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HANNO CITY, SAITAMA PREFECTURE, JAPAN

metsä's Nordic Christmas 2024

\"metsä's Nordic Christmas 2024" is now on, giving you a taste of the real Nordic atmosphere! /

Under the supervision of the Icelandic Embassy, ​​a projection mapping of the Yule Lads, the 13 mischievous Santa Clauses from Icelandic folklore, will be performed for the first time in Japan (according to the Icelandic Embassy)!

 

Date

Friday, November 2024, 11 - Wednesday, December 1, 12

Place

Various places in metsa village

Entry fee

Register

Remarks

Supported by: Embassy of Iceland, Embassy of Estonia, Embassy of Sweden, Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark, Embassy of Norway, Embassy of Finland, Embassy of Lithuania

Attention point

[Projection Mapping] Iceland's 13 Naughty Santas "Yule Lads"

A first in Japan! A film adaptation of Iceland's 13 Santas, the Yule Lads!

The 13 Santa Clauses, the "Yule Lads," with their own amusing characteristics, including the sausage-loving Santa, the ladle-licking Santa, and the door-smelling Santa, have fled Iceland and are having fun in Metsä Village! Enjoy watching the mischievous Yule Lads on the screen of Metsä's landmark, the Market Hall.

Duration: Approximately 3 minutes (Screening every 17 minutes from 00:20 to 00:30 *The last screening is at 20:00)
Location: In front of the market hall entrance

[Projection Mapping] Playing tag with the Finnish fairy "Tontu"

The Finnish-born "Tontu", known as Santa Claus's helper elf, also appears in metsä Village during the Christmas season. It is an interactive device that attracts Tonttu when you move.

Location: In front of Metsä Village Information Center

[Decoration] "Himeli Road in the Sky" wrapped in 100 Himmeli

The "Sky Himmeli Road" is a 100m-long decoration at the entrance to metsä, based on the Finnish traditional craft "himmeli". 100 himmeli of various sizes, including a large himmeli that is about 100cm tall, gently decorate the tree-lined road at the entrance to metsä.

Time: Light-up starts from 16:00
Location: metsä tier

[Decoration] Exhibition of "Sodas", a traditional decoration of Lithuania's UNESCO intangible cultural heritage

Sodas is a traditional craft created by the Lithuanian people who live in harmony with nature, and it is a beautiful decoration made by weaving straw stalks.
Momoko Honda, a Sodas artist certified by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania, will be creating a "Starry and Ice Christmas" themed design inspired by the Nordic winter skies in the 6-meter-wide atrium space within the Market Hall.
The Sodus exhibit combines stars, one of Sodus's distinctive features, with ice and snow motifs, some of which are nearly 30cm in size, and polyhedral sculptures, all of which sway in the air currents. It can be enjoyed from either the first or second floor.

Location: Market Hall

[POP UP SHOP] Nordic Forest and Christmas Market

This year, we have a selection of products imported directly from Scandinavia. We will be introducing warm products, including the official Nordicanisse store, which is based on the Danish fairy "Nisse," who is said to bring happiness.
Experience the excitement of choosing a gift, such as a Christmas item or a present for a special someone!

Venue: Metsä Hall
Event period: Friday, October 2024th to Wednesday, December 10th, 11

■For details here.

[Exhibition] Panel display of Icelandic Santa and Icelandic picture books

An exhibition corner featuring the new picture book "2024 Santa Clauses: Christmas in Iceland" (Yugi Shobo), which will be released in December 12, and popular Icelandic picture books. The Yule Lads, who appear in the projection mapping, are even closer to you!

Location: Craft Bibliotech
Regarding picture books: here.
*Also available at "Laavu" in metsä Village!

[BGM] The background music for the park during the event will be "Singing Nordic Winter and Christmas" by the Swedish a cappella band "Kraja."

Kraja is an a cappella group described as "the voices of angels from the forests of the Nordic white night and aurora". Their style and arrangements of traditional Swedish music, sung by four a cappella members, have a unique polyphonic sound, and they are highly regarded as one of Sweden's most noteworthy vocal groups.
 This Christmas album, released in 2017, will feature classic Christmas songs and winter folk songs from all over Sweden, transporting the audience to a Nordic forest Christmas.
https://www.harmony-fields.com/kraja2024
Cooperation: Harmony Fields

[Collaboration] "Icelandic Hot Springs" now available at the popular adjacent hot spring, "Miyazawako Onsen Kirari Bettei"!

