Festivals Continue in Winter... Osan's 'Oh Happy Santa Market' Opens on the 23rd

Held at Osan Station Plaza and Shopping District until the 29th of next month
Opening parade from City Hall to Osan Station Plaza draws attention

As the year-end approaches, winter festivals are also in full swing. A representative festival is 'Oh! Happy Santa Market' in Osan-si, Gyeonggi-do. This festival, which lasts for more than a month from the 23rd to the 29th of next month, is celebrating its second year this year and plans to welcome visitors with a wider variety of events.

Osan-si has promoted 'Oh Happy Santa Market' as a representative winter festival, inspired by European-style Christmas markets. The city announced on the 21st that this year’s festival will feature a newly planned street parade to mark the opening of the event.

The parade will take place on the opening day, the 23rd, starting at 4:30 PM from Osan City Hall, passing through the Lotte Mart intersection and Shinyang Apartment intersection, and ending at Osan Station Plaza where the opening ceremony will be held. The parade covers a total distance of 1 km and lasts about an hour. About 100 citizen Santas selected through prior applications will participate along with performance teams. Performances welcoming the parade will also be held, including the U.S. 8th Army Brass Band and the Girls and Boys Choir.

Throughout the festival venue, Christmas trees and dazzling lights reflecting the winter atmosphere will be installed. Photo zones where families, friends, and couples can create memories will also be set up.

During the festival, various sights, activities, and food will be offered. At the flea market, visitors can purchase a variety of products such as Christmas ornaments, handmade items, and season-limited goods. Various events will also be held at Areumdaro and Wondong Shopping Districts.

Every Saturday during the festival, youth performances will be held through the 'We Lend You the Stage' program. Family-friendly programs such as the 'Stamp Rally Experience,' Christmas card and ornament making workshops, and the Santa Village OX Photo Zone will also be available.

Lee Kwon-jae, mayor of Osan-si, said, "We will strive to make the Santa Market event, now in its second year, a landmark festival of the city that contributes to revitalizing the local commercial district."