A Winter Evening Stroll Through the Apsan Christmas Light Festival
Introduction
As the air grows colder, each light seems to shine more clearly in our memories. This winter, at Apsan Pallaeteo Park in Daegu, a Christmas-themed light festival will bathe the winter nights in dreamy colors. It only lasts for two short days, but the hours after sunset are likely to linger in your mind for a long time.
A Winter Evening Stroll Through the Apsan Christmas Light Festival
Contents
- Guide
- Program Information
- Visit (Planned) Impressions
- Accommodation Recommendations
- Restaurants & Cafes
- Nearby Attractions
- Getting There
- Conclusion
- Photo Snapshots
- Videos
- Related News
Guide
- Festival Name : Apsan Christmas Festival
- Dates : 2025-12-20 ~ 2025-12-21
- Hours : 14:00~21:00
- Location : Apsan Pallaeteo Park, 365 Apsansunhwan-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu (Daemyeong-dong)
- Admission : Free
- Organizer : Nam-gu, Daegu
- Inquiries : 053-664-2172
- Features : A night festival in downtown Daegu where you can enjoy a dreamy Christmas-themed light show along with sunset views from the Apsan Observatory and the Daegu nightscape.
- 14:00 Arrive at Apsan Pallaeteo Park and take a light walk around the festival grounds to check out photo spots, food trucks, and the Christmas market locations.
- 16:00 Get a warm drink or a light snack ready, then head up to the observatory before sunset to enjoy the view of Apsan as the sun goes down.
- 17:30 Once the sun sets and the lights start to come on one by one, stroll leisurely along the illuminated walking paths and take photos at the main photo zone.
- 18:30 Immerse yourself in the winter night mood with Christmas busking performances, street karaoke, and other programs around the main stage area.
- 19:30 Warm up with street foods like roasted chestnuts and fish cake skewers at the Christmas market and food truck zone.
- 20:30 Take one last look at the Daegu city nightscape and the festival lights together from near the observatory, then head home at a relaxed pace.
To fully enjoy the night view, it’s best to arrive before sunset and walk the grounds in advance.
The Apsan Christmas Festival is a celebration where you can enjoy a magical and fantastical light show in downtown Daegu, built around the universally beloved theme of Christmas. Colorful lights and decorations fill Apsan Pallaeteo Park and its surroundings, so just taking a walk on a winter night is enough to feel the full excitement of Christmas.
In particular, the sunset viewed from the park’s observatory and the Daegu nightscape that unfolds once darkness falls make this festival even more special. As the only Christmas festival held in the Daegu area, it will expand in scale for 2025 to present an even more dazzling stage of lights than the previous year.
Program Information
Busking performances with Christmas carols and sentimental music will take place throughout the streets. Enjoy the winter night atmosphere naturally as you walk and listen to the music.
An opening parade will announce the start of the festival and heighten the Christmas mood. Lights, music, and bright faces come together along the parade route.
A street karaoke zone will be open for everyone, young and old, to join in. Singing carols together in the crisp winter air will make for a small but memorable experience.
A Christmas market offering small items and souvenirs will run alongside food trucks selling warm snacks and drinks. It’s a great way to warm up and relax between walks.
A balloon magic show perfect for children will spark a sense of wonder. As you follow the colorful balloon creations, you may find yourself losing track of time.
In the game-style Rudolph Race, participants enjoy a fun competition to win gifts. It’s an easygoing activity that’s perfect for making memories with family and friends.
A Random Play Dance program will be held where anyone can join in when familiar songs come on. This is when the festival atmosphere heats up the most—don’t miss it.
A Christmas-themed musical performance will delight both your eyes and ears. Under the twinkling lights, the stage will feel like a winter fairy tale come to life.
The festival gets crowded, so plan to arrive with time to spare and head to programs a little before they start for a smoother experience.
Parking may be quite congested, so public transportation is recommended. With a mix of subway and buses, it’s relatively easy to reach the festival grounds.
If you want to fully appreciate the night view, aim for 1–2 hours after sunset. Just before and after the sky goes completely dark is when the lights and cityscape are at their most beautiful together.
Roughly the two hours right after sunset are the best time to enjoy both the light festival and the night view.
Visit (Planned) Impressions
Today is December 8, 2025. The Apsan Christmas Festival runs from December 20 to 21, so I’m planning to visit before it officially begins. I’m already excited. I can almost hear the carols that will spread along with the lights that will soon cover Apsan, feel the winter air brushing my skin, and picture the glittering floral decorations.
From what I’ve recently looked up, the Apsan Christmas Festival is held around Apsan in Daegu, with many night-focused events featuring lanterns and lights. They say its biggest charm is the gently spreading glow that blends with the mountain’s natural surroundings. Outdoor booths selling warm drinks and simple street foods like roasted chestnuts and fish cake skewers, which you can enjoy while warming your hands, also seem like they’ll greatly enhance the festive mood.
Judging from visitors’ reviews and the expectations of would-be attendees, the atmosphere of the festival grounds is said to be quite different by day and by night. During the day, you feel the sunlight filtering through the Apsan trees and the quiet sounds of the mountain paths; at night, the lights cast leaf-shaped shadows and create a sparkling scene that warms the heart. I’m especially looking forward to the lights by the night stage and the emotional feeling of the winter air slowly settling in around me.
