Menus and labels are in English. Event information is machine-translated from Japanese sources, and place details (names, descriptions, opening hours) are shown in Japanese.
Events in Higashimatsuyama in December 2026
Festivals, workshops, exhibitions and other events in Higashimatsuyama in December, in date order. You can also browse them on the map and calendar.
Events in December 2026 (31 events)
- 2026Sat, Dec 5
Furusato Nature Trail Walk: Iwadono Kannon Forest Bathing Course
A 12-kilometer walking tour starting from Takasaka Station, visiting Chigozawa Forest, Mount Monomi, and Iwadono Kannon. Enjoy a refreshing walk through nature while experiencing forest bathing.
- 2026Sat, Dec 5
City Library Children's Craft Workshop: Pop-Up Cards
A craft workshop for elementary school students residing in the city. Participants will make fun pop-up cards that reveal pictures when opened. Bring your own writing utensils and scissors to participate.
- 2026Sat, Dec 5
City Library Lecture: Yokai of Saitama
A lecture featuring Atsushi Oaki, former curator of the Saitama Museum of Modern Literature, discussing yokai (supernatural beings) associated with Higashimatsuyama City and Saitama's folklore. Recommended for those interested in local history and mysterious legends.
- 2026Sat, Dec 5 – Sun, Dec 6
Momoiro Clover Z × HADO: Kaishin no HADO!
An interactive experience event where you can play against members of Momoiro Clover Z in "HADO", a virtual dodgeball game using AR technology. Enjoy a fresh activity in a space filled with exclusive voice tracks and music.
- 2026Sun, Dec 6
73rd Higashimatsuyama City Ekiden Relay Race
A traditional ekiden relay race that has continued since 1954. Teams across divisions—from junior high school students and the general public to inter-neighborhood competitions—pass the sash and test their running ability along a loop course starting and finishing at the athletic stadium. Live time updates can also be checked online, making it an exciting race to follow.
- 2026Sun, Dec 6
Fun with Picture Books for Parents and Children with a Picture Book Specialist
An event where parents and children can enjoy pleasant interactive time by reading and playing with picture books alongside a picture book specialist. Open to children aged 0 to 6 residing in the city and their guardians.
- 2026Sun, Dec 6
Sayoko Suzuki Modern Dance Studio Recital
A dance recital where dancers from toddlers to seniors present the results of their regular practice. The program features competition-winning works, a Disney medley, and a dance drama of 'Kiki's Delivery Service'.
- 2026Wed, Oct 14+2 more dates
Monthly Citizens' Walking (Nomoto Community Activity Center)
A walking event held to promote health and foster community connections. Participants walk about 5 to 8 km while enjoying the scenery around the Nomoto district. Registering a passport allows you to aim for completion prizes, making it an easy and fun way to stay healthy.
- 2026Thu, Dec 10 – Sun, Dec 13
Jun Ichihara Art Exhibition & Autograph Session
An art exhibition by illustrator Jun Ichihara, known for popular picture books such as 'Moi Moi.' An autograph session for purchasers of eligible items will be held on the final day. A coloring activity to create original bags and merchandise sales are also featured.
- 2026Fri, Dec 11
Flower and History Walk: Kita-Sakado Station to Takasaka Station
A 12-kilometer walking event from Kita-Sakado Station to Takasaka Station. Enjoy a leisurely walk taking in nature and historic sites along the way while visiting places like Ikkai Park, Mount Monomi, and the area around Saitama Children's Zoo.
- 2026Sat, Dec 12
Kei Ogura: Gathering of Woven Songs
A concert by singer-songwriter Kei Ogura. Heartwarming vocals and talk will be presented in the hall alongside many of his famous songs. All seats are reserved and tickets are sold in advance.
- 2026Sun, Dec 13
Make an Original Lesson Bag!
A workshop to color illustrations by Jun Ichihara with your favorite colors and create your own special lesson bag. Participants also receive a shopping coupon that can be used inside the facility.
- 2026Tue, Dec 15
Otori Shrine Otori-sama (Tori no Ichi)
A traditional festival known for blessings of business prosperity and family safety, bustling with many worshippers. Within the shrine grounds, lucky charms such as decorative rakes, masks of lucky gods, and gold coins are sold, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the year-end atmosphere.
- 2026Fri, Dec 18
History Lecture: Itabi of Saitama Prefecture
This is the third session of a three-part history lecture series exploring the itabi (medieval stone memorial tablets) of Saitama Prefecture, featuring Hiroyuki Ito, an Associate Professor at Taisho University, as the guest lecturer. Deepen your understanding of medieval stone stupas and experience the profound local history.
- 2026Sat, Oct 24+5 more dates
Municipal Agriculture and Forestry Park: Agri-Park Rangers!
