Christmas in Seoul 2024 | Local’s Guide to the 26 Best Festive Things to Do for Christmas

The holidays are not too far off now, and I bet you’re looking for all the most festive ways to celebrate Christmas in Seoul.

Whether you’re celebrating as a couple, Korean style, visiting with family, or re-creating Christmas dinner as an expat, this guide has got you covered with the best lights, festivals and food to check out for Christmas in Korea.

It’s possible to find Christmas in Seoul!

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• how to celebrate Christmas in Seoul
• where to find Christmas festivals in Seoul
• the best lighting festivals to attend on a day trip from Seoul
• where to find Christmas food just like home

Christmas in Seoul 2024 Quick Guide

There are so many wonderful things to do in Seoul for Christmas, you’ll be spoiled for choice. I’ll cover Christmas events and festivals in full detail in this guide, but here’s a quick rundown to get you started.

There’s so much to do for Christmas in Seoul 2024!

How to Celebrate Christmas in Seoul

If you’re spending Christmas in Seoul, you can definitely get your fill of Christmas trees, Christmas dinner, Christmas festivals, and shopping in this megacity. Sure, it won’t be exactly like home, but here are some suggestions so you can do just like the locals do.

There’s a new incredible Christmas tree at Starfield Library every year. This was one of my favourites.

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Christmas in Seoul | Light Festivals & Holiday Events

Sure, the weather outside is frightful, but that doesn’t mean you should hibernate at home for the holidays. There’s are so many lovely festivals and events to go to for Christmas in Seoul – many of them free or very affordable.

There are huge lighting festivals to go to during Christmas in Seoul.

Where to See Christmas Lights in Seoul

During winter in Korea, the whole country is sparkling with incredible Christmas lights. Streets, department stores, and malls go all out to showcase an incredible display of lights, with special Christmas festivals in Seoul taking things to the next level.

Ready to plan the perfect magical holiday in Seoul for Christmas?

The great thing is that you don’t actually have to attend any special lighting festivals to get your fill of brilliant Christmas lights in Seoul – the whole city is alive with sparkling bulbs.

It’s a fantastic way to celebrate Christmas in Seoul, without breaking the bank. You’ll be totally awed by the extravagance of these holiday displays and events. They’re sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

Le Grand Theatre | The Hyundai Seoul | 더현대서울

WHEN: November 1st – December 25th, 2024

Address: Parc 1, 108, Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul | 서울시 영등포구 여의대로 108, Parc 1

The Hyundai in Yeouido is Seoul’s largest mall, as large as 13 football fields. For Christmas in Seoul, they’ve got a 3,300-square metre European themed Christmas village called Le Grand Theatre. Check out the 11-metre tall Christmas tree, snow-covered trees, thousands of sparkling lights. and market alleyways.

A reservation is required to enter Le Grand Theatre. It’s free, but must be done through Naver. If that’s difficult for you, you can try for walk-up tickets, but I warn you, it could be difficult. This Christmas event in Seoul is VERY popular.

Le Grand Theatre | Hyundai Dept Store COEX | 현대백화점

Festival dates: November 1st – December 31st, 2024

Address: 517, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 강남구 테헤란로 517

If you don’t manage to snag tickets for Le Grand Theatre at the Hyundai in Yeouido, there’s a smaller scale, but equally adorable installation at the Hyundai Department Store in Gangnam. No reservations required!

READ NEXT: The 7 Best Places for Budget Shopping in Seoul

It’s Wonderful Showtime | Lotte Dep’t Store | 롯데백화점

WHEN: November 1st – December 25th, 2024

Address: 81, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 남대문로 81

At Lotte Department Store’s main branch in Myeongdong, get into the festive spirit in front of a 15-metre tall gorgeously decorated Christmas tree. You can also enjoy Christmas themed stories on a large media facade, before heading inside for shopping.

The entire Myeongdong area is decorated with sparkling lights for Christmas in Seoul, so be sure to wander around to find all the holiday decor on streets, malls, and stores.

READ NEXT: 15 Excellent Hotels in Myeongdong for Every Budget

Shinsegae Joy Everywhere | 신세계 크리스마스

Festival dates: November 1st, 2024 – January 31st, 2025

Address: Shinsegae Department Store Main Branch, 63 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul | 신세계백화점 본점

Christmas in Seoul has come early to the Shinsegae Department’s Store’s main branch in Myeongdong. This stunning light display has already started its nightly shows, which are projected onto the exterior wall of the building.