As I prepare for the festival, I’ve reminded myself to pack warm clothes, gloves to keep my hands from freezing, and extra camera batteries for photos. I’ll pay attention to keeping my feet warm so they don’t get cold from standing for long periods, and I’ll prepare hand warmers that I can slip into my pockets so my hands don’t go numb. I’m hoping I’ll soon be able to fill my heart with one sparkling winter night scene after another from Apsan.
Accommodation Recommendations
After the festival, public transport and car traffic can become congested all at once. If you plan to stay until late, it’s more comfortable to book a place to stay nearby or in the city center. Within about 10 km by car from Apsan, you’ll find a range of hotels and hanok-style accommodations to suit different tastes and budgets.
20-2, Gukchaebosang-ro 101-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu
A hanok-style stay harmonizing with Daegu’s modern alleyways
Ideal for those who want to quietly relax in a traditional hanok atmosphere.
Distance: 4.7 km
23, Gukchaebosang-ro 123-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu (Dongmun-dong)
A business and leisure hotel in the city center
With good access to the subway and busy streets, it’s perfect for combining city sightseeing with the festival.
Distance: 5.2 km
33, Dongdaegu-ro 25-gil, Suseong-gu, Daegu (Hwanggeum-dong)
A modern hotel close to Suseong-gu’s amenities
Conveniently located if you plan to travel by car between Apsan and downtown.
Distance: 5.2 km
86, Dongbu-ro 22-gil, Dong-gu, Daegu (Sincheon-dong)
An urban hotel where you can enjoy both city and nature
A great base for touring all around Daegu after arriving by KTX or SRT.
Distance: 6.8 km
6-4, Seongseogongdan-ro 11-gil, Dalseo-gu, Daegu
A reasonably priced hotel near Seongseo Industrial Complex
Convenient for travelers coming from the west side in terms of route and location.
Distance: 6.9 km
6, Dongbu-ro 26-gil, Dong-gu, Daegu (Sincheon-dong)
A leading luxury hotel in Daegu with comfortable rooms and service
Perfect if you want to enjoy a luxurious hotel stay along with the festival.
Distance: 7.3 km
891, Gachang-ro, Dalseong-gun, Daegu
A quiet stay on the outskirts of the city
Ideal if you want to spend a relaxed night with natural scenery near Apsan.
Distance: 7.9 km
20, Yeonamgongwon-ro 17-gil, Buk-gu, Daegu
A unique experiential stay in a traditional seowon complex
Worth considering if you’re looking for quiet accommodations steeped in tradition.
Distance: 8.2 km
On weekends and at year’s end, rooms near popular night-view spots may sell out early, so advance reservations are recommended.
Restaurants & Cafes
The Apsan area is home to several restaurants and cafes that are perfect for a visit before or after your walk. If you choose somewhere not too far from the festival grounds, you can warm up briefly and continue your schedule at a comfortable pace even in the cold weather.
289, Apsansunhwan-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu
A Korean restaurant near Apsan
Close to the festival grounds, making it easy to head straight to the festival after your meal.
Distance: 0.8 km
214, Hyeonchung-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu
A Korean restaurant serving hearty meals
Conveniently located for those using public transport, making it a good dining stop before or after the festival.
Distance: 2.6 km
1511, Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu (Yongsan-dong)
A seafood hot pot restaurant with comforting hot broth
A great place to properly warm up after the festival.
Distance: 3.6 km
21, Muhak-ro 17-gil, Suseong-gu, Daegu (Dusan-dong)
A popular Suseong-gu spot for grilled meat
Good to include when planning year-end gatherings alongside a festival outing.
Distance: 4.6 km
79, Seoseong-ro 14-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu (Daean-dong)
A bakery and dessert shop with a unique concept
A fun stop if you want to taste distinctive breads while exploring downtown.
Distance: 5.1 km
322, Hwaam-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu (Daegok-dong)
A multi-purpose cultural space combining gallery and cafe
Ideal for a relaxed tea time during the day before heading to the festival in the evening.
Distance: 5.3 km
9, Gachang-ro 176-gil, Gachang-myeon, Dalseong-gun, Daegu
An atmospheric restaurant surrounded by nature
A good place to include if you plan to visit both Apsan and the Gachang area.
Distance: 7.9 km
On year-end weekends, some restaurants may have long waits, so shifting your mealtime a bit earlier can be more comfortable.
Nearby Attractions
The Apsan area, along with Dalseo-gu and Suseong-gu, has many places that are perfect for a brief visit. You might enjoy touring nearby attractions during the day and then heading to the Apsan Christmas Festival as the sun begins to set.
248, Apsansunhwan-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu (Songhyeon-dong)
An exhibition and experience space for wood and forest culture
Close to Apsan, making it a good family outing spot during the day.
Distance: 1.3 km
Seongdang-dong, Dalseo-gu, Daegu
Green walking spaces to enjoy nature in the city
Stroll the forest paths by day and then move on to Apsan in the evening to continue enjoying the night views.
Distance: 1.4 km
165, Munhwa-hoegwan-gil, Dalseo-gu, Daegu (Janggi-dong)
A multi-purpose space gathering publishing and cultural facilities
If the schedule for exhibitions or cultural programs aligns, it’s nice to add a cultural stroll before or after the festival.
Distