[TRAVEL] Fukuoka Christmas Market – Largest in Japan!

Christmas has always been an exciting season for me, and I am so glad to have experienced this jolly season in Fukuoka – the home to one of the biggest Christmas markets in Japan. Fukuoka Christmas Market starts as early as during mid-November, so it is highly recommended to plan your trip ahead for the best autumn foliage viewing time while enjoying the beautiful Christmas illuminations at night. 

Fukuoka Christmas Markets spread across multiple locations, in which each of them turns into a miniature Christmas town, beautifully adorned with colorful light displays, trees and ornaments. There are plenty of stalls selling the festive trinkets, piping hot drinks and celebratory food for the occasion. 

Throughout my week-long stay in Fukuoka, I have aimed to visit one Christmas market per night. So let’s check out the top 4 Fukuoka Christmas Markets I have been thus far:

1. JR Hakata Station Square (Hakata)

"Hikari no Machi" illumination, which means "City of Lights", takes place in front of Hakata Station in Fukuoka, Japan. With the market opens from late afternoon till 11pm every day, there are so many food to explore, live performances to enjoy and lovely photo spots to capture the beauty of this festive season. 

You can easily spot the huge Christmas tree standing right in front of the JR Hakata station.

And here I have discover the beauty amidst the sea of people.

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2. Fukuoka City Hall / Tenjin Central Park (Tenjin)

Head to Tenjin for an even bigger Christmas illumination - right at the square to the west of Fukuoka City Hall. The Tenjin Christmas Market welcomes visitor with an ultra grand archway, adorned with myriad of colorful lights. And I am so happy to be surrounded by a charming array of wooden huts and a welcoming committee of 100 Santa Clauses!

Tenjin Christmas Market's special limited edition mug - So tempted to bring one home!

Don't miss out the traditional Christmas market foods such as grilled sausages, hot chestnuts and warm chocolates!

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3. Nakasu Hikari no Advent (Nakasu)

My favourite throughout the trip goes to Nakasu Christmas Market, where the blue and gold LED lights illuminate the vibrant city starting from the Fukuhaku Deai Bridge. The light reflection on the water definitely enhances the beauty of the scenery. 

Look at all the Santa Clauses! So impressive.

Happy to try the first mulled wine in a Christmas market!

❤ ❤ ❤

4. Seaside Momochi Ice Skating Park (Fukuoka Tower)

The Fukuoka Tower Christmas Illumination is something I have been looking forward to, during my research for the trip. It is indeed a magical experience. Standing at 108 metres, the tower is completely wrapped in stunning festive lights, making it look like a gigantic Christmas tree from far. 

For the first time, the Seaside Momochi Ice Skating Park, an outdoor ice skating rink is set up right in the plaza in front of Fukuoka Tower. It adds a whole new level of charm to the already festive Momochihama area. 

  

The lights on the town make everything look so mystical and dreamy!

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That's all I have for the Christmas Markets in Fukuoka. Wish I could have more time spent here to check out the rest of the Christmas markets in town. Will definitely be back for the next Autumn in Fukuoka x. 

Thank you Fukuoka;

I am grateful for the cherished memories created here. ❤

xoxo,

FiSh

'Christmas 2024

5 Fail-safe Christmas Gifts You Can’t Go Wrong With

The festive season has landed! While you might be getting ready for a busy December with office parties and festive activities with friends, you’ll also have to find time for Christmas shopping. When it comes to purchasing gifts for your loved ones, you might find that some people are easy to buy for, whereas others are a bit more of an enigma. If you are panicking about what you should get a friend or relative for Christmas this year, consider the following fail-safe gifts that will always be appreciated. 

1. Foodie Goodies

Christmas time is the perfect excuse to indulge in delicious treats, so some foodie goodies will be a welcome gift under anyone’s tree. You could build a food hamper with a range of treats that they can sample or perhaps a couple of bottles of fine wine or liquor to share around the dinner table. Homemade baked goods or truffles can be another option if you want to give them something more personal and enjoy baking as a hobby. Alternatively, you could give them an exciting recipe book that they can experiment with or perhaps some utensils to use in the kitchen if they love to cook.

2. Home-spa Sets

Everyone needs to unwind sometimes, and one of the best ways to do this is by soaking in a relaxing bath by candlelight. If you’re stuck picking a Christmas gift, consider treating them to some luxury bath soaks and salts or other grooming kits that they can pamper themselves with when they need a little bit of a boost.

3. Homeware

Your home is your castle. A private haven where you can escape the rest of the world and get cozy when you need to. This is why it’s important to have a living space that reflects your style and feels comfortable, making homeware items another great choice for gifts. Whether it’s a beautiful new throw for the couch, some scented candles, artwork, or even houseplants, the person you are buying for will surely love the new addition to their home. Look at The Curio Collective for some inspiration.

4. Cozy Attire

Buying clothes for someone else can be tricky at times, especially as everyone has a different style. If you know the person you are shopping for well, you might be able to be bolder with your choices as you will likely know the types of clothes they like to wear. However, that doesn’t mean you still can’t purchase some cozy attire for people you’re not as familiar with. Items like thick socks, jumpers, hats, scarves, and gloves are all great gifts that will also be practical during the cold season, too. 

5. Gift Vouchers

Finally, if you’re not confident enough to make the gamble when it comes to gift buying, opting to give the recipient a gift voucher instead could be a smart move. This way, they get to choose something they will get a lot of use out of and truly love rather than an item that will only gather dust in the corner of their house. 

If you are struggling to find gifts for certain people this year, think about these fail-safe options for presents that everyone will enjoy.

[Christmas Special] Aromatherapy Gift Set from Plant Origins

It's the time of the year which I enjoy the most - Christmas - as we get to gather with our friends and family once again, wrap up the year and get a head start on 2022. The best part? It gotta be Christmas gift exchange with our close ones as it is our annual tradition to do so. And I just found the best gift set ever for my girl friends! ❤

Plant Origins is celebrating the upcoming jolly season with Love, Hope and Gratitude, so it has introduced an extensive range of Christmas bundles starting from only RM90. Do you know that by getting the gift set, you can actually save so much more than purchasing the items individually? Plus, Plant Origins essential oil has always been my favourite to-go brand when I need something mind-soothing and soul-comforting.

How about getting a Plant Origins Christmas Exclusive Aromatherapy Set?

The set looks so festive and beautiful right? Being a diffuser user myself, I just can't resist this lovely mountain diffuser along with their popular essential oils. To complete the Christmas joyous vibes, a beautiful Christmas card is just perfect to reflect our mood during this holiday season.

The items I got here include:

❤ Plant Origins Aromatherapy Mountain Diffuser (600ml)

❤ Plant Origins Bulgarian Lavender Essential Oil (10ml)

❤ Plant Origins Sweet Orange Essential Oil (10ml)

❤ Plant Origins Lavender Aromatherapy Eye Pillow

❤ Christmas Letter Card

Plant Origins Aromatherapy Mountain Diffuser (600ml)

Be it for Christmas gifting or for personal use, this elegant Plant Origins Aromatherapy Mountain Diffuser is simply perfect as an addition to spice up the room interior. Comes in a sleek black exterior, it has multiple color displays with adjustable timing modes to create a warm and cosy atmosphere.

All you need to do is to add a few drops of Plant Origins Essential Oils into the water tank, and enjoy the relaxing aromatherapy while it refreshes and humidifies the air.

Thanks to the large water tank capacity of 600ml, it can keep your space hydrated up to 26 hours. Crafted with ultrasonic technology, I am glad that it is ultra quiet so I can enjoy a restful night of uninterrupted beauty sleep and then wake up with radiant, hydrated skin.

Plant Origins Sweet Orange Essential Oil (10ml)

It is my first time trying the perky and lively Sweet Orange scent, and I am totally sold! The scent is mood-lifting at the first instance, and it is indeed the best stress relieving scent next to lavender.

Plant Origins Bulgarian Lavender Essential Oil (10ml)

Bulgarian Lavender is undoubtedly, by far, my personal favourite as the concoction of floral, sweet and herbaceous scents helps to improve sleep quality, reduce mental tension and freshen the air.

Plant Origins Lavender Aromatherapy Eye Pillow

That's why the eye pillow also exudes lavender scent as it helps to lull our senses into a relaxing deep sleep so we can wake up refreshed the next day. In addition to being a natural relaxant, lavender also helps to relieve headaches, fatigue and stress. If you have friends who are light sleepers, send them this gift and I'm sure they'd be so thankful to have you around!

Christmas Letter Card

Look at the beautiful Christmas card! To me, it would be so heartwarming to receive a handwritten Christmas card from my loved ones especially those with a heartfelt message or a funny Christmas photo - personally I'd collect and keep the card in a box, like how I treasure the friendship with my lovely girl friends.

Plant Origins Christmas Bundles

Let's spread the festive joy and celebrate this year-end holiday with Plant Origins Christmas bundles! Starting from only RM90, you can surprise your loved ones with amazing gifts that they can use daily and be reminded of you.

Please feel free to check out Plant Origins products here: 

All Products: https://bit.ly/3uChqVy

For more information about Plant Origins, please visit:

Website: www.signaturemarket.co

Facebook: fb.com/signaturemarket

Instagram: @plant_origins

 

#PlantOrigins #SignatureMarket #EssentialOil #Diffuser #Aromatherapy #WithLoveHope&Gratitude  

Malaysia's Tallest Christmas Tree in Suria KLCC

It's almost Christmas, my favourite season of the year! Think about the snowy Christmas tree adorned with bells and gift boxes, colorful Nutcracker guards, and a feast of turkey, cookies and log cakes; how can I not love such a jolly holiday season?

This year's Christmas is even more special because we have Malaysia's tallest Christmas Tree Replica in town, right at the Esplanade area of Suria KLCC! It is guarded by two giant 15-foot Nutcracker Guards. How magnificent the view is!

As soon as I enter into Suria KLCC, it feels like I have been transported to a whimsical Christmas wonderland because everything feels so magical here. The decors at each of the entrances to the mall are worth a picture or two, aren't they?

But the most beautiful Christmas decor is of course at the stage area where the colorful Nutcracker army steals the show, along with a breathtaking poinsettia floral set-up surrounded by ribbons of colourful lights and snow laden Christmas tree.

Taking a closer look at the nutcrackers, thumbs up Suria KLCC for the beautiful details and colorful vibes!

Now let me share the joy and happiness of this festivity at the mall's Christmas launch event with you guys!

So happy to meet Santa Claus here! He will be having greet and meet sessions with the children throughout this festive period.

The Nutcracker Ballet - Meadow Ballet

Not only that, you can enjoy a lively array of performances including ballet, a marching band and Christmas caroling in Suria KLCC too. If you don't want to miss them out, be sure to check the schedule at http://bit.ly/WhimsicalChristmasPerformances and mark your calendar!

Christmas Caroling

What's Christmas without the tradition of gifting? It's time to shop and get rewarded this Christmas.

(Find out more about the redemptions: http://bit.ly/WhimsicalChristmas2018)

Citibank Visa Cardholders

❤ The first 30 Citibank Visa cardholders who spend a minimum of RM1,000 in a single receipt daily will receive a mystery gift and Suria KLCC parking ticket worth RM10.

❤ For purchases of RM3,500 and above in a maximum of 2 receipts, shoppers will receive a special L'Occitane gift set*. 

(*for first 60 purchases on Friday, and first 40 purchases on weekends)

Non-Citibank Visa Cardholders

❤ Receive a mystery gift when you spend RM1,000 and above in a single receipt.

❤ The first 30 shoppers who spend RM3,500 and above in a single receipt on weekends will receive a special L'Occitane gift set.

Yeay, I have just won myself a RM30 Marks and Spencer voucher!

More gifts, more fun!

To make your Christmas shopping even more rewarding, 5 lucky winners will walk away with a piece of jewellery from De Beers upon spending of RM3,500 and above on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

*Contest opens to both Citibank and Non-Citibank customers.

A Secret Santa will be giving out mystery gift to lucky shoppers too, so do look out for that! Shop before the campaign ends on 25 December 2018 ya.

As we celebrate this festivity with joy and excitement, let's not forget about the less fortunate. Did you notice 10 "Cik Gajah", life-size baby elephant sculptures at 3 different locations in Suria KLCC? It is the mascot of the "Speak Up - There's an Elephant in the Room" campaign organised by Suria KLCC in collaboration with Hospis Malaysia to create awareness and seek our support towards palliative care program that improves the quality of life for the life-limiting illness patients.

What can we contribute?

1. Donate RM15 and receive a token of appreciation, or

2. Kids can get a face or hand painting with a donation of RM15.

*All proceeds go to Hospis. 

Hop over to Suria KLCC to experience a magical Christmas with your family and friends!

For latest updates, please visit:
Website: www.suriaklcc.com.my
Facebook: fb.com/SuriaKLCCMall
Instagram: @suriaklccmall