Christmas Events for Kids in Nagoya (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

5 min read · 日本語で読む

For 2026, we confirmed 6 Christmas events for kids in Nagoya. The season opens on November 11 with JR Central Towers and JR Gate Tower Christmas 2026 and runs until February 28 with Hoshigaoka Terrace Winter Illumination. One of these is free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Japan.

The short version

  • Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Nagoya and Inazawa: 6
  • First: JR Central Towers and JR Gate Tower Christmas 2026, Nagoya, November 11
  • Free events: JR Central Towers and JR Gate Tower Christmas 2026

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).

At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Nagoya

Kids’ Christmas events
6 confirmed for 2026
Towns
Nagoya and Inazawa
Season
November 11 to February 28
Free events
1
Last checked

Free 1Ticketed and paid 5

Free Christmas events for kids in Nagoya

Christmas lightsFree

JR Central Towers and JR Gate Tower Christmas 2026

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The JR Central Towers and JR Gate Tower Christmas runs from Nov 11 to Dec 25 in 2026. The tree in the event space on the 1st floor of JR Gate Tower is the 10th, and this year it has a fluffy look. It is free to watch and can be seen from 7 am to 11 pm.

From 5 pm, there is a light show of about 4 minutes at :00, :20 and :40 every hour, with the last show at 10:40 pm. On the big screen, reindeer and snow fairies dance. On Nov 11 there is an opening ceremony from around 4:50 pm, and on Dec 19 from 1 pm there is a choir and handbell performance in front of the tree.

Parent tip: The show is short, about 4 minutes, and comes every 20 minutes, so you can watch with your kids while waiting for a train.

Host
JR Central Towers and JR Gate Tower (opens in a new tab)
Where
JR Gate Tower 1st floor event space, 名古屋市中村区名駅1-1-3, Nagoya (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with JR Central Towers and JR Gate Tower (opens in a new tab)

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Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 5 more Nagoya events researched for you.

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Coming up on this page

  • 4 Shows
  • 3 Lights
  • 2 Zoos and museums
  • 1 Santa
  • 1 Free

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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Nagoya

Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.

The #1 spot Event hosts: free events are listed first. One featured spot puts your event at the very top of this page.Ask about the #1 spot

Christmas lights

Hoshigaoka Terrace Winter Illumination

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The winter illumination at Hoshigaoka Terrace is a winter event held every year, right next to Hoshigaoka Station on the subway. In 2026 it starts on Sat, Nov 14 and runs until Sun, Feb 28, 2027. The lights are planned to be on from sunset to 10:30 pm.

This year's theme is "Botanical Town: Hill of Wind," inspired by a garden everyone grows together. Houses and star decorations made by students of Sugiyama Jogakuen University are on display. There are restrooms, and parking is paid, with about 1,200 spaces and discounts depending on how much you spend shopping. For questions, call Hoshigaoka Terrace (052-781-1266).

Parent tip: Parking is paid, with about 1,200 spaces. It is about a 1-minute walk from Exit 6 of Hoshigaoka Station on the Higashiyama Line, so going by train is easier with small children.

Host
Hoshigaoka Terrace (opens in a new tab)
Where
Hoshigaoka Terrace, 名古屋市千種区星が丘元町16-50, Nagoya 464-0802 (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Hoshigaoka Terrace (opens in a new tab)

New events in Nagoya every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Nagoya every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

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Christmas lights

Merry Christmas at LEGOLAND 2026

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On the stage in the event area, there is a show called "Heartful Christmas Present," in which Santa, the Gingerbread Man and a new character, a reindeer girl named Noel, sing and dance. In the "Happy Holiday Hunt 2026," you solve puzzles hidden around the park and give your answer at the finish to get a sticker. Families can take it on with a hint sheet handed out at the entrance.

In the giant brick pool in the event area, kids can build their own present box and display it on the stage. There are also photo spots with a Christmas tree made of about 610,000 DUPLO bricks and a big wreath, and kids' illumination that changes color and sound when pressed. The period is split into two halves, and the hunt and the mini figures you can exchange for change.

Parent tip: Check show times on the schedule page ahead of time to make it smoother. Mini figure exchange is once per person per day, and it is free.