This is a very popular event for Christmas in Korea, so do not underestimate the crowds on the sidewalk – especially on weekend evenings. The show runs in a rotating loop from 5:00 – midnight, but it doesn’t really get totally dark until about 6:30PM, so maybe hit one of the later shows.

Starfield Library | 별마당도서관

WHEN: November 15th, 2024 – January 31st, 2025 

Address: 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 강남구 영동대로 513

The gorgeous Starfield Library is worth a visit in any season, but a glorious tree graces it every Christmas in Seoul. Last year, they went with a glittery gold theme.

The Christmas tree at Starfield Library changes every year.

There’s also a light show projected onto the colossal shelves of the Starfield Library, nightly from 6 to 10, in 15 minute intervals. This is a good event to visit for Christmas in Seoul, at the same time as Le Grande Theatre, since both places are close to COEX.

Lotte World Mall | 롯데월드몰

WHEN: November 20th, 2024 – January 5th, 2025

Address: 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 300

Behind Lotte World Mall in Jamsil, you’ll find a beautiful Christmas market in Seoul, complete with a massive Christmas tree, working carousel, festive garden, Chanel ice rink, a Wish Wall and so much more.

There’s a working carousel behind Lotte World Mall!

If you’d like to skate, you need to purchase 100,000 won worth of products inside the mall to exchange for a ticket. Keep your receipts!

Snoopy Christmas / Miracle Winter at Lotte World Adventure | 롯데월드

Festival Dates: November 23rd – December 31st, 2024

Address: 240, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 240

Lotte World Adventure is a popular theme park in the middle of Seoul. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s a perfect place to visit in Korea in winter.

Miracle Winter at Lotte World promises to be full of sparkle.

For Christmas in Seoul, it lights up with a ton of Christmas festivities. You can enjoy a special Christmas parade and performance, white winter village, special Snoopy photo zones, and a ton of thrilling rides and attractions… of course.

There are special parades and shows at Lotte World for Christmas in Seoul.

Luminarie | 루미나리에

Festival Dates: October 25th, 2024 – February 28th, 2025

Address: 136, Samhaksa-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 송파구 삼학사로 136

The Luminarie light festival is a perfect place to check out for Christmas in Seoul, especially if you’re already at Lotte World Mall. Seokchon Lake is right behind it! This year, the theme is Dream, Universe and Love, and you can expect sparkling lights, photo zones, and cultural experiences.

Sparkling Christmas lights at Seokchon Lake Park.

This is a great opportunity to grab a hot chocolate and join the locals strolling the figure 8 walking path, while admiring pretty Christmas light displays.

Everland Wintertopia Winter Festival | 에버랜드

FESTIVAL DATES: December 6th – 31st, 2024 

Address: 199, Everland-ro, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 용인시 처인구 포곡읍 에버랜드로 199 (포곡읍)

Everland is a huge theme park in Yongin, near Seoul. Visit during Christmas in Seoul for some of the most incredible lighting displays in the country, a massive Christmas tree, and tons of special photo zones.

Everland is one of the most popular places to celebrate Christmas in Seoul © phploveme@Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Along with thrilling rides, you’ll also find Santa’s Village, the Bling Bling Christmas Parade, Christmas food market, Snowman Post Office, and much, much more.

This year’s Christmas event at Everland is incredibly special, with the world’s only official Santa Claus arriving in Seoul from the northern Finnish town of Rovaniemi to take pictures for 3 days, starting from December 6th, 2024.

I didn’t meet Santa in Finland.

Gwanghwamun Christmas Market | 광화문 마켓

Festival Dates: December 13th, 2024 – January 5th, 2025

Address: Gwanghwamun Square, Sejong-ro Park Area

The Gwanghwamun Market is a wonderful Christmas Market and Santa’s Village in Seoul in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It’s a great place to shop for clothing, handmade goods, delicious holiday snacks, and stationary.

Don’t miss the Christmas Market at Gwanghwamun Square!

Watch out for experiential activities and stunning media light art displayed on the building facades around the Square.

READ NEXT: Korea in December: Guide to Weather, What to Wear + The Best Festivals to Check Out

Seoul Lantern Festival | 서울빛초롱축제

Festival Dates: December 13th, 2024 – January 12th, 2025

Address: 172 , Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 172 5호선 광화문역

The Seoul Lantern Festival is one of the biggest and most popular festivals to attend in Seoul, during Christmas in Korea. It returns to Cheonggyecheon Stream in 2024 with 200 stunning light installations and interactive experiences.

All the pretty lights at Cheonggyecheon Stream, during the Seoul Lantern Festival.

