Yokohama City is lighting up this December with festive celebrations, cultural events, and delicious seasonal treats as the Christmas spirit fills the air. Local businesses are introducing unique products just in time for the holiday season, inviting residents and visitors alike to indulge and partake in the holiday cheer.
One of the highlights is the exquisite range of Christmas-themed sweets from local brand Vanilla Beans, which features their Christmas Assort chocolate set. The assortment includes four varied flavors, bringing together traditional favorites like Rich Milk and seasonal specials such as Strawberry Cheesecake and Pistachio. This exceptional collection can be enjoyed at several outlets, including the main Minato Mirai store and online, though supplies are limited.
Pavlov, located in Naka Ward, is also offering limited-time holiday treats available only from December 22 to 25. Customers can pre-order their scrumptious Noël Soufflé Chocolate, noted for its rich chocolate cream layered on delicate soufflé. They also present the pistachio-infused Noël Pistachio cake, notable for its crunch from the chocolate topping. Advanced reservations are encouraged for these delightful desserts.
For those seeking to surprise friends and family with sweet gifts, the Rose Hotel Yokohama has unveiled beautifully decorated cookie tins featuring traditional holiday flavors. The tins come in two designs – Modern Rose and Antique Rose – filled with gourmet cookies such as Earl Grey, chocolate meringue, and butter cookies. These delightful offerings are also available for immediate purchase at the hotel's gift shop.
But it’s not just about sweet treats. December in Yokohama also marks the return of the much-loved Nishi Ward Candle Art event, now celebrating its fifteenth year. This one-night-only event showcases around 1,200 candles creating a magical atmosphere. A special appearance by Hikonyan, the mascot from Hikone City, along with Nishi Ward’s own Nishimaro-chan, invites families to participate in photo opportunities.
The event's timing is exceptional, with it coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Nishi Ward’s establishment. Expect lively performances from the Yokohama City Fire Department's music band and the Felice Frauenchor women's choir, making for a festive finale. The organizers encourage the public to attend this free celebration, promising enjoyment for all ages.
Yokohama City continues to embrace cultural exhibitions this December, as evidenced by the recent 25th Yokohama City Council Art and Culture Member Exhibition. The opening ceremony held on December 10 showcased various artworks created with passion by city councillors. A council member remarked, “I would like to support activities for cultural and artistic endeavors” reflecting on the community’s vibrant commitment to the arts.
A notable initiative reflects Yokohama's dedication to environmental awareness—local elementary school students participated recently in biological surveys titled “Children ‘Ikki’ Living Things Survey 2024”. With over ten thousand students from 164 schools involved, results indicated increased sightings of white herons, highlighting the urban ecological improvements occurring throughout Yokohama. An official from the Yokohama Environmental Science Research Institute stated, “The increase of white herons reflects our enhanced urban environment,” emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and engaging youth with nature.
On the sports side, Toin Yokohama University has announced its partnership with Yokohama FC to bolster the training of personnel within the sports analytics field, which is becoming increasingly important. Toin President Tomoko Mori said, “We aim to deepen our collaborative educational activities.” The university has previously established programs and facilities aimed at nurturing experts capable of advancing analytics within sports contexts.
With compelling events spanning the culinary, artistic, and educational realms, Yokohama City is vibrantly alive this December. From enchanting candlelight displays to festive pastries, the community is invited to celebrate the season and engage with their local culture, making this year's holiday celebrations especially memorable.
