Best Hotels in Kanazawa for Christmas

Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan, so December in Kanazawa is about winter lights rather than family traditions. The city lights up its main streets from late autumn, Kenrokuen's pine trees get their rope snow supports (yukitsuri) from November, and snow crab is in season at Omicho Market. Expect grey, wet days with the occasional snow.

What's on

• Korinbo Tree Fantasy — Route 157 from Korinbo intersection to Korinbo La Moda. In 2025-26: 1 November to 15 February, 5 pm to midnight (open later on 24 December). 2026-27 dates not yet published; usually early November to mid-February.
• Katamachi Christmas tree — Katamachi Kirara Plaza, Katamachi 2-chome. In 2025-26: 3 November to 15 February. The tree is a Christmas tree until 25 December, then becomes a yukitsuri snow-rope light display. Usually early November to mid-February.
• Kinpaku Kirara gold-leaf yukitsuri lights — Kanazawa M'za and in front of Kanazawa Hakomachi, by Kanazawa Station and the Omicho Market area. In 2025-26: 17 October to 15 February, 4:45 pm to 10 pm. Usually mid-October to mid-February.

Dates and times change from year to year, so check the organiser's listing before you travel.

Where to stay

• Korinbo and Katamachi: The two main illumination sites are here, and Omicho Market, Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen are all within walking distance.
• Kanazawa Station area: The Shinkansen arrives here, and the glass Motenashi Dome outside the east gate shelters you from rain and snow.
• Higashiyama: A quieter old teahouse district across the river from the centre, good if you want evenings away from the shopping streets.

December weather

December highs average around 10°C (50°F) and lows around 3°C (37°F), and it is the wettest and cloudiest month of the year, with rain or sleet more likely than snow that settles.

How we picked: the 7 hotels in this guide are 4- and 5-star hotels and resorts in Kanazawa with the strongest Booking.com guest scores, weighted by how many reviews they have. Scores and review counts were checked in October 2026.