Seoul is a dynamic city all year round, but it becomes particularly magical during the Christmas and New Year season. Streets are illuminated with festive lights, vibrant markets pop up, and cultural performances bring the holiday spirit to life. Whether you’re a tourist seeking traditional Korean celebrations or Western-style festivities, Seoul has a wealth of events that make the holidays unforgettable. Here’s a guide to the best Christmas and New Year events for tourists in Seoul.
1. Lotte World Christmas Miracle
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Lotte World, one of Seoul’s most beloved theme parks, goes all out for the holidays with its Christmas Miracle event. From mid-December to early January, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland filled with festive decorations, special performances, and holiday-themed parades.
Why Visit?
- Christmas-Themed Parades: The highlight of the event is the Christmas Miracle Parade, featuring Santa Claus, Christmas floats, and performers dressed as reindeer and elves. The parade winds through the park, delighting visitors of all ages.
- Ice Skating Rink: At Lotte World’s indoor skating rink, you can lace up your skates and glide under twinkling Christmas lights. It’s an idyllic holiday experience, perfect for couples or families.
- Fireworks Display: The night ends with a spectacular fireworks show, accompanied by holiday music that fills the air with festive spirit.
2. Seoul Christmas Festival at Cheonggyecheon Stream
Each winter, the Seoul Christmas Festival transforms the Cheonggyecheon Stream into a wonderland of lights and holiday cheer. Running through the heart of the city, this festival is a visual spectacle, with beautiful light displays, colorful Christmas decorations, and interactive installations along the 11-kilometer-long stream.
Why Visit?
- Mesmerizing Light Displays: The stream is lined with Christmas lights and decorations, including massive illuminated Christmas trees, glowing arches, and themed sculptures. The reflection of the lights on the water creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for a festive evening stroll.
- Holiday Music and Performances: Live music and street performances add to the holiday ambiance, and there’s often caroling or instrumental performances to enjoy.
- Photo Opportunities: This is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Seoul during the Christmas season. Snap photos with the stunning light displays or walk along the stream for an evening filled with holiday vibes.
3. Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival
Located just outside of Seoul in Gapyeong, the Garden of Morning Calm holds one of Korea’s largest and most beautiful winter light festivals. The entire garden is draped in millions of LED lights, turning it into a breathtaking landscape of glowing flowers, trees, and pathways.
Why Visit?
- Breathtaking Winter Wonderland: The garden’s natural beauty, combined with the elaborate light installations, creates a truly magical atmosphere. The vast landscape is illuminated with lights in every color imaginable, making it a fantastic place to take photos or simply wander and admire the views.
- Romantic and Family-Friendly: This is a great spot for couples looking for a romantic evening, as well as families seeking a peaceful, scenic escape from the bustling city. The serene garden, blanketed in lights, feels like a fairy tale come to life.
- Escape the City: Just an hour’s drive from Seoul, the Garden of Morning Calm offers a tranquil and festive escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
4. Christmas Eve Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral
For a more traditional Christmas celebration, head to Myeongdong Cathedral, one of Seoul’s most iconic churches. The cathedral hosts a special Christmas Eve Mass that attracts both locals and tourists, offering a peaceful and reflective way to celebrate the holiday.
Why Visit?
- Cultural Significance: Myeongdong Cathedral is not only a religious site but also a symbol of Korea’s history and heritage. Attending mass here during Christmas is a special experience that allows visitors to connect with the local community in a meaningful way.
- Beautiful Architecture: The Gothic-style cathedral is beautifully decorated for Christmas, with nativity scenes, Christmas trees, and festive lights. The serene and spiritual atmosphere provides a tranquil escape from the holiday rush.
- Special Christmas Programs: In addition to the midnight mass, the cathedral often hosts concerts and performances during the Christmas season, featuring choirs and classical music that enhance the holiday spirit.
5. COEX Winter Festival
The COEX Winter Festival is a perfect destination for tourists looking to enjoy Christmas activities while indulging in some shopping. Held at the COEX Mall, this festival features a large Christmas market, festive performances, and holiday-themed exhibitions.
Why Visit?
- Christmas Market: The festival’s Christmas market is a great place to pick up unique gifts and souvenirs. You can find handmade crafts, Christmas ornaments, holiday snacks, and seasonal drinks. The festive stalls are beautifully decorated, bringing European-style Christmas market charm to Seoul.
- Festive Performances: Enjoy a variety of holiday performances, including carol singers, live bands, and dance performances, all of which add to the holiday cheer.
- Massive Christmas Tree: COEX also boasts one of the largest indoor Christmas trees in Seoul, making it a popular spot for photos and festive selfies.
6. Everland Winter Wonderland
Everland, Korea’s largest theme park, transforms into a Winter Wonderland during the holiday season. With snow-covered decorations, Christmas lights, and seasonal performances, Everland is a magical place to spend Christmas.
Why Visit?
- Snow-Themed Parades: Everland’s Christmas Fantasy Parade is a highlight of the season, featuring floats, costumed characters, and Santa Claus himself. The park also hosts nightly fireworks displays during the Christmas and New Year season.
- Snow Slope for Sledding: Everland offers a snow-covered sledding slope, where families and children can enjoy some winter sports. The slope is a favorite among kids and adults alike, offering fun and thrills in a wintery setting.
- Holiday Decor: The entire park is decked out with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a festive and cheerful atmosphere. It’s a fantastic place for families to celebrate the holidays together.
7. Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink
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In the heart of the city, the Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink is a beloved winter activity for both locals and tourists. Set up in front of City Hall, this outdoor rink offers a quintessential winter experience, complete with sparkling lights, Christmas music, and a festive atmosphere.
Why Visit?
- Affordable Fun: The rink is incredibly affordable, making it a budget-friendly activity for tourists looking for a fun, wintry experience in Seoul. Skates can be rented on-site, so you don’t need to bring your own.
- Festive Vibe: With City Hall’s holiday decorations and the surrounding buildings illuminated with Christmas lights, the skating rink feels like the heart of the city’s winter celebrations.
- Central Location: Located in downtown Seoul, the rink is easily accessible and surrounded by popular attractions like Gwanghwamun Square and Deoksugung Palace, making it a perfect stop during a day of sightseeing.
8. Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony for New Year’s Eve
Seoul’s most iconic New Year’s Eve celebration is the Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony. Held in Jongno, this annual event draws thousands of people to witness the ringing of the Bosingak Bell at midnight, a tradition that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty.
Why Visit?
- Historic Tradition: The bell-ringing ceremony has been a part of Korean New Year celebrations for centuries. The bell is rung 33 times to symbolize the start of a new year, and it’s accompanied by fireworks, music, and cultural performances.
- Crowd Atmosphere: The event attracts huge crowds, creating a festive, communal atmosphere as people gather to ring in the new year together. It’s a great way to experience a traditional Korean celebration.
- Fireworks and Performances: In addition to the bell-ringing, the night features fireworks and live performances from K-pop stars and other entertainers, making it a lively and exciting way to welcome the new year.
9. Namsan Seoul Tower Fireworks Show
If you’re looking for a romantic and scenic way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Seoul, head to Namsan Seoul Tower for their annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show. The tower, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city, becomes a focal point for New Year’s celebrations.
Why Visit?
- Breathtaking Views: From the top of Namsan Tower, you can enjoy spectacular views of the city’s fireworks displays. Watching the entire city light up from above is an unforgettable experience.
- Romantic Atmosphere: Namsan Tower is one of the most romantic spots in Seoul, and the New Year’s Eve fireworks show makes it even more special. It’s a popular spot for couples looking to welcome the new year together.
- Festive Countdown: The tower hosts a countdown event complete with light shows and festive music. Whether you’re with friends, family, or a significant other, it’s a fantastic way to ring in the new year with style.
10. Seoul Lantern Festival
Though it begins in November, the Seoul Lantern Festival continues into early December, offering tourists a chance to experience a stunning display of lights and lanterns. Held along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, this festival features elaborate lantern displays, with themes ranging from traditional Korean culture to modern art.
Why Visit?
- Unique Lantern Displays: Each year, the festival features a variety of lanterns, from traditional Korean designs like dragons and tigers to more contemporary and artistic installations. Many of the lanterns depict scenes from Korean folklore or cultural icons.
- Perfect for Nighttime Strolls: The glowing lanterns reflected on the water create a peaceful and mesmerizing atmosphere, making it a great place for an evening walk.
- Cultural Significance: The lanterns often highlight aspects of Korean culture and history, giving visitors insight into the country’s rich traditions.
Final Thoughts
Seoul’s Christmas and New Year celebrations offer a unique blend of tradition, festivity, and excitement. From holiday light displays and festive markets to ice skating rinks and bell-ringing ceremonies, the city has something for every traveler looking to experience the magic of the season. Whether you’re in the mood for a winter wonderland or a thrilling countdown to the new year, Seoul’s holiday events will make your trip unforgettable.