Host
LEGOLAND Japan Resort (opens in a new tab)
Where
LEGOLAND Japan, 港区金城ふ頭二丁目7番地1, Nagoya 455-8605 (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with LEGOLAND Japan Resort (opens in a new tab)

New events in Nagoya every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Nagoya every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Christmas show

Planetarium December "Christmas Starry Sky"

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At the Fuji Nagoya Science Museum in Shirakawa Park in Sakae, Nagoya, the planetarium theme changes each month, and from Nov 25 to Dec 25 the theme is "Christmas Starry Sky." Your family can look up together at the winter night sky and stories of stars connected to Christmas under the big dome.

Check the museum's show schedule for show times, fees and how to get seats. It is a popular spot, so on weekends before winter break it is a good idea to arrive early. From Dec 26 the theme switches to the next program, so go within the period if you want to see the Christmas sky.

Parent tip: Check the show schedule on the official website, and get your tickets early on the day.

Host
Fuji Nagoya Science Museum (Nagoya City Science Museum) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Fuji Nagoya Science Museum Planetarium, 中区栄二丁目17-1（芸術と科学の杜・白川公園内）, Nagoya 460-0008 (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Fuji Nagoya Science Museum (Nagoya City Science Museum) (opens in a new tab)

New events in Nagoya every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Nagoya every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Family Christmas event

Christmas Event

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The Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens holds a Christmas event on two days, Sat, Dec 19 and Sun, Dec 20, 2026. It is a chance for your family to join Christmas season events while enjoying the animals and plants in the park.

The park is open from 9 am to 4:50 pm, and the schedule may change without notice. Check the event page on the official website for the latest information before you go.

Parent tip: Details are to be announced later on the official website, so check the event list just before you go.

Host
Nagoya City Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens (opens in a new tab)
Where
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 千種区東山元町3-70, Nagoya 464-0804 (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Nagoya City Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens (opens in a new tab)

New events in Nagoya every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Nagoya every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Inazawa

Christmas show

[Inazawa Show] Family Concert from Age 0: Merry Christmas for Parents and Kids

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A Christmas concert for parents and kids to join together, by Colors. Three players on saxophone, trumpet and piano perform pieces such as Ave Maria, Penguin Exercise and a 2026 NHK Educational TV medley, and an instructor leads a rhythmic activity (eurhythmics) session.

Babies from age 0 can attend, and crying or dancing is said to be fine. You can bring instruments such as maracas to play along. There are mat seats and chair seats, and a stroller parking area. Capacity is 256, and reservations are made through an online form.

Parent tip: Reservations are made through the online form by Mon, Dec 14. Seating is open, and a reservation does not guarantee a seat. The nursing room and diaper changing are outside the hall in the same building. Expect the show to be in Japanese.

Host
Colors (opens in a new tab)
Where
Nagoya Bunri University Cultural Forum (Inazawa Civic Hall) Small Hall, 稲沢市正明寺3-114, Inazawa 492-8217 (opens in maps) (near 名古屋)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
いこーよの掲載ページで詳細を見る (opens in a new tab)

New events in Nagoya every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Nagoya every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

More Christmas events for kids in Japan

A story for the trip home

Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolour corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon.com (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Nagoya: questions parents ask

What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Nagoya?

For 2026, we confirmed 6 Christmas events for kids in Nagoya, each on its host’s own page: Merry Christmas at LEGOLAND 2026, Hoshigaoka Terrace Winter Illumination, Planetarium December "Christmas Starry Sky" and 3 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Nagoya?

Yes. One of the 6 events here is free: JR Central Towers and JR Gate Tower Christmas 2026. Check the listing in case you need to book or register.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Christmas events for 2026 are coming in late November

More Christmas events arrive in late November. We add them here as soon as we confirm them.

The story of Christmas in Nagoya

Nagoya's Christmas season has stars, animals and a big tree at the station. The JR Gate Tower tree lights up on Nov 11, the science museum shows a Christmas sky under the largest planetarium dome in the world, and Higashiyama Zoo has its own Christmas weekend. Here is how a visiting family can put it together.

How Nagoya celebrates Christmas: a tree at the station and stars overhead

In Nagoya, many Christmas outings are indoors or at landmarks. The most visible one is the tree at JR Gate Tower, right at Nagoya Station. In 2026 it is lit for the 10th time, and it is free to watch.

Star fans head to the Nagoya City Science Museum. Its planetarium began in 1962 and opened as an Astronomical Hall on Nov 3 of that year. A new planetarium with a dome 35 m across was completed in 2010, and in Dec 2011 it was certified by Guinness World Records as the largest in the world.