Introducing an original bath mixture inspired by the Blue Lagoon, a popular spot in Iceland and the world's largest open-air bath!
It has a milky cobalt blue color just like the one found in the real world, and contains sulfur and minerals, recreating its properties that are said to be effective in curing skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and eczema.

Period: December 12nd (Sun) to December 22th (Wed) 
Bathtub: Hot water bath (for men and women)

[Menu] Christmas hot cocoa 750 yen (tax included)

A rich marshmallow cocoa served with hot milk. On top of the cream is Santa Claus from Iceland!

Sales store: Market Hall 1F "10+Flowers"

[Menu] Clam chowder bread stew 1,320 yen (tax included)

Very popular every year! Bread stew is perfect for winter.

Store: nordics
Sales period: Late November 2024

[Menu] Santa's Rich Chocolate Drink 850 yen (tax included), Gingerbread Latte 800 yen (tax included)

A rich chocolate drink with a little Santa Claus on top that is popular with children and adults alike, and a gingerbread latte with warming spices.

Store: Viking Hall 1F "ROBERT'S COFFEE"

[Goods] Nordica Nisse: from 6,160 yen (tax included)

The 2024 limited edition "Jule Hygge Series". The Danish fairies "Nisse" are enjoying preparing for Christmas in their own way. Let's celebrate Christmas with Nisse this year while spending some HYGGE time in a Scandinavian style.

Sales store: Market Hall 2nd floor "Nordic Goods", metsä hall

[Goods] Half-cut fabric, fabric panel, Kietoa socks

There are cut cloths recommended for making accessories, and fabric panels depicting the Swedish fairy "Tomte" who enjoys Christmas. The socks are knitted using about twice as much yarn as regular socks, making them denser and warmer.

Sales store: LUNE D'EAU, 2nd floor of the Market Hall
Sale price: Half-cut fabric from 715 yen (tax included), fabric panel 9,020 yen (tax included), Kietoa socks 2,200 yen (tax included)
Sales period: From Monday, November 2024, 11

[Event] Win Danish Christmas goods! metsä's Nordic Christmas 2024 photo contest

Thank you for all your applications!

Five winners will receive Christmas goods from Denmark, a design powerhouse, including the 5 limited edition Nordica Nisse and ornaments!
We look forward to receiving your applications and sharing your fond memories of Metsä Village!

■For details here.

Three-day Latvian Fair

■ Pranas Pankuka 800 yen (tax included)
A traditional Latvian breakfast dish. Made with lingonberry jam, banana, and other ingredients wrapped in chewy crepe dough, this is the perfect dish to eat on the go.

■RIGA BLACK BALSAM 800 yen (tax included)
A herbal liquor made from natural ingredients that are also used as a cold medicine. Enjoy it as a cocktail or shot.

Date: November 2024nd (Sat) to 11th (Mon, National Holiday), 2
Participating store: Market Hall 1F "10+Flowers"

metsä Viking Weekend 2024

A commemorative event will be held on the weekend of November 6th (Saturday), marking the 11th anniversary of the opening of metsä Village.
We will be celebrating Metsä Village's 6th birthday with live performances by artists coming to Japan from Finland and a program that allows you to easily experience Nordic Viking culture!

Date: May 2024th (Sat) and 11th (Sun), 9
■For details here.

Experience Norwegian Christmas and the Norwegian language

For Norwegians, "jul (Yule)" (Christmas) is an important event. People are busy decorating their rooms, preparing Christmas trees, Christmas cards and presents, preparing delicious food, and the atmosphere is full of excitement.
 The talk event will introduce how Norwegians celebrate Christmas. Practice pronouncing some Norwegian words related to Christmas!

Before and after the event, there will be a special book sale by the lecturer, who has written various books about Norway. We welcome requests for autographs and questions about the contents of the books!

