It's that time of year again. Expect the city of Osaka to be teeming with excited children and families over the weekend as the German Christmas Market in Kita Ward continues to attract merrymakers.
As the title suggests, the event allows visitors to experience a German-style celebration of Christmas, with its venue at Wonder Square in Shin Umeda City, lined with 27 cottagelike eateries and antique shops. Most of these are being run by native Germans and will feature mulled wine and grilled sausages.
The German version of Santa Claus, Heilige Nikolaus, is also set to show up, one of the highlights of the event. Although the real Saint Nikolaus only gave gifts to kids whom he deemed well-behaved, the one expected at Wonder Square will be more approachable. Not only does he strut down the street flaunting his long cloak with an affectionate smile, he is up to doing photo shoots with kids.
German Christmas Market Osaka continues until Dec. 25 at Wonder Square in Shin Umeda City in Kita-ku, Osaka. Admission is free. For more information, call (06) 6440-3872 or visit www.skybldg.co.jp.