with kotatsu (heated tables with blankets). You and your group can ride the massive Ferris wheel, enjoy stunning night views of Osaka, and stay perfectly warm and cozy under the kotatsu. It’s a fun, quirky, and incredibly comfortable way to see the city lights.
Date: Early December 2025 – Late February 2026
Timing: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last boarding accepted at 7:40 PM) **Best to check the website first**
Location: Redhorse Osaka Wheel
Website (Japanese Only): https://osaka-wheel.com/
Admission Fee: ¥1,600 – ¥2,600
Ramen Expo 2025 Poster – Photo Credit: Ramen Expo
Ramen Expo 2025
A must-do for any food lover. This massive outdoor event at the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park brings together acclaimed ramen shops from all over Japan. The event is typically split over several weekends, with different shops featured each time. It’s your chance to sample multiple bowls of Japan’s most famous comfort food, from all types of rich, hearty broths to savory, clear soups, all in one place. Arrive hungry and be prepared to queue for the most popular stalls.
Date: November 22nd, 2025 – December 30th, 2025
Timing: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Location: Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
Website (Japanese Only): https://ramen-expo.com/
Admission Fee: Free entry (Ramen purchased via fixed-price tickets)
Osaka Mobility Show Anime Art – Photo Credit: TV Osaka
Osaka Mobility Show 2025
This major exhibition is a must-see for car enthusiasts and tech fans. Held at Intex Osaka, the show features the latest in automotive technology, from concept cars and new models to next-generation mobility and motorcycles. It’s a huge, exciting event where you can get up close with cutting-edge designs from Japan’s top manufacturers and beyond.
Date: December 5th – 7th, 2025
Timing: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: INTEX Osaka
Website (Japanese Only): https://www.tv-osaka.co.jp/event/osaka-motorshow/
Admission Fee: ¥1,800 – ¥2,000
Osaka Hikari-Renaissance Light-up – Photo Credit: Hikari Kyouen
Osaka Hikari-Renaissance Light-up 2025
This is a major highlight of Osaka’s “Festival of the Lights.” The Nakanoshima area, an island between two rivers, becomes a canvas for breathtaking light and music shows. The main event is a stunning projection mapping display on the wall of the Osaka City Central Public Hall. The surrounding riverside paths are also lit with artistic light installations, creating a romantic and festive atmosphere that attracts huge, happy crowds.
Date: December 14th – 25th, 2025
Timing: Varies by content
Location: Around Osaka City Central Public Hall ~ Nakanoshima Park
Website (Japanese Only): https://www.hikari-kyoen.com/renaissance/
Admission Fee: Free
Mineral Capital Osaka – Photo Credit: Mineral Capital
Mineral Capital Osaka
For those with a unique interest in precious stones, this two-day fair is an impressive destination. The Mineral Capital event brings together vendors from all over, showcasing an incredible variety of gems, minerals, fossils, and jewelry. It’s a fascinating place to browse, shop for a one-of-a-kind souvenir, or simply admire the natural beauty of these geological wonders.
Date: December 20th – 21st, 2025
Timing: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: OMM
Website (Japanese Only): https://minecapi.com/event/
Admission Fee: Free entry
Shimenawa-kake Shinto Ritual – Photo Credit: Higashi Osaka City
Shimenawa-kake Shinto Ritual
This is one of Osaka’s most unique and joyous year-end rituals. While its official name is “Shimenawa-kake Shinji” (Rope Hanging Ritual), it’s famously known as the “Comedy Ritual.” It’s moulded after the myth of “Opening the Heavenly Rock Door,” using collective, energetic laughter to ward off misfortune and bring good fortune for the new year. The main event involves participants laughing together, and in the evening, the “Amanoiwato Opening Ceremony” takes place, bringing the ancient myth to life in a sacred performance.
Date: December 23rd, 2025
Timing: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Hiraoka Jinja
Website (Japanese Only): http://hiraoka-jinja.org/special/owarai-shinji.html
Admission Fee: Free
Winter illumination – Photo Credit: Shawn.ccf
Practical Tips for December in Osaka
- Weather: Expect cold, crisp days (4 – 11°C) and chillier nights. A warm coat, scarf, and gloves are essential, especially for the illuminations.
- Evening Focus: Osaka comes alive at night. Plan your daytime explorations (such as Osaka Castle) and save your energy for the food, shopping, and nighttime light festivals.
- Tickets & Entry: Ramen Expo is cash-free (you buy tickets to use for the ramen), and popular events like the Mobility Show are best booked in advance. Illuminations can get very crowded on weekends.
- Transport: The Osaka subway system is your best friend. Get an ICOCA card or a subway day pass. Nakanoshima and Umeda can be very congested, so allow extra walking time.
- Local Etiquette: Osaka is famously energetic. Remember to stand on the right side of the escalator (the opposite of Tokyo).
Osaka in December is a dazzling, high-energy spectacle of light and food. It’s a city that fully embraces the festive spirit, inviting you to eat, drink, and be mesmerized. Whether you’re looking for unique art and technology exhibits or just a soul-warming winter experience, there is sure to be something for you this month in the Culinary Capital. Pack warmly, bring your appetite, and prepare to be swept up in the city’s infectious winter joy.
Featured Photo Credit: Paylessimages
