Sapporo Snow Festival 2026

The Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり) returns from February 4 to 11, 2026, transforming the city of Sapporo into a magical winter stage. Since its humble beginnings in 1950, when local students built a few snow statues in Odori Park, the festival has grown into an international event showcasing monumental snow and ice creations.

The festival is spread across three main sites. The Odori Site, stretching 1.5 kilometers through central Sapporo, features massive snow sculptures, illuminated at night for breathtaking views. The Susukino Site highlights intricate ice carvings, often themed around animals, mythical creatures, and popular culture. The Tsu Dome Site offers family-friendly fun with snow slides, mazes, and winter activities. Together, these venues create a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community in the heart of Hokkaido.

Visitors can enjoy not only the sculptures but also concerts, food stalls serving Hokkaido specialties, and interactive snow experiences. The festival is best visited in the evening, when the sculptures are illuminated and the atmosphere becomes truly enchanting.