🇰🇷 [Winter 2025] The Ultimate Guide to "Seoul Winter Festa": Lights, Markets, Skating & NYE Countdown! ❄️✨
💡 Seoul Winter Festa 2025 Highlights
  • Interactive Lights: Beat the giant drum at Gwanghwamun to trigger lasers!
  • New Attraction: Ride the Rudolph Carousel at the Christmas Market.
  • NYE Finale: Massive LED Dance Performance for the "Year of the Red Horse".

Hi everyone! 👋 If you are visiting Seoul between mid-December 2025 and early January 2026, the whole city is basically turning into a massive winter festival. I posted about the Seoul Winter Festa recently, but the full detailed program has just been released with even more exciting events. Here is the updated breakdown of what you can't miss!

▶ Check Official Festival Map

1. Spectacular Light Shows (Media Art)

★ Seoul Light Gwanghwamun
  • When: Dec 12, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
  • Where: Gwanghwamun Gate & Square
  • Highlights: The iconic gate turns into a massive media canvas.
  • Interactive Fun: There’s a program where citizens can beat a giant drum which triggers lasers and lights! 🥁⚡

★ Seoul Light DDP
  • When: Dec 18 – Dec 31, 2025
  • Where: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
  • Highlights: A massive 222-meter media facade featuring popular characters like Line Friends. Don't miss the special Christmas Town zone!

2. Markets & Lanterns (The Vibe)

■ Gwanghwamun Market (Santa Village)

A European-style Christmas market right in the center of Seoul. This year, a Rudolph Carousel 🎠 is being installed! It's the perfect place to buy local crafts and winter snacks.


💡 Quick Tip for Christmas Fans:
While Gwanghwamun is the official city market, the department store displays (Lotte/Shinsegae) are legendary. If you're overwhelmed by choices, check out this guide on 2025 Lotte Town Christmas Market & Displays to help you decide where to spend your evening!


■ Seoul Lantern Festival

Starts with a grand "8 Horses" sculpture at Cheonggye Plaza. 4 different themes stretch all the way to DDP, making it a beautiful romantic walk along the stream.

▶ Best Winter Food in Seoul

3. Activities & K-Culture

■ Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink
  • When: Dec 19, 2025 – Feb 8, 2026
  • Where: Seoul Plaza (City Hall)
  • Events: Figure skating shows, carol busking, and DJ parties on opening day, Xmas, and NYE! 🎧

■ Seoul Con (Influencer Festival)

A global gathering of ~3,500 influencers from 56 countries at DDP. Focused on K-Beauty, K-Pop, and fashion. (Dec 29 - Jan 1)

Check SeoulCon Lineup >

4. New Year’s Eve (The Finale)

■ Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony

This is the place to be for the countdown. Celebrating the "Year of the Red Horse" (2026) with a massive LED Dance Performance. Experience the perfect blend of traditional and modern Seoul.

Wear your warmest coat (Long padding is recommended!) and enjoy Seoul! ☃️

▶ Seoul Winter Festa Map
🚀 Official Website & Details >