SENDAI Pageant of Starlight 2024: Largest Illumination Event in Tohoku

SENDAI Pageant of Starlight 2024

The famous illumination event SENDAI Pageant of Starlight held in Sendai, features the starlit leaves blossoming on the zelkova tree-lined streets, creating a magical winter landscape.

In its 39th edition in 2024, from December 6 for a duration of 20 days, approximately 450,000 LED bulbs will illuminate the 115 zelkova trees along Jozenji Avenue, along with a variety of events themed around "Light Connecting to the Future."

Read on to learn the event details, highlights, and access information for the SENDAI Pageant of Starlight 2024.

Overview of SENDAI Pageant of Starlight 2024

Photo by Pixta
The SENDAI Pageant of Starlight is a winter tradition in Sendai, where approximately 450,000 LED bulbs adorn 115 zelkova trees along Jozenji-dori Avenue in the city center.

Initiated in 1986 by a committee of citizen volunteers, it aimed to enliven Sendai, which had few winter events at that time.

In addition to the illumination, the event included various activities, including a community participation parade, resulting in a gradual expansion of its scale. By its 20th edition in 2005, it illuminated the city with a record 1 million bulbs.

In 2024, the 39th edition will face a reduction in scale due to the reconstruction of Sendai City Hall. Because of the renovation, Kotodai Park cannot be used this year, resulting in less space for setting up stalls and booths.

Nevertheless, diverse events such as a Christmas market and sticker rally are expected to take place.

Basic Information
Event Period	December 6 – 25 (20 days)
Lighting Hours	Monday to Thursday 19:00 – 22:00 Friday and Saturday 18:00 – 22:00 Sunday 18:00 – 21:00 *December 24 and 25: 18:00 – 22:00
Illumination Area	Jozenji Avenue (from Sendai Civic Hall to Kokubuncho Street)
Parking	JP Parking (capacity: 112 vehicles), Jozenji Hills Parking (capacity: 58 vehicles), The Park P Jozenji-dori (capacity: 32 vehicles), and others
Official HP and Social Media	Official Website X Facebook Instagram

Highlights of the SENDAI Pageant of Starlight 2024

SENDAI Pageant of Starlight 2024 has three major highlights:
- Lighting Ceremony on December 6
- Sendai Christmas Market
- Starlight Castle

Emotional Lighting Ceremony on December 6

This photo is for illustration purposes. Photo by Pixta
The LED light-up ceremony will be held on the opening day, December 6.

It will take place from 17:40 for a duration of 20 minutes, with the location currently being finalized. All lights will turn on simultaneously with the countdown.

The lighting ceremony is expected to be crowded. Therefore, the organizing committee requested that visitors adhere to the following precautions during last year's event:
- Entry to the lighting ceremony area is prohibited
- Drone photography is not allowed
- Please follow the guidance of security personnel when viewing on-site
- If using cameras or smartphones for handheld photography, including selfie sticks or gimbals, please be considerate of those around you
- Please refrain from using tripods for extended photography or reserving spaces.

Sendai Christmas Market Held Concurrently!

Picture courtesy of by SENDAI Christmas Market
At the parking area near the lighting zone, the Christmas season tradition of the Christmas Market will be held on a larger scale starting in 2023.

Approximately 30 vendors will set up wooden huts called Hütten, recreating the atmosphere of a traditional German Christmas market. Shops will offer hot drinks such as mulled wine and classic Christmas dishes.

Additionally, a Christmas tree approximately 5 meters tall will be illuminated at night. There will also be unique green original mugs available for purchase, which can be obtained with tickets on specific days.

Basic Information
Schedule	December 6 – 25, 2024 (20 days)
Hours	Weekdays 16:00 – 22:00 Saturday 12:00 – 22:00 Sunday 12:00 – 21:00
Venue	Nishikicho Park (2 Honcho, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture)
Admission Fee	Free *Food and merchandise costs are separate. *However, on specific dates, a cooperation fee of 1,100 yen will be required for entry. *Specific dates: December 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25

Get a Light Ring to Enter the Starlight Castle

Picture courtesy of X
If you donate 300 yen or more at the venue, you will receive a decorative item called a Hika Ring (Light Ring) as a token of appreciation.

Those who receive a Hika Ring will be able to enter the special observation deck Smile☆Deck and the installation Starlight☆Castle.

Access to the Event Venue

Photo by Pixta
The SENDAI Pageant of Starlight 2024 will illuminate Jozenji-dori (from Sendai Civic Hall to Kokubuncho Street) located near 2 Chome Kokubuncho, Aoba Ward, Sendai City.

While parking is concentrated nearby, heavy traffic is expected during the event period, so using public transportation is recommended.

Please note that there will be no traffic restrictions or temporary bus waiting areas for the SENDAI Pageant of Starlight in 2024.

A Captivating World of Light!

This time, we explained the overview and highlights of the SENDAI Pageant of Starlight 2024.

As one of the largest events in the country that decorates the city with illuminations during the winter season, seeing it in person will undoubtedly immerse you in an overwhelming world of light!