For the past 14 years, gorgeous large-scale paper lanterns and colourful LED sculptures have brought a 1.3-km long path along Cheonggyecheon Stream wonderfully to life every winter. The Seoul Lantern Festival is incredibly popular, with 3 million visitors attending every year.

Check out my full guide to the Seoul Lantern Festival.

Limited Edition Winter Tours in Korea

The Christmas season in Korea is freezing, busy, and short! Don’t miss these special cold weather events and activities that are only available for 2 or 3 months of the year.

The incredible Balwangsan Cable Car at Yongpyong Resort.

• Yongpyong Resort Balwangsan Cable Car + Samyang Ranch | December 3rd, 2024 – February 20th, 2025
• Elysian Ski / Snowboarding / Sledding One Day Tour | December 5th, 2024 – March 5th, 2025
• Vivaldi Park Snowy Land Sledding Tour | December 10th, 2024 – February 28th, 2025
• Eobi Ice Valley + Strawberry Picking + Snow Sledding | December 15th, 2024 – February 28th, 2025
• Eobi Ice Valley, Nami Island, Alpaca World + Garden of Morning Calm  | December 16th, 2024 – February 19th, 2025
• Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival, Snowy Land + Strawberry Picking | December 16th, 2024 – March 3rd, 2025
• Wondae-ri Birch Forest + Maebawi Icewall Day Tour | December 18th, 2024 – February 23rd, 2025
• Cheongyang Alps Village Ice Fountain Festival + Strawberry Picking | December 23rd, 2024 – February 13th, 2025
• Cheongsong Ice Valley + Pohang Space Walk Tour  + Hometown Cha-Cha Market | December 25th, 2024 – February 12th, 2025
• Sanjeong Lake Sledding Festival, Herb Island, Strawberry Picking + Icewall Cafe | December 27th, 2024 – March 3rd, 2025
• 3 Romantic Winter Festivals in a Day | January 1st – February 10th, 2025
• Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival Tour from Seoul | January 25th, 2025 – February 2nd, 2025
• Skiing, Snowboarding, and Sledding Tours across Korea | December 2024 – March 2025

The Alps Village Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival is excellent winter fun.

Nutcracker Ballet | 호두까기인형

If the mention of the Nutcracker Ballet doesn’t remind you of Christmas, than I don’t know what will. There are a few companies performing this classic ballet, so it’s easy to catch a show during Christmas in Seoul.

The Nutcracker Ballet is a Christmas classic all over the world.

Korean National Ballet | December 14th – 25th, 2024

Address: Seoul Arts Centre | 2406, Nambusunhwan-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 서초구 남부순환로 2406 (서초동)

For Christmas in Seoul, the Korean National Ballet will perform the Nutcracker in the Opera Theatre of the Seoul Arts Centre.

I recommend heading over to the area a bit earlier to check out the nearby National Gugak Centre. They have an excellent free museum where you can learn about and play Korea’s traditional instruments. Excellent for children!

The National Gugak Centre Museum is free and experiential.

Universal Ballet | Dec 19th – 30th, 2024

Address: Sejong Centre Grand Theatre | 175, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 175 (세종로)

I saw this a few years ago, when my daughter was 7, and while she said it was sooo BORING, I loved hearing all the memorable songs from the Nutcracker with her. Get tickets here.

Myeongdong Cathedral Christmas Mass & Lights | 서울 명동성당

Address: 74, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 명동길 74 (명동2가)

Myeongdong Cathedral is the place to go if you’re searching for beautiful Christmas lights and Christmas Mass. Each year, the nativity scene is re-enacted starting at 10:30PM, followed by Midnight Mass. Seating for the event begins at 9:00PM, and transport details can be found on their website.

You can attend midnight mass at Myeongdong Cathedral © Seoul Metropolitan Government/Penta Press

Even if you’re a non-believer, Myeongdong Cathedral is worth a look. Be sure to have a wander around Myeongdong area while you’re there. The whole area will be brilliantly lit, and it’s a great place to get all your Christmas shopping done too.

READ NEXT: 15 Excellent Hotels in Myeongdong | The Best Places to Stay in Seoul’s Most Central Area

Times Square Maze Garden | 타임스퀘어

Festival Dates: December 18th – 25th, 2024

Address: 15 Yeongjung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 영등포구 영중로 15

Times Square is a massive mall on the west side of Seoul, in the Yeouido area. Escape the cold at Zoolung Zoolung – an indoor animal theme park, take care of all your Christmas shopping, then head outdoors to check out the Maze Garden.

