Umeda Sky Building, the landmark tower in Osaka's Umeda district, is holding its annual Christmas event again this year. Every year brings a new theme, with a Christmas tree, illuminations, a Christmas market, limited-edition goods, and photo spots delivering Umeda Sky Building's own take on the holidays.
This year the story runs from the 1F plaza "Wonder Square" up to the 40F "Kuchu Teien Observatory," tracing two stages that rise from the ground toward the sky.
This Year's Themes
The 1F Wonder Square Christmas theme this year is "THE STARLIGHT TOWN — A Story Spun by Kuroneko Noel and the Stars." Under a winter night sky glittering with stars, the story unfolds in a small town guided by the black cat Noel. The whole venue becomes a fantastical town wrapped in starlight, welcoming visitors into a warm-hearted Christmas.
The 40F Kuchu Teien Christmas theme this year is "STARLIT CHRISTMAS — An Invitation to the Starry Sky." The story continues from Wonder Square up to the Kuchu Teien Observatory, where a door opens onto a world of stars at the observatory, 173 meters above the ground and close to the sky. In a fantastical space lit by starlight, Ciel the bear and the rest of Noel's friends invite Noel and you further into the story.
This year's key visual is again a newly drawn illustration by illustrator Emi Webber, depicting the two stages that rise from ground to sky and the fantastical Christmas story spun by the stars.
One of Japan's Largest LED Mapping Trees, 25 Meters Tall, Returns This Year
The 25-meter Christmas tree that serves as the venue's symbol will again feature an LED mapping light display this year. As the symbol tree of the Christmas market, its light display changes by period, wrapping the venue in a fantastical Christmas atmosphere.
A Christmas market spreads out around the tree, and a limited-edition mug is again planned for sale this year. Original capsule toys themed on the mugs sold since 2024 are also planned for sale this year.
Details of the symbol tree's light display and the original merchandise will be announced on a special website set to go live on October 9 (Friday).
Umeda Sky Building
Standing amid a landscape where the city and nature coexist through the changing seasons, Umeda Sky Building was ranked among the world's top 20 buildings in 2008, alongside historic structures such as the Sagrada Familia and the Parthenon. Coverage by the UK's The Times also drew attention overseas.
From the open-air Kuchu Teien Observatory, 173 meters above the ground, visitors can take in a dynamic 360-degree view, with the scenery changing throughout the day, from the sun setting over the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to the glittering night skyline.
At night, the rooftop "Lumi Sky Walk" glows underfoot with phosphorescent stone, creating a fantastical space that feels like a stroll through a starlit sky. This world of stars, 173 meters above the ground, continues into the story of "UMEDA SKY BUILDING Christmas 2026."
When visiting Umeda Sky Building, be sure to stop by the Kuchu Teien Observatory as well.
Event Details
Name: UMEDA SKY BUILDING Christmas 2026
Venue: Umeda Sky Building
Dates: November 13 (Friday) to December 25 (Friday), 2026
Special website: Set to launch October 9 (Friday), 2026
