A Skye Niseko Holiday: Christmas in Niseko 2024
The holiday season in Niseko is nothing short of magical, and this year was no exception. As the snowflakes fell softly across the picturesque village, Skye Niseko was at the heart of the celebrations, offering guests and visitors unforgettable moments to cherish. Here's a recap of the highlights that made this festive season truly special:
Santa and His Reindeer at Skye Niseko
Bringing a touch of holiday magic to Skye Niseko, Santa and his reindeer made a special appearance right in front of the hotel. Families and children delighted in the opportunity to pet the reindeer and snap memorable photos with Santa himself. The joy and laughter in the air were infectious, making it a highlight of the Christmas season.
Tokyu Fireworks at the Mountain Center
New Year’s Eve in Niseko reached dazzling heights with the Tokyu fireworks display. Held just outside the Mountain Center, the night sky came alive with vibrant colors and sparkling patterns, lighting up the snow-covered landscape. Guests gathered to bid farewell to the old year and welcome 2024 in the most spectacular way.
Traditional Sake Cracking Ceremony
To welcome the New Year, a sake cracking ceremony was held on New Year’s Day outside the Ace Gondola, courtesy of Tokyu Resort. This traditional Japanese ceremony, known as "kagami biraki," symbolises opening the door to good fortune and health. Guests were invited to partake in the festivities and enjoy a taste of freshly cracked sake. As a special gesture, Tokyu Resort handed out 2025-engraved sake cups to the first 100 attendees, adding a memorable keepsake to the experience.
Calligraphy Art by Sato Sensei
Adding an artistic flair to the New Year, Skye Niseko hosted renowned calligraphy artist Sato Sensei in the hotel lobby. During a captivating 10-minute performance, Sato Sensei created a head-to-toe sized piece of art that symbolised new beginnings and prosperity for the New Year. The artwork featured the "Mi" character (巳), representing the 6th sign of the Chinese zodiac, commonly associated with a snake. As 2025 is the Year of the Snake, this character embodies wisdom, intuition, and transformation. The phrase "gei-shun" (賀春), a popular New Year’s expression meaning renewal, hope, and prosperity, was also incorporated into the piece. The calligraphy art conveyed a festive and uplifting spirit, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
Christmas Lights in Hirafu Village
Hirafu Village sparkled throughout the holiday season, with twinkling Christmas lights adorning the streets and creating a warm, festive atmosphere. Visitors enjoyed leisurely strolls through the illuminated village, soaking in the holiday cheer and the enchanting winter wonderland scenery.
As we reflect on this magical time of year, we are reminded of the joy and connection that make Niseko so special. Skye Niseko extends a heartfelt thank you to all our guests and visitors who celebrated with us. Here’s to an even brighter and more joyful 2024!