Hello, fellow travel lovers!
Yokohama in December sparkles brilliantly ✨, with illuminations wrapping the entire city, making it feel like you've stepped into a magical world.
Amidst it all, I visited the winter classic spot: the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market.
But wow, the crowd was absolutely overwhelming!
This year, it’s a paid event! The Christmas market comes with a premium touch.
"You have to pay to get in?!" Yes, there’s an admission fee: ¥500 for general entry and ¥1,500 for priority tickets.
Problem Occurrence #1: The Line Was Way Too Long Issue "Wait, do we really have to stand in this line?" I thought. But it moved along faster than expected, and we somehow managed to get inside.
The Nordika Nisse figurines are just too adorable!
When it comes to Christmas markets, exploring the quaint shops is a must!
What caught my eye was a tiny Nordika Nisse performing magic tricks!
With its adorable hat and beard, my collector friend couldn’t resist and bought it on the spot. (Good choice, my friend! 👍)
The Food Area: A Mix of Bliss and Chaos
The highlight of the market—the food area! Time to grab some hot wine and cheese gratin 🍷🧀.
The hot wine was amazing, both in aroma and taste, instantly chasing away the winter chill… but!
**Problem Occurrence #2: The "No Seats Available" Dilemma!**
I tried the stand-and-eat style, but with hot wine in one hand, steaming gratin in the other, and a fork to manage…
"This is impossible, I'm out!" I screamed internally while desperately trying not to spill anything. Pro tip: always, and I mean *always*, eat cheese gratin while seated (lol).
Second Round of Hot Wine, Some Chicken, and Then...
At the next booth, I grabbed another cup of hot wine along with some finger-friendly chicken and potatoes. (Lesson learned!)
With frozen fingers in the chilly air, I took a bite of the chicken, but...
I almost wanted to yell, "Cold wind, give me back my warm chicken!" as it chilled almost instantly. The texture was a bit disappointing, but the generously filled cup of hot wine saved the day and warmed my heart 🍷.
The Temptation of the Pretzel
The sight of people walking by with pretzels sparked an irresistible craving in me. I couldn’t help myself and joined the line again—successfully snagging one!
"Well... it's just okay," was my honest verdict (lol). But thinking of it as an event-exclusive treat, it felt like part of the Christmas magic.
Free Beer Tasting and My Friend's Big Adventure
フードエリアを抜けると、またまた可愛いクリスマスグッズがズラリ。
Then we stumbled upon a free beer tasting corner! How could anyone resist that? 🍺 While enjoying my sample, I noticed my friend next to me getting super intrigued by a campaign for free beer server rentals...
Before I knew it, the deal was done! “Wait, what did you just sign up for?!” I exclaimed, bursting into laughter.
Setting Sail on the Night View Cruise!
After enjoying the Christmas market, I couldn’t resist experiencing the illuminations from the sea, so I embarked on a night view cruise 🚢✨.
This turned out to be the perfect decision! Yokohama’s nightscape from the sea was breathtakingly beautiful. And best of all...
I could enjoy it all while sitting comfortably in the warm interior of the ship.
Isn’t that just the best? After exhausting ourselves at the Christmas market, this was the ultimate bonus point!
The Cosmo Clock, glowing red for the winter season, is the perfect romantic touch for Christmas.
In Summary: Crowded, but Absolutely Worth It!
The crowds were definitely intense, but being surrounded by sparkling illuminations made it feel like Christmas to the max!
With adorable trinkets, delicious food, and a few laughable mishaps along the way, the Yokohama Red Brick Christmas Market is an unmissable winter event!
Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas!
The journey continues... Wishing you all a wonderful trip! – TabiJun