What a child will meet: a fluffy tree, carols and a Christmas sky

The 2026 station tree has a fluffy look, and on its big screen reindeer and snow fairies dance. From 5 pm, a light show of about four minutes plays every 20 minutes. On Nov 11 an opening ceremony starts around 4:50 pm with a high school dance team, and on Dec 19 at 1 pm a city high school choir and another school's handbell group perform in front of the tree.

At the planetarium, the monthly theme for December is the Christmas starry sky. Museum staff make their own programs and explain the stars in simple words. In 2025 the Nagoya TV tower, now called Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER, was lit red and green from Dec 23 to 25.

Planning a Christmas visit to Nagoya with kids

The season builds from mid-November. The JR Gate Tower tree opens Nov 11 and runs to Dec 25, daily from 7 am to 11 pm. Hoshigaoka Terrace starts its winter lights on Nov 14, LEGOLAND Japan begins its Christmas event on Nov 20, and the planetarium's Christmas sky starts on Nov 25.

In December, Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens holds a Christmas event on Dec 19 and 20, and a family concert for ages 0 and up takes place in Inazawa on Dec 15. A few are free to enjoy, while the zoo, planetarium and theme park need tickets. Most events are in Japanese, so check with the host if you need English.

The elephant train that carried children to Nagoya

Around 1949, the only elephants in Japan lived at Higashiyama Zoo, two of them named Erudo and Makani. Children in Tokyo hoped to borrow an elephant, but the two animals became upset when separated, so the plan turned around. Instead, children were carried to Nagoya. On June 18, 1949, the first "elephant train" ran from Hikone with 1,400 passengers.

Higashiyama Zoo itself opened on Mar 24, 1937, and the botanical garden opened on Mar 3 of that year.

Traditions today

  • JR Gate Tower Christmas tree: A free tree at Nagoya Station, lit for the 10th time in 2026, from Nov 11 to Dec 25. A light show of about four minutes plays every 20 minutes from 5 pm.
  • Christmas Starry Sky at the planetarium: The science museum shows a Christmas sky under its 35 m dome. It runs from Nov 25 to Dec 25, 2026, on open days, and a ticket is needed.
  • Christmas at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens: A Christmas event is planned for Dec 19 and 20, 2026. The zoo opened in 1937, and the program details have not been published yet.
  • LEGOLAND Japan Christmas: From Nov 20 to Dec 25, 2026, the park offers a Santa sing-and-dance show, a holiday puzzle hunt, brick building and a kids' illumination. Admission is required.
  • Hoshigaoka Terrace winter lights: Lights with houses and stars made by students glow from Nov 14, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027, from after sunset until about 10:30 pm.
  • Family concert in Inazawa: On Dec 15, 2026, a concert for ages 0 and up has sax, trumpet and piano plus a rhythmics session. Tickets are paid on the day.

A fact for kids

Long ago, the only elephants in Japan lived at a zoo in Nagoya. So children from far away rode a special train to see them.

Questions about Christmas in Nagoya

Is Nagoya worth visiting at Christmas with kids?

Yes. You can see a free station tree with a light show, a Christmas star show at the largest planetarium dome in the world, a zoo Christmas weekend and a theme park Christmas event. Several of these need tickets, so plan by date.

When does the Christmas tree at Nagoya Station light up?

The JR Gate Tower tree runs from Nov 11 to Dec 25, 2026, on the first floor event space. It is free to watch and open from 7 am to 11 pm. The light show starts from 5 pm.

How does the light show at the JR Gate Tower tree work?

From 5 pm, a show of about four minutes plays at 0, 20 and 40 minutes past each hour. The last show is at 10:40 pm. It is free to watch.

What is special about the Nagoya Station tree in 2026?

It is the 10th year for the tree, and this year it has a fluffy look. On the big screen, reindeer and snow fairies dance. An opening ceremony on Nov 11 starts around 4:50 pm with a high school dance team.

Can kids hear Christmas music at the Nagoya Station tree?

Yes. On Dec 19, 2026, from 1 pm, a Nagoya city high school choir and another high school's handbell group perform in front of the tree. Watching is free, so it fits easily around shopping or train waits.

When is the Christmas event at Higashiyama Zoo?

It is planned for Dec 19 and 20, 2026, a Saturday and Sunday, and the zoo is open from 9 am to 4:50 pm. Admission is required, and the program has not been published yet. The zoo is in Higashiyama Motomachi, Chikusa Ward, near Higashiyama Koen Station on the Higashiyama subway line.

What is the Christmas show at the Nagoya science museum planetarium?

