If you’re planning to visit Seoul this winter — or you’re already here and wondering what to do — 2025 Seoul Winter Festa should definitely be on your list. Every year, the city turns into a massive holiday playground full of festivals, lanterns, creative art installations, food stalls, ice skating, winter markets, and K-culture events. It’s spread across multiple locations, so no matter where you go, you’ll bump into something festive.
General Information
- 📆 Dec 12, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 (some events run until Feb 8)
📍 City-wide: Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggyecheon Stream, DDP, Seoul Plaza, and Bosingak Belfry
🧊 Best experiences: Seoul Light shows, Christmas market, lantern festival, ice skating rink, K-culture performances, countdown celebration - Admission Fees: Varies by event
- Homepage: Seoulwinta
This year’s theme is: “Fantasia Seoul — Co-Created by Citizens.” Meaning the festival isn’t just staged by the city — locals and creators are part of making it special.
Key Festival Venues & Dates
| Event | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 🌟 Opening Ceremon | Dec 12 | Gwanghwamun Square |
| 🎉 New Year’s Eve Bell-Ringing Ceremony | Dec 31–Jan 1 | Jonggak Square |
| ✨ Seoul Light: Gwanghwamun | Dec 12–Jan 4 | Gwanghwamun |
| 🎄 Gwanghwamun Christmas Market | Dec 12–Dec 31 | Gwanghwamun Market Zone |
| 🏮 Seoul Lantern Festival | Dec 12–Jan 4 | Cheonggyecheon Stream |
| ⛸️ Seoul Plaza Ice Rink | Dec 19–Feb 8 | Seoul Plaza |
| 🌈 Seoul Light: DDP | Dec 18–Dec 31 | Dongdaemun Design Plaza |
| 🎶 SEOULCon (K-Culture Festival) | Dec 29–Jan 1 | City Hall / Cheonggyecheon / DDP |
2025 Seoul Winter Festa in Details
Opening Ceremony Highlights (Dec 12)
The opening night is basically the kickoff party of the season, and it happens right in front of Gwanghwamun — one of the most iconic places in Seoul.
Expect:
✨ Fantasia Light Parade — giant glowing floats, dancers, and music
🩰 Areumdree Dance Team performance — traditional Korean dance with a modern twist
🎭 Musical Gala Show — showcasing Seoul as a city of arts
🎤 Opening declaration + lighting ceremony — the “turn all the lights on” moment
Highlight: The K-Culture Experience Zones and Sleeping Contest
| Experience | Date | Location | What To Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💅 K-Idol Beauty Zone | Dec 22–24 | B1, KT West Building | Try idol-style makeup, hair, and beauty trends |
| 🎥 K-Pop Reels Zone | Ongoing | Under Cheonggyecheon Bridge | Tripods + lighting + mini stages to record Reels/TikToks |
| 🎎 K-Pop Merch + Traditional Cultural Experience | Dec 16–21 | B1, KT West Building | Merch collabs + hands-on cultural crafts |
| 🎧 Silent K-Pop Dance Party | Dec 28 | City Hall, 8F Multipurpose Hall | Wireless headphones, playlist battles, dancing with strangers |
| 💤Winter Sleeping Contest | December 27, 2025, from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 8F Multipurpose Hall of City Hall | Top 3 win (not specified, but likely merch, certificates, or bragging rights |
Seoul Light Gwanghwamun (Dec 12 – Jan 4)
This is one of the highlights and super photogenic.
Large-scale media art is projected directly onto Gwanghwamun Gate, turning this historic landmark into a futuristic moving art canvas. Imagine dragons, galaxies, hanbok-inspired patterns, and digital stories playing across the ancient palace walls.
Best part?
It runs continuously in the evening, so you can grab hot chocolate, walk around, and just enjoy the atmosphere.
📸 Best time to go: right after sunset → crowds are there, but the photos look magical.
Gwanghwamun Christmas Market (Dec 12 – Dec 31)
Right next to the light show is Seoul’s very festive Christmas market. It’s styled like a European holiday village but with Korean twists.
Expect:
- mulled wine & hot chocolate
- churros, corndogs, and Korean winter snacks
- handmade ornaments and local crafts
- cute couple photo spots
- a free Rudolph-themed carousel ride
It’s cozy and romantic — perfect for couples, families, or anyone who just wants that winter vibe.
Also read: Gwanghwamun Square: Festivals, Events & Iconic Sights
Seoul Lantern Festival (Dec 12 – Jan 4)
This is one of Seoul’s most famous winter traditions.
Walk along Cheonggyecheon Stream and you’ll see giant illuminated lantern installations: animals, mythological scenes, K-culture themes, holiday characters, and interactive media art.
The lanterns start near Cheonggye Plaza and continue all the way toward Dongdaemun — so you can take your time walking, taking photos, and snacking along the way. It’s stroller-friendly, flat, and easy — great for families.
Read also: Seoul Lantern Festival 2025: All You Need To Know
Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink (Dec 19 – Feb 8)
If you’ve ever dreamed of ice skating outdoors in the middle of the city, surrounded by lights, a winter skyline, and Christmas trees, this is your moment.
The rink is famous for being super affordable — locals call it: “Happiness for 1,000 won.” (less than $1 USD per hour). Skate rentals are available and there’s usually hot snacks nearby.
You may also like: 14 Best Skating and Sledding Hills in Seoul (2025-2026 Updated)
Seoul Light DDP (Dec 18 – Dec 31)
This area already looks futuristic, but during Seoul Winter Festa it becomes even more dramatic. You’ll find:
- Projection mapping shows
- Digital art installations
- Photo zones with neon and glowing sculptures
It’s like stepping into a sci-fi winter world. If you’re already going to Dongdaemun for late-night shopping (because yes, malls here open late), add this to your walking path.
New Year’s Eve Bell-Ringing at Bosingak
This is one of Seoul’s most iconic New Year traditions. Thousands gather around Bosingak Belfry on December 31 to watch the ceremonial bell ring at midnight, symbolizing a fresh start.
Nearby, there are countdown stages at:
- Gwanghwamun
- DDP
- Bosingak Belfry
If you want high energy, fireworks, and celebration, choose Gwanghwamun or DDP, but if you want a meaningful, cultural moment, go for Bosingak.
If you’re visiting Korea in December or early January… go. Bundle up, grab a hot drink, and just enjoy the Seoul winter magic.