A multi-session experiential program for elementary and junior high school students to enjoy nature, agriculture, and fundamental food experiences through farm produce in the park. In addition to regular activities, an overnight camp will be held in spring, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in rich nature.
- 2026Sat, Dec 19
Nature Walk: Overwintering Creatures and Winter Birds
A walking event where participants observe nature, focusing on winter birds, overwintering insects, and plants. Bring your writing utensils, binoculars, magnifying glass, and other gear to search for wildlife unique to winter.
- 2026Sun, Oct 18+2 more dates
Pottery Workshop at Takasaka Kyuryo Community Activity Center
A pottery workshop for anyone interested in ceramics. Create your own unique pottery work while receiving guidance and advice.
- 2026Sun, Dec 20
Matsuyama High School Wind Orchestra Christmas Concert
The annual Christmas concert performed by the Saitama Prefectural Matsuyama High School Wind Orchestra. Enjoy a wonderful Christmas moment with the rich sound created by high school students with free admission.
- 2026Tue, Oct 20+2 more dates
Karako District Gymnasium Sports Experience Day
A sports trial event held at Karako District Gymnasium. Beginners and people of all generations can casually enjoy rally-oriented ping pong, boccia, Molkky, and other activities.
- 2026Fri, Dec 25
Higashimatsuyama City New Year Mini Kadomatsu Workshop
A hands-on workshop to make mini kadomatsu decorations for the New Year by reusing leftover bamboo and pine materials from park maintenance. Open to those who live, work, or attend school in the city, the workshop is held in two sessions, morning and afternoon.
- December 31 (usually)
Iwadono Kannon Shobo-ji Temple New Year's Eve Bell Ringing
A traditional event held to dispel worldly desires and welcome the new year with a purified heart. Anyone is free to ring the temple bell here, experiencing it while visiting the temple on New Year's Eve.
- December 31 (usually)
Yakyu Inari Shrine Year-End Grand Purification Ritual
A Shinto ritual to completely cleanse and purify all sins and impurities accumulated throughout the year. It restores the body and mind to a purified state in preparation for welcoming the new year.
- 2026Thu, Jan 1 – Tue, Dec 29
Hands-on Animal Experiences at Saitama Children's Zoo
This regular event offers activities such as animal petting, pony riding, cow milking, and animal feeding. A rich lineup of programs for both children and adults to learn and enjoy is available, including guided tours, craft workshops, and picture-story shows (kamishibai).
- Wed, Apr 1, 2026 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027
Koala Happy 40th Anniversary
An event commemorating the 40th anniversary of koalas arriving at the zoo. A diverse range of special events will be held, including distribution of limited-edition stickers, fun and educational exhibitions, and an Australia Fair featuring character appearances and live ethnic instrument performances.
- Wed, Apr 1, 2026 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027
Let's Make the World Rodent Map Together
An online project aiming to complete a world map by having participants send photos of handmade rodent crafts via Instagram DM. Anyone can casually participate, learning about rodent ecology by accurately depicting real-life species using felt, origami, or other crafting materials at home.
- 2026Sat, Jul 4 – Sun, Dec 27
Giraffe Backyard Tour
A guided tour led by zookeepers behind the scenes of the giraffe house. Explore areas normally closed to the public and observe the animals up close. Held on weekend and holiday afternoons; participation tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the information counter starting from park opening.
- Sat, Jul 18, 2026 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027
Children's Zoo Worksheet Quiz and Explanations
A total of 7 different worksheets are available to help you learn about animals while exploring the park. Observe the animals and make new discoveries while tackling spot-the-difference puzzles, discovery bingo, and more.
- Thu, Sep 24, 2026 – Sat, Jan 30, 2027
ZOO HOPPER GUIDE
A private guided tour limited to one group per day, where an experienced staff member knowledgeable about the zoo guides you around the park by cart. Enjoy a special time with a course around the grounds and guidance tailored to your preferences.
- 2026Thu, Oct 1 – Tue, Dec 29
Art Festa 2026: "watch! Animal sign"
An event where visitors can appreciate various animal artworks along the zoo's walkways. During the period, workshops such as art activities and Christmas wreath making are also held, allowing visitors to casually enjoy art at the autumn zoo.
- Thu, Oct 1, 2026 – Sun, Feb 14, 2027
Higashimatsuyama and Hiki Sightseeing Stamp Rally
A digital stamp rally visiting sightseeing spots in the Hiki area. Depending on the number of stamps collected, you can exchange them for prizes at facilities or enter a drawing to win local specialty products.
- 2026Sat, Dec 5 – Sun, Dec 27
Wonders of the Universe 2026 Cosmo Illumination
An event featuring approximately 250,000 LED lights themed around the universe. Visitors can enjoy illuminations that synchronize light, music, and a sea of clouds, as well as lighting that continuously shifts. Different food trucks will also be featured each day.