Festive Christmas events in Seoul
An image of a Christmas market in Roros, Norway, in 2017
By Hallie Bradley
Christmas is a time to gather together, feast on good eats and drink mulled wine or hot chocolate and listen to holiday tunes or meet Santa Claus. There are various events held around Seoul each year, from holiday markets to Nutcracker performances. Here is a round-up of holiday get-togethers and events to find the spirit that abounds this month.
European Christmas Market
This popular
is held each year in Seongbukcheon Fountain Square, which can be found near exit 2 of Hansung University Station on Line 4. On Dec. 8 and 9 from noon to 7 p.m., food items from European countries including Bulgaria, Austria, Spain, Switzerland, France, and Finland can be found among others. Listen to instrumental performances and singing and take part in a Christmas gingerbread auction. If you bring your own bowl or tumbler to use during the event, you'll also get an additional 500 won discount.
Marche de Noel
This
takes place Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the small Ginkgo Park next to the French school in Seocho-gu, southern Seoul. The park is rather small, but the eats are delicious. Get there early to get the goods before moving to the outer edges of the park to feast. This market will also feature a clown at 10:30AM and 12:00PM and Pere Noel (Santa) will be making visits at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
HBC Flea Market
Haebangchon's aging Shinheung Market is finding new life these days through new young businesses and various activities. It holds its
of the year Dec. 8 from noon to 4 p.m., as a special event for Christmas. Foreign vendors have been invited to participate. Live music will be provided by local acts including
and
. Call 2199-7397 for more information.
Lycee International Xavier Christmas Market
The Lycee International Xavier will host a Christmas market, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., that includes foie gras and crepes. Santa Claus will join the fun and there will be gourmet produce to buy. Listen to the choir sing some holiday classics and enjoy the surroundings of northern Seoul.
After standing outside getting chilled by the winter weather and warmed by the hot chocolate and mulled wine, head inside the school for some festive performances and concerts.
Christmas With Camarata
This year the
holds its
at Chungdong Methodist Church in central Seoul. Under the title “Let All the World, Sing!” it will feature selections from Vaughan Williams' “Fantasia on Christmas Carols” as well as holiday favorites like “Jingle Bells,” and “Joy to the World.” A portion of the proceeds from this concert also go to support North Korean refugees and the deaf community. Last year's event gathered 2,500 spectators.
The Nutcracker
If a ballet performance is more up your alley, both
will be presenting this beloved holiday piece that will leave everyone dancing out the doors by the end. KNB runs the show Dec. 15 to 25 at the Opera Theater of Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul. Universal's production runs Dec. 20 to 30 at Universal Arts Center near Achasan Station on Line 5 in eastern Seoul.
The Little Singers of Paris Christmas Concert
This a cappella boys' choir, with more than 110 years of tradition, showcases a brilliant show each year for those in attendance. Enjoy the various Christmas carols and chants as well as works by Mozart sung to perfection. Join them on Dec. 19 or 20 at Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul.
.