From Tree Lighting and Markets to Parades,
Sledding, Skating, and Year-End Performances
A Wealth of Winter Programs for Citizens and Tourists
Gwangju in December is quietly shining with Christmas lights, winter experience programs, and year-end performances. Tree lighting ceremonies, markets, sledding, skating, and various cultural events are taking place throughout the city, expanding spaces for citizens and tourists to enjoy the winter season.
On November 30, Gwangju City announced that it will operate festivals, performances, and experience programs throughout the city center during the entire month of December. From light decorations filling plazas and alleys, to winter sports for families, and year-end special performances at major cultural venues, a wide range of attractions and experience content has been prepared.
Downtown Immersed in Christmas Spirit
At 5·18 Democracy Square, the "Bitgoeul Christmas Culture Festival" is being held, transforming the square with a giant tree and lights. Starting with the lighting ceremony on November 30, citizen participation programs such as carol busking will continue.
In front of Chungjangno Post Office, "Chungjang Winter Fantasy" is taking place from November 29 to December 31, offering a Christmas market and photo zones for visitors to enjoy the festive year-end atmosphere.
The Yangnim-dong area in Nam-gu is decorated for the "Yangnim & Christmas Culture Festival." Adding Christmas decorations to the modern cultural heritage sites and alley scenery creates an exotic atmosphere, with a tree lighting ceremony on December 1 and a street parade and Christmas concert on December 24-25.
At Gwangju Songjeong Station Plaza, a "Santa Village" has been set up and will operate until January 13 next year. Winter photo zones are also being installed throughout the city, including at Cheongrojeong in Pureungil Park in Nam-gu, the floor fountain plaza at Uncheon Reservoir, and Gwangju Shinsegae Department Store. The National Asia Culture Center and the National Gwangju Science Museum are also presenting special exhibitions and experience programs for Christmas.
On December 31, a New Year's Eve bell-ringing ceremony will be held at 5·18 Democracy Square, and on January 1, 2026, a sunrise event will take place at the summit of Geumdangsan Mountain in Nam-gu.
Winter Activities: Sledding and Skating
The sledding slope at Gwangju Family Land is preparing to open in mid-December. The Gwangju Indoor Ice Rink inside Yeomju Sports Complex offers skating lessons and safety equipment, allowing people of all ages to enjoy skating.
Indoor sports viewing is also available. At Gwangju Pepper Stadium, home games of the women's professional volleyball team AI Peppers are held, while at the Bitgoeul National Safety Experience Center, visitors can virtually experience disaster situations such as earthquakes, fires, and traffic accidents.
Closing Out December with Year-End Performances
At Gwangju Culture and Art Center, the Gwangju City Ballet will perform "The Nutcracker" from December 19 to 21. The Gwangju City Symphony Orchestra will present the "2025 Year-End Concert: Winter Rhapsody" at Minju Maru, Chonnam National University, on December 12.
The Gwangju City Opera Company will stage Puccini's "La Boh?me" on December 5-6, and the Gwangju Culture and Art Center will present the planned musical "Red Book" from December 12 to 14. The National Asia Culture Center will host the musical drama "A Very Long Night" on December 5-6, and the "2025 ACC Year-End Concert" on December 19.
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