Local Sweets & Artisan Christmas Market at UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU! Celebrate in Art Deco Style – Free Entry Dec 16-17!
UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU is committed to showcasing Hokkaido’s unique charm through its cultural and informational initiatives. This Christmas, with a desire to invite local residents to explore the hotel’s historic architecture, we’re hosting a special Christmas Market event, “UNWIND CHRISTMAS MARKET,” open to everyone.
During the event, eight popular shops and ateliers from Otaru and Yoichi will gather at UNWIND HOTEL & BAR Otaru. Visitors can enjoy sweets made with locally sourced Hokkaido ingredients like fruits and vegetables, including vegan options, as well as unique, one-of-a-kind Christmas crafts by local artists.
The market will be held in “The Ball Otaru,” the hotel’s restaurant space usually reserved for breakfast and dinner, featuring large arched windows and Art Deco stained glass. This enchanting space, where history and modernity blend beautifully, is the perfect spot to find Christmas gifts for loved ones or even a special treat for yourself after a year of hard work.
Alongside the Christmas Market, the event will also feature a drawing session by illustrator and artist Marina Tanaka, a surprise visit from Santa, and various workshops to enjoy the holiday spirit. Step into a magical Christmas with our three-meter-tall Christmas tree, set in our historic building originally built in 1931 and now beautifully renovated.
Event Details:
Event Name: UNWIND CHRISTMAS MARKET
Location: UNWIND HOTEL & BAR Otaru, 1st floor, The Ball Otaru (Restaurant closed during event)
Dates: December 16 (Mon) & 17 (Tue), 2024, 16:00 – 19:00
Admission: Free
UNWIND Christmas Market Highlights
For more details, please visit our special event site
Participating Vendors
Sweets
・Yamano Ueno Saka STAND&BAKE (Dec 16 & 17)
・Nichi Nichi kashi ten (Dec 16)
・Cafe Ameiro (Dec 17)
・Cometowa (Dec 16 & 17)
・The Ball OTARU (Dec 16 & 17)
Crafts
・yoshikawa (Dec 16 & 17)
・mukavuus (Dec 16 & 17)
・Japanese Tea salon.ma.issa (Dec 16 & 17)
Christmas Workshops
Themed around relaxation—UNWIND—the workshops offer two Christmas-inspired activities. Whether for a personal moment of creativity or to make memories with someone special, we invite you to join. Both workshops require reservations.
“Savoring Japanese Black Tea in a Wine Glass” Workshop (Reservation Required)
Date: December 16, 2024 (Mon), 60 minutes each (Session 1: 17:30 | Session 2: 19:00)
Fee: ¥3,500 (incl. tax)
Capacity: 6 people per session
Details: Conducted by Tomomi Ishiyama, Japanese tea instructor and owner of Salon ma.issa.
Enjoy the art of tea in a wine glass paired with house-made scones.
“Creating a Christmas Swag Workshop” (Reservation Required)
Date: December 17, 2024 (Tue), 120 minutes each (Session 1: 15:00 | Session 2: 17:30)
Fee: ¥6,000 (incl. tax)
Capacity: 4 people per session
Details: Led by Mon from “Floral Weaving – souka-tumugi,” participants create a swag arrangement with eucalyptus and conifers. Perfect for Christmas and adaptable for New Year decor.
Marina Tanaka Ornament Drawing Event
Starting December 1, illustrator Marina Tanaka will hold a pop-up and drawing event at UNWIND GALLERY, showcasing her solo exhibition “Eden.” Create a one-of-a-kind ornament for a truly special holiday gift.
Artist Appearance
December 15 (Sun) – December 17 (Tue), 13:00 – 19:00
Ornament Drawing Session
December 16 & 17, 15:00 – 19:00 (Reservation Required)
Reserve here: link
UNWIND GALLERY Exhibit Details
Exhibit Title: Eden – Marina Tanaka Solo Exhibition
Location: UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU, 1st Floor, UNWIND GALLERY
Exhibit Dates: December 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025
Admission: Free
To share this exhibit with the local community, admission is free, and visitors are welcome daily from 7:00 to 24:00.
About Marina Tanaka
イラストレーター・画家
Illustrator & Painter
Born in Sapporo, Hokkaido, in 1993, Marina Tanaka is an illustrator and designer known for her work with clients across Japan. Since 2020, she has expanded her creative pursuits to include paintings, three-dimensional art pieces, and essays.
Christmas Cocktails at Bar Ignis Otaru
From December 1 to December 25, enjoy two limited-edition Christmas cocktails at Bar Ignis Otaru. “Evergreen Fizzz” captures the essence of a snowy forest with mint and apple flavors, while the “Haskap Christmas Royale” offers a festive blend of haskap berry and sparkling wine. Available to non-guests as well, these cocktails are a treat for a holiday date or evening out.
Evergreen Fizz: ¥1,600
Haskap Christmas Royale: ¥1,500
Bar Ignis Otaru Details
Hours: 19:30 – 23:30 daily (Last Order 23:00)
Location: UNWIND HOTEL & BAR Otaru, 1st Floor
UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
Originally built in 1931, the building was Hokkaido’s first hotel dedicated to foreign guests and has since served various historical roles, including as an army officers’ club and US military facility. Now a unique boutique hotel, it blends historical elegance with modern design, creating a memorable space for guests.
UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU Details
Name: UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
Address: 1-8-25 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido
Access: Approximately 35 minutes on the JR Hakodate Line from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station, followed by a 10-minute walk to the hotel.