Enjoy a sparkling winter in Okinawa

One might associate the subtropical island of Okinawa with brilliant summer sunlight and laid-back beach days. However, there are still a number of things to enjoy over the Christmas and New Year's period -- the so-called winter season -- in Okinawa. One thing that marks the holiday season in Okinawa is the twinkling of lights decorating the entire island. From popular sightseeing spots and resort hotels to the average home, Okinawa is truly transformed into an “island of illumination” during winter, starting around November, when a number of fun and romantic events take place across Okinawa.

Light up your holiday season at Mihama American Village

Date: Friday, Nov. 18, 2016-late January 2017
Place: Mihama American Village and surroundings

Southeast Botanical Gardens illumination

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016 – Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017
Time: 17:00-22:00 (Last entry 21:00)
*The gardens are normally open between 9:00 and 16:30.
*The water garden closes at 16:30 in preparation for the lights and reopens at 17:00.
Place: Southeast Botanical Gardens
Admission: 1,800 yen for adults, 1,000 yen for high school students, 500 yen for elementary and junior high school students, free for children under 6

Itoman Peaceful Illumination Festival ‘Lights of Peace’

Date: Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016 -- Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017
Time: Opens at 17:30; illumination 18:00-22:00 (until 24:30 on Dec. 31)
Place: Uchina Farm (1018 Mabuni, Itoman City)
Admission: Dec. 10-16: 400 yen for high school students and over; free for junior high school students and under
Dec. 17-Jan. 3: 500 yen for high school students and over; free for junior high school students and under

Kariyushi Million Fantasy

Date: Saturday, Oct. 29 through Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2016
Time (night lighting): Sunset-24:00
Place: 11 different areas on the premises of Okinawa Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa and Spa Resort Exes
Admission: Free

Winter Elegance 2016-2017

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016 — Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017
Time: 17:00-20:30
Place: Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa
Admission: Free

Kanucha Stardust Fantasia

Date: Tuesday, November 1, 2016-Tueseday, February 14, 2017
Time (night lighting): 18:00-23:00 on Nov. 1-Dec. 30 2016; 19:00-23:00 on Jan. 1, 2017 and after (last entry 21:30)
Place: Kanucha Resort
Admission: Advanced ticket 1,000 yen; same-day ticket 1,500 yen
*Free for children aged 12 and under
*The ticket includes Fantasia Holo Lens, Fantasia Message Tag, as well as a free glass of beverage at the Luminous Garden Cafe.
*A special ticket “the Final Countdown Illusion” is required to join this event on Dec. 31.

Hotel Nikko Alivila patio illumination

Date: Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016 – Friday, March 31, 2017
Time: Sunset to 24:00
Place: Hotel Nikko Alivila
Admission: Free

Marriott Christmas

Date: Mid-Nov.-Dec. 25, 2016
Time: 18:00 – 24:00
Place: Okinawa Marriott Resort & Spa (Nago City)
Admission: Free

Christmas Fantasy ’16

Date: Friday, Dec. 23 – Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016
Time: 16:00-21:30
Place: Okinawa Zoo & Museum (Okinawa City)
Admission
Advance ticket: 1,800 yen for adults (aged 16 and over), 1,000 yen for children (aged 4 to 15), free entry for children 3 and under
Same-day ticket: 2,200 yen for adults (aged 16 and over), 1,200 yen for children (aged 4 to 15), free entry for children 3 and under