Date: Sunday, August 2024, 11
Time: 14:00-15:00 *Book sales before and after the event
Location: Craft Bibliotech      
Cast: Junko Aoki (Norway Dream Net)

Rockwell Pipers

Our members, who love bagpipes more than they love food, will be performing Highland bagpipe tunes and Christmas songs in a Scottish breeze.
Note: While we strictly adhere to traditional performance methods, we also enjoy our activities in a relaxed, serious manner.

Date: Saturday, March 2024, 11
Hours: 13: 00-13: 20/15: 00-15: 20
Location: metsä aukio

An authentic Estonian talks about Christmas in Estonia, the mecca of Christmas markets!

We will share the Estonian people's feelings about Christmas, including Christmas events and cuisine. We will also introduce how to enjoy the Tallinn Christmas market, which was selected as the "Best Christmas Market in Europe." Let's sing together some easy Estonian Christmas songs that even beginners can sing!

Date: Sunday, August 2024, 11
Time: 14: 00 to 15: 00
Location: Craft Bibliotech
Starring: Meer Michaela Paul

Iceland Christmas Weekend 2024 & 1st World Santa Claus Symposium -Iceland Edition-

Two days that will be fun for both adults and children, exploring the mysteries of Iceland and Santa Claus!
The Icelandic ambassador will also be visiting the park on Sunday, December 12st, the important day when Iceland gained sovereignty. In addition, there will be a live music performance by musicians with ties to Iceland, a talk event by embassy staff, and a workshop on dubbing animation from Icelandic picture books for children, and many other exciting events!

Date: Saturday, November 2024th and Sunday, December 11st, 30
■For details here.

Dog Friendly Festival in metsä village 2024 CHRISTMAS

This outdoor market has over 30 stores selling items to keep your dog warm on winter walks and healthy treats.

Date: May 2024th (Sat) and 12th (Sun), 7
Time: 10:00-16:00
Location: metsäaukio, nordic square
Organizer: Dog Friendly Festa Management Office

[Live] metsän ääniä

The concert will feature live performances of Christmas songs and the kantele, a Finnish folk instrument known for its delicate and pleasant tone.

Dates: December 2024th (Sat), 12th (Sat), and 7st (Sat), 14
Hours: 14: 00-14: 20/16: 00-16: 20
Location: Market Hall 1st floor

Swedish Christmas Lucia Weekend

The program will allow visitors to enjoy Swedish culture, including a choir performance of "Lucia," a traditional Swedish Christmas tradition, a talk event where visitors can enjoy fika with embassy staff, a live performance of Nordic folk music, and an animation screening for children. In addition, the Swedish ambassador will visit the park on Saturday, December 12th.

Date: May 2024th (Sat) and 12th (Sun), 14
■For details here.

Nordic Christmas market by the lake

Find your favorite gift for your loved ones, including Scandinavian design goods, vintage items, stylish candles and flowers to incorporate into your interior!

Date: May 2024th (Sat) and 12th (Sun), 14
■For details here.

Christmas concert by students from Saitama Prefecture

The students will perform familiar Christmas songs and classic brass band pieces with powerful performances.

日時:2024年11月16日(土)11:00~11:20/15:00~15:20 秋草学園高等学校吹奏楽部
12月8日(日)13:00~13:20/15:00~15:20 聖望学園ハンドベルクワイア
12月14日(土) 13:00~13:20/15:00~15:20 武蔵越生高等学校吹奏楽部 

Location: In front of the market hall entrance
*Photo: Musashi Ogose High School Brass Band 

[Dance] Usva

A traditional Finnish dance performance that is very popular at the Midsummer Festival. This time, we will be delivering a special Christmas version. Scenes of decorating a Christmas tree, going into a sauna, and modern Finnish traditional Christmas are expressed through dance. All participants can join in and feel the joy of Christmas by dancing Jenka and other dances!

Date: Saturday, March 2024, 12
Time: 13:00-13:30/15:00-15:30   
Location: metsä aukio

[Event] Comes with a certificate of meeting Santa! Greeting Santa in Rovaniemi, Finland

Thank you for all your applications!

Follow us on social media to win a greeting ticket to 20 pairs of tickets!
Due to popular demand, we have decided to give away tickets to the "Meet Santa in Rovaniemi, Finland" (Sunday, December 12nd, 22:15). Don't miss this last chance to meet Santa face to face this winter!