The planetarium's December theme is the Christmas starry sky, shown from Nov 25 to Dec 25, 2026, on days the museum is open. A ticket is needed. Museum staff make their own programs and explain the stars simply.

Why is the Nagoya planetarium famous?

Its dome is 35 m across. The dome was completed in 2010 and was certified as the largest planetarium in the world in Dec 2011. The optical projector is made by Carl Zeiss in Germany and works together with a digital system.

Where can kids go on a rainy day in Nagoya at Christmas?

The science museum planetarium is indoors and shows the Christmas sky during the season. The JR Gate Tower tree at the station is also indoors and free to watch, and its light shows run in the evening.

What is the LEGOLAND Japan Christmas event?

From Nov 20 to Dec 25, 2026, it has a Santa sing-and-dance show, a holiday puzzle hunt, brick building and a kids' illumination. The park is open 10 am to 6 pm, and entry needs a ticket. Dates are split into two periods, Nov 20 to Dec 5 and Dec 6 to Dec 25.

Is there a Christmas concert for babies and toddlers near Nagoya?

Yes. A family concert for ages 0 and up takes place on Dec 15, 2026, 10:30 to 11:15 am, in Inazawa. Tickets cost 1,500 yen for adults, 500 yen for children from age 0 to elementary school and 3,000 yen for a family of two adults and one child, paid on the day.

What are the Hoshigaoka Terrace winter lights?

They run from Nov 14, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027, from after sunset until about 10:30 pm. The decorations include houses and stars made by students. The hours are planned and may change.

What did the Nagoya TV tower do for Christmas in 2025?

In 2025 Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER held a projection mapping event on its 90 m indoor deck, from Dec 1, 2025 to Feb 28, 2026. From Dec 23 to 25 the tower was lit red and green from 4:30 pm to 10 pm. The 2026 plans are not confirmed.

How much did the Nagoya TV tower event cost in 2025?

The deck event cost 1,800 yen for adults and 800 yen for elementary and junior high students, and children under elementary age were free. These are 2025 prices, so check the tower for 2026.

Are there free Christmas events in Nagoya?

Yes. The tree and light show at JR Gate Tower is free to watch, and so are the choir and handbell performances at the tree on Dec 19. The zoo, planetarium and theme park need tickets.

Where can kids meet Santa in Nagoya?

The sources list a Santa sing-and-dance show at LEGOLAND Japan, from Nov 20 to Dec 25, 2026. Other Santa meet-and-greets are not listed. Check with each venue for details.

What is the elephant train in Nagoya?

In 1949 a special train carried children from different places to Nagoya to see the elephants at Higashiyama Zoo. The train did not carry elephants. At that time, Higashiyama Zoo was the only place in Japan with elephants.

Why did the elephants not go to Tokyo?

Tokyo children had asked to borrow the elephants, but the two animals, Erudo and Makani, would have had to travel separately. In a trial the elephants became upset when apart. So the idea changed, and children were carried to Nagoya instead.

When did Higashiyama Zoo open?

The zoo opened on Mar 24, 1937, and the botanical garden opened on Mar 3 of that year. It began as a zoo at Tsuruma Park before moving to the hills of Higashiyama. Today the zoo has a monorail called the Sky View Train, which opened in Mar 1987.

Are the Christmas events in Nagoya in English?

Most events are in Japanese, and the sources do not say whether English help is offered. The tree, light shows and star shows are easy to enjoy without much language. If you need English, check with the host.

What can we do in Nagoya on Dec 25?

The JR Gate Tower tree is on its last day, with light shows from 5 pm to 10:40 pm. The planetarium's Christmas sky and LEGOLAND Japan's Christmas event also run to Dec 25. Check opening days before you go.

When do Christmas events in Nagoya start?

The first is the JR Gate Tower tree on Nov 11, 2026. Hoshigaoka Terrace lights start on Nov 14, LEGOLAND Japan on Nov 20 and the planetarium's Christmas sky on Nov 25. The zoo and concert dates come in December.

Sources

  1. 名古屋市科学館, Wikipedia
  2. 東山動植物園, Wikipedia
  3. 象列車, Wikipedia
  4. 中部電力 MIRAI TOWER 冬のプロジェクションマッピングイベント（2025年12月11日）, ジョルダン イルミネーション特集
  5. JRセントラルタワーズ・JRゲートタワー クリスマス, Aichi Now（愛知県公式観光サイト）
Kelsey Cecil
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