Enjoy an illuminated Christmas tree, and find your way through a forest maze full of twinkling lights and holiday vibes.

READ NEXT: Balwangsan Cable Car at Yongpyong Resort has the Snowy Landscapes of your Dreams

Seoul Light at DDP | 서울라이트

Festival Dates: December 19th – 31st, 2024

Address: 281, Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 을지로 281 (을지로7가)

Seoul Light is a large-scale media light event that takes place multiple times a year at the incredible Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

The Seoul Light winter event usually concludes with a huge NYE countdown and celebration, and this year, it promises to be truly epic.

Seoul Light is totally free to see!

Shows are free, and run from 18:00 – 22:00, every half hour. I’ve seen Seoul Light on a few different occasions, and been in total awe at the scale. It’s definitely worth checking out.

Snowflake Plaza at Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink | 서울광장 스케이트장

Festival Dates: December 20th, 2024 – February 9th, 2025

Address: 110 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 세종대로 110

The ice skating rink in front of Seoul Plaza is transformed into Snowflake Plaza, with cafes, restaurants, amusement facilites, photo zones, and a Christmas tree (of course).

Seoul Plaza is a wonderful place to ice skate © Seoul Metropolitan Government/Penta Press

This is one of the most romantic and most affordable place to go ice skating in Seoul, but expect crowds! It’s open from 10:00 until 21:30 on weekdays, and until 23:00 on weekends. Ice skates are available for rent on-site and it costs 1,000 won per hour to use the rink.

READ NEXT: For the Ultimate Sledding Adventure, Head to Snowy Land at Vivaldi Park

Seoul Christmas Festival | 서울 크리스마스 페스티벌

Festival Dates: 2024 TBA, but usually last 3 weeks of December

Address: 41, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 청계천로 41

Check out the Seoul Christmas Festival at Cheonggyecheon Plaza for LED light displays, a Santa Village, Christmas tree, and 5 incredible photo zones.

All the pretty lights at Cheonggyecheon, during Christmas in Seoul.

Festivities run from 5 to 11PM, and admission is free. Ride the subway to Gwanghwamun Station, and take Exit 5 to reach the festival site.

Where to See Christmas Lights in Korea (near Seoul)

Head just a little bit outside of Seoul and you’ll find some of Korea’s most spectacular light festivals and holiday events.

It can be very cold in more rural areas of Korea.

It can be significantly colder on the outskirts of the city and in rural areas, so be sure to gear up with appropriate winter gear.

Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival | 아침고요수목원 오색별빛정원전

The Garden of Morning Calm Lighting Festival is the premier lighting festival in the country. It’s one of the largest and most popular events to mark Christmas in Seoul, with 30,000 bulbs covering thousands of acres of land. This is one of the places in Korea where you might be able to see snow, if you’re timing’s right.

Visit the Garden of Morning Calm near Seoul to get into the Christmas spirit

During the festival, the Garden has extended evening hours, so visitors can enjoy the bulbs late into the night.

Herb Island Light Festival | 허브아일랜드 불빛동화축제

Festival Dates: November 2024 – March 31st, 2025

Address: 35, Cheongsin-ro 947beon-gil, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 포천시 신북면 청신로947번길 35

Celebrate Christmas in Korea at Herb Island in Pocheon. You can really get into the holiday spirit with a Christmas Market, Santa Village, and a ton of sparkling lights.

All the sparkling lights at Herb Island in Pocheon.

Get there independently by taking Seoul Subway Line 1 to Soyosan Station and then transferring to bus #57, bound for Sinbuk Oncheon… but be aware that public transit would take at LEAST a few hours.

Simmons Terrace Illumination | 시몬스 테라스 일루미네이션

Festival Dates: starts December 6th, 2024

Address: 988 Simmons Terrace, Moga-myeon, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 이천시 모가면 사실로 988 시몬스 테라스

There’s a serious holiday mood at Simmons Terrace for Christmas in Korea, with thousands of sparkling lights, and ornaments lighting up the night sky. Lights are on pretty much all day, but you’ll want to time your visit for after-dark for the best experience.

It closes at 9PM on Friday and Saturday, and ends at 8PM, the rest of the time.

Christmas trees galore at Simmons Terrace © boim_mom

Simmons Terrace is located in Icheon, about 40-km south of Seoul. It’s also really close to Termeden Resort – a German style spa and sauna with both indoor and outdoor hot springs, so you could make a whole day trip out of it, if you wanted.

Smurfy Magical Christmas | 시흥 프리미엄 아울렛

READ NEXT: Sanjeong Lake has the Cutest Sledding Festival in Korea

Holly’s Every Day Merry Christmas at Seoulland | 서울랜드

Festival Dates: November 2024 – March 2025

Address: 181, Gwangmyeong-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 과천시 광명로 181 (막계동)

For Christmas in Seoul, Seoulland transforms into a holiday wonderland, complete with a huge Christmas tree, cozy fire pits, sparking lights, and a Christmas Market. Enjoy special Christmas performances, and look out for Santa too!

Rides are available for kids of all ages.

During the day, families can also have a blast at the Snow Fun Park, with the 120-m long Lava Slow Sled, Snow Playground, Scoop Net fishing for Smelt, and ice sledding. Get full details on their website.

Onemount Snow Park | 원마운트 스노우파크

Address: 300, Hallyu world-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do | 경기도 고양시 일산서구 한류월드로 300 (대화동)

Onemount Snow Park is the first and biggest indoor snow park in Korea. It’s the perfect place for kids to get into the wintry Seoul Christmas spirit.

You can dogsled at Onemount Snow Park © yuseokoh@Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

At Onemount Snow Park families can ice skate, watch aurora and ice shows, sled down the snow hill, or even take a dog sled ride. Infants under 36 months enter free, with proof of age.

Check out day tours to Onemount Snow Park here.

Christmas in Seoul | Christmas Markets

Christmas isn’t really Christmas without a wander through a festive holiday market, full of sparkling ornaments, winter treats, and a Santa or two, is it? Fortunately, there are a number of European inspired holiday markets to attend to celebrate Christmas in Seoul.

There are various Christmas markets not just in Seoul, but all over Korea.

Here’s a few special Christmas markets to check out around Seoul. If you can’t make it to any of these, head over to Lotte World Mall in Jamsil for a huge market display on the 1st floor.

• November 10th, 2024 | HMK Online Market
• November 23rd, 2024 | Itaewon Holiday Market at LIT Lounge
• December 7th, 2024 | Marché de Noël Seorae French Village
• December 7th, 2024 | Dulwich Christmas Fair at Dulwich College
• December 7th – 8th, 2024 | European Christmas Market at Seongbuk Fountain Square
• December 8th, 2024 | HMK Online Market
• December 14th, 2024 | Lix Marché de Noël at Lycee Xavier School
• December 15th, 2024 | Christmas Bazaar at Cafe Han Dee in Busan

Where to find Christmas Food in Seoul

Around this time of year, expats in Seoul start to go a little crazy searching for a western style Christmas dinner in Seoul. I guess it’s that one holiday that makes us dream of home.

Are you dreaming of roast turkey for Christmas dinner?

Fortunately, there’s quite a few places to find the roasted turkey Christmas dinner of your dreams, from casual meals in pubs to high end meals in 5 star hotels.

Where to Order Christmas Dinner in Seoul

Roasting a turkey independently for Christmas in Seoul isn’t all too easy. A lot of apartments don’t have ovens, and finding a turkey can be challenging, to say the least. Fortunately, it’s possible to order full Christmas dinner sets from hotels and restaurants across the city.

The Christmas dinner set from the Intercontinental Hotel in Seoul.

We ordered the Christmas set from the Intercontinental Hotel a few years ago, and it was enough food to comfortably feed 8 adults and their children. For any take-out orders, be sure to reserve well in advance.

• Dragon Hill Lodge
• Intercontinental Holiday To-Go

Christmas Dinners at Restaurants

Most Christmas dinners can be found in the Itaewon area, but they can also be found in hotel restaurants all around the city. This is a super popular thing to do for friends, families and couples – both Korean and not – so book early if this is how you plan to celebrate Christmas in Seoul.

Expats in Seoul NEED Christmas dinner.

• Christmas Lunch at Braai Republic | December 25th, 2024 12 – 4PM, 70,000 won pp
• Christmas Brunch or Dinner at Park Hyatt restaurants | December 24th and 25th, 2024, prices vary by restaurant
• Maison Loup Blanc | December 24th, 2024, 140,000 – 170,000 won for 2 people, 5:00 – 7:30 (bookings open on December 1st at 2:00PM)
• Four Seasons, the Market Kitchen | Several brunch and dinner options from November 22nd – December 31st, 2024
• Hearth | TBA
• Brasserie Seogyo | TBA
• Emilio Cibo & Vino | TBA
• Ciuri Ciuri | TBA
• Craic House | TBA

*These dates will be updated for 2024 as soon as they’re announced.

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So THAT’S how you celebrate Christmas in Seoul? What’s at the top of your list?