December marks the moment when Nagoya fully embraces winter, bringing crisp air, early sunsets, and the first hints of snow in the mountains surrounding the city. While Nagoya itself experiences relatively mild winter conditions, visitors will notice a clear shift from the final autumn colors of early December to cooler, drier days as the month progresses.
This seasonal transition sets the stage for some of the region’s most enchanting experiences: sparkling winter illuminations, festive holiday events, and the comforting warmth of local seasonal dishes.
Whether you plan to explore historic gardens, venture into snow-covered mountain towns, or simply enjoy Nagoya’s rich food culture, December offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty and festive events. This guide highlights what to expect from the weather, must-see seasonal attractions, and the best foods to enjoy during your visit.
Weather in December
Nagoya City Weather
- Average daytime temperatures: 14°C to 10°C (57°F – 50°F).
- Rare to drop below 6°C (43°F) or rise above 17°C (63°F).
- Mostly cloudy days, low chance of rain (~25%) and very low chance of snow (~1%).
- Early sunsets (as early as 4:40 PM) are great for winter illuminations but shorten outdoor sightseeing time.
Surrounding Regions (Takayama, Shirakawago, Mt. Gozaisho, Gifu ski areas)
- Much colder than Nagoya city.
- Average daily highs: 7°C to 2°C (45°F – 35°F).
- Snowfall chances rise from ~5% early in the month to ~20% later in the month.
The month of December in Nagoya is when it finally transitions from autumn to winter. Autumn leaves typically peak in color the first week of December quickly followed by colder temperatures and snow in the surrounding mountains.
In Nagoya city, the temperatures become cold by mid-December and the sun sets early—as early as 4:40 PM! While this is great for those wishing to see winter illuminations, it also means that those looking to spend their day outdoors will have to budget their time accordingly.
Daytime highs in Nagoya city in December average around 14°C to 10°C (57°F - 50°F), rarely falling below 6°C (43°F) or exceeding 17°C (63°F). The days are primarily cloudy but not particularly rainy (only about a 25% chance of rain) or snowy (only about a 1% chance of snow) in the Nagoya city area.
The weather changes dramatically in the mountainous regions surrounding Nagoya including Takayama, Shirakawago, Mt. Gozaisho, and the many ski slopes in Gifu. In these areas daily highs range from 7°C to 2°C (45°F - 35°F) with chances of snowfall increasing from ~5% to 20% as the month progresses.
We recommend anyone visiting Nagoya and the surrounding region in December to pack warm layers of clothing including winter jackets, hats, and gloves. If you are planning to spend the day outdoors in the mountains or visit Shirakawago, we also recommend winter boots with good treads. Additionally, the outdoor air in December becomes dry, so we recommend bringing (our purchasing) plenty of lotions and moisturizers.
What to Pack for Nagoya in December
- Warm layers, including winter jackets, hats, and gloves.
- For mountain visits, winter boots with good traction are highly recommended.
- December’s air is quite dry — bring or buy lotions and moisturizers.
Seasonal Highlights in December
December is a wonderful time to explore the Nagoya region, as the city shifts fully from autumn into winter. The streets come alive with sparkling illuminations, Christmas markets, and festive shopping displays, making evenings especially magical. Cold temperatures and early sunsets make indoor attractions, like museums and cultural sites, inviting daytime options, while Nagoya’s excellent access to nearby mountains offers easy opportunities for snowy landscapes, ski resorts, and historic winter villages such as Takayama and Shirakawago.
Whether you prefer sparkling city lights, or a day of fun in the snow, December in Nagoya combines the best of winter charm with plenty of seasonal highlights.
Winter Illuminations
Many of the most impressive winter illuminations around Japan start in December, including some very impressive displays around Nagoya.
- Nabana no Sato Illuminations (Oct 18 – Dec 31)
A world-famous light display that transforms the flower park into a wonderland of LED tunnels, light shows, and floral sculptures. The combination of fall colors and dazzling lights makes this a must-visit in December.
- Korankei Gorge Maple Festival (Nov 1 – 30)
Nighttime illumination of the ~3000 maple trees in the valley color Mt. Iimori in shades of gold from sundown to 9PM. And on the weekends, 1,000 bamboo lanterns line the pathway to Kojakuji Temple.
Winter Seasonal Foods
In December, Nagoyans gravitate towards warm, hearty dishes like miso nikomi udon, a steaming clay-pot dish of chewy noodles simmered in a rich, reddish-brown miso broth that perfectly suits the cold season.
Recommended Restaurants:
- Yamamotoya Honten (山本屋本店): A very famous, long-established miso nikomi udon shop.
- Miso Nikomi no Kadomaru (角丸): Known for a rich broth made with aged miso and house-made square udon.
Nagoya-style oden is another December favorite; unlike the light broths found elsewhere in Japan, it features a bold miso base that infuses daikon, eggs, and tofu with deep flavor.
Recommended Restaurants:
- Shimasho (島正): A classic, old-school establishment beloved for its deeply simmered miso oden.
- Tsuruken / Misooden Tsuruken (つる軒): A reservation-only, upscale oden specialist; their miso-oden course features ingredients like konnyaku, daikon, pork belly, and more.
Festivals and Events in December
The month of December brings many events and festivals to Nagoya and the surrounding regions. At the beginning of the month, you may still be able to enjoy the tail-end of autumn leaf festivals, while towards the middle to end of the month, Christmas events and winter illuminations are in full swing.
Tokugawa Garden Autumn Leaf Festival
- November 14th (Fri) - December 14th (Sun), 2025
- 09:30-17:30 (Closed on Mondays but open on public holidays/closed the following weekday)
- Tokugawa Garden
Enjoy the beauty of autumn leaves at Tokugawa Garden. During the festival, the lights will be turned on from around 4pm every day the garden is open. On weekends during the festival, a special outdoor market selling sweets and other local goods will be open.
Special events during the festival include a Japanese paper doll exhibition, a harp concert, a koto concert, a bonseki exhibition, and a leaf printing class.
Tokugawa Museum Exhibition: The Tale of Genji Scroll
- November 15, 2025 (Saturday) - December 7 (Sunday)
- 10:00 to 17:00 (admission until 15:30)
- Tokugawa Museum of Art, 〒461-0023, 1017 Tokugawa-cho, Higashi-ku, Nagoya City
The national treasure "The Tale of Genji Picture Scroll" is one of the most famous picture scrolls in Japan. This year, it will be visible for the first time in 10 years in Nagoya.
Winter Hot Pot Festival
- December 6 (Sat) and December 7 (Sun)
- 10:30-15:00
- Iwakura Festival Square 〒482-0005, 3-1 Shimohonmachi Shimoichiba, Iwakura City
The city of Iwakura hosts a Winter Hot Pot Festival where visitors can enjoy a variety of hot pots including the local specialty, Iwakura Nabe.
ISOGAI Fireworks Theater
- December 20 (Sat)
- Opens at 17:00, Fireworks from 18:30-18:15 (scheduled)
- Nagoya Port Garden Futo Area 1-1 Minatomachi, Minato Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture 455-0033
Local fireworks manufacturer, Isoya, will put on a Christmas-themed firework show combining music with fireworks. Food vendors will also be at the event serving up hot drinks and snacks. Advanced tickets are required.
Nagoya Christmas Market
- December 5 (Fri) - December 25 (Sat)
- Weekdays 16:00-21:00, Saturdays and Sundays 11:00-21:00, December 24 (Wed) and 25 (Thu) 14:00-21:00
- Hisaya Odori Park
A classic winter staple of Nagoya City, the Nagoya Christmas Market is a European-themed outdoor market with vendors selling Christmas decorations, mulled wine, hot food, and thousands of glittering Christmas lights.
Toyota Outdoor Ice Rink
- November 29, 2025 (Saturday) - March 8, 2026 (Sunday)
- 13:00~20:00 on weekdays and 10:00-20:00 on weekends, holidays and winter vacation period
- Oasis 21 Galaxy Square, Sakae
Oasis 21 is turned into an outdoor ice skating rink each winter. At night, the whole area is illuminated with lights making it a popular destination for couples and families alike.
Rental skates are available and admission ranges from 700 yen to 1500 yen depending on age and day of the week.
Harry Potter’s Magic Christmas Illumination
- November 12 (Weds) - December 25 (Thurs)
- 11:00~23:00 (Lighting starts at ~17:00)
- Dai Nagoya Building 5F Sky Garden
Marking the 25th anniversary of the movie “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” Dai Nagoya’s Sky Garden will host a magical Christmas illumination. The free garden space will offer photo spots with beautifully decorated Christmas trees and Hogwarts themed decorations—including a miniature quidditch pitch.
Merry Christmas at Legoland
- November 21 (Fri) - December 25 (Thurs)
- 10:00 to 17:00
- Legoland
Legoland receives a Christmas makeover with illuminations, Christmas themed performances, and giant dancing elves! There is also a special minifigure trade allowing you to trade lego characters to collect limited-edition figures.
Nagoya Port Aquarium’s Aqua-Christmas Event
- November 22 (Sat) - December 25 (Thurs)
- 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from December 2)
- Nagoya Port Aquarium
The aquarium is decorated in Christmas decor complete with a scuba-diving Santa Claus. There are also various Christmas themed family friendly events and a “dancing fish” production with Christmas music.
Akame 48 Waterfalls Illuminations
- October 26th (Sun) - January 25 (Sun), 2025
- 09:40～21:00
- Akame 48 Waterfalls
This autumn/winter-only event illuminates the valley and waterfalls with over 2,000 bamboo lanterns.
Local News & Travel Updates
The asiatic black bears start hibernating in December (lasting through April) across most of Japan's main island, so bear spottings are less likely in December. However, it is still a wise decision to take proper precautions when hiking in Japan. See our article about hiking safely in bear territory for more information.
Featured Tours in December
A Family-Friendly, Snow-filled Day in the Japan Alps
Recommended Tour: Spend the day enjoying the wintery-snowy atmosphere on a day trip from Nagoya which combines a visit to the famous thatched roof village, Shirakawago, with a morning of fun in the snow of the Japan Alps! Snow Monkey Resorts' (Winter Only) 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Snow Day in the Japan Alps & Shirakawago brings you to the Japan Alps where you can enjoy sledding or playing in a field of Japan's famous powder snow, and step inside the historic houses of Shirakawago. This tour is the perfect fit for families or groups looking for a balance of winter fun and idilic locations.
New Tour
(Winter Only) 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Snow Day in the Japan Alps & Shirakawago
- Spots:
- NagoyaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
Learn to Make Soba, a Winter Classic Dish
Recommended Tour: Embark on a scenic escape to the mountains and immerse yourself in the beauty of Japan’s Kiso Valley as you explore the rich history and traditions of the villages along the Nakasendo Trail on Snow Monkey Resort's (Winter Only) 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Local Traditions of the Nakasendo Road.
Delight in a hands-on soba-making workshop where you’ll create and savor this iconic dish. Explore a traditional Kabuki theater and learn about the region’s favorite pastime. Wander through the picturesque streets of Magome-juku, a historic post town on the Nakasendo Trail, and soak in the tranquil surroundings.
(Winter Only) 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Soba Cooking Class & Nakasendo Traditions
- Spots:
- NagoyaKiso Valley
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
Enjoy Winter Scenery in Takayama and Shirakawago
Recommended Tour: Savor the views of the Japanese countryside as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide on Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go. This tour takes you into the famed thatched-roof houses of UNESCO World Heritage site Shirakawa-go as your guide shares the history (and dramas) of Edo-era life in this remote mountain village.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go
- Spots:
- TakayamaNagoyaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
Plan Your December Visit
Ready to discover Nagoya in December? Explore our seasonal tours and charters to experience the best the region has to offer.