■Apply via metsä's official Instagram
metsä Village Official InstagramFollow
Posting this eventcomment on
③ Winners will be notified via DM later (please show the winning screen to the staff on the day of the event)


Santa will be coming from Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus in northern Finland. After taking your photo, you will receive a "Certificate of Meeting Santa"!

Date: Sunday, December 2024, 12 *Will be held even if it rains
Time: ①11:00~ ②13:00~ ③15:00~ (50 groups per session)
Location: In front of the metsä Aukio Christmas tree
Participation fee: 1 yen per group 
*Ticket sales (first come, first served) have ended.

* Advance reservations required, first come first served, cancellations not accepted
*Maximum of 1 people per group (excluding preschool children, one certificate per group)

■Sales site and notes here.

[Event] Live streaming event with Santa from Rovaniemi, Finland

Live from metsä Village! We'll be bringing you a special feature in which Santa enjoys projection mapping and answers questions submitted by the public.

We will interview Santa with questions that were collected in advance on Instagram Stories. Please tell us anything you are curious about, such as "Where does Santa come from?" and "What is Santa's favorite food?"
* Submission period for questions to Santa: December 2024rd (Tue) to 12th (Wed), 3

Date: Sunday, August 2024, 12
Time: 17: 00-17: 15 (planned)

■ ViewingInstagram・YouTube

Profile of Junko Aoki

Born in 1968. Norwegian language instructor, translator and interpreter. Became interested in Norway after going on an aurora tour. Studied at Norwegian universities five times, both long and short. In 2000, opened the website "Norway Dream Net" to provide information about Norway. Disseminates information about Norway through blogs, lectures and SNS.
 He has published language books such as "Learn Norwegian through Themes" (Hakusuisha), and translated Norwegian picture books such as "What's Wrong with Our House?" (Kaiseisha) and "My Threads" (Nishimura Shoten) by Thoriel Korve. 

Norway Dream Net

Profile of Miia Michael Paul

Originally from Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Studied Japanese studies in Estonia and is currently studying abroad in Japan. Wanting to study Japanese locally, he enrolled in a Japanese high school at the age of 16 and lived in Japan for three years. It was only by leaving his home country for such an extended period that he realised the charm of Estonia and how important it is to him. Now he loves Estonia and wants to get the people of Japan to know about it and convey its charms.

Rockwell Vipers Profile

The Rockwell Vipers and their friends are fascinated by the sounds of Scotland and prefer bagpipes to three meals a day. While correctly following the performance methods passed down from our predecessors, we work loosely, sometimes strictly, and while having fun.

Metsan Aaniä Profile

Metsän ääniä means "sound of the forest" in Finnish. They are fascinated by the beautiful sound of the kantele, which they admire in Northern Europe and Finland, and want to share with many people. They perform as a duo on large kanteles (36 and 38 strings) that have a wide range of tones, from deep bass to delicate treble.

Usva Profile

The group was formed by volunteers who want to dance Finnish folk dances, from beginners to experienced dancers of folk dances from around the world. The representative, Sallah Kajiwara, is from Turku, Finland. From 1996 to 2012, she was a member of the folk dance group Virsut in Finland, and participated in many dance festivals and demonstrations both in Japan and abroad every year.

Profile of Momoko Honda

During his 12 years working at the Lithuanian Embassy in Japan, he became fascinated with the traditional Lithuanian straw decoration "Sodas" and learned about its background and techniques locally. He is a sodas artist certified by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania. He received a letter of appreciation from the Minister of Agriculture of Lithuania, who is in charge of Lithuanian traditional crafts and culture, for his activities to promote sodas in Japan (2018). He participated in the International Straw Festival, held in Lithuania, where straw craft artists from around the world gather and share their knowledge (2019). He received a letter of appreciation from the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania in Japan for his activities to promote the Lithuanian traditional culture of sodas in Japan (2023). He has exhibited in many places, including the Christmas decorations at JR Gifu Station Building ACTIVE G (2023) and the MUJI Ginza "Sustainable Lithuania" exhibition (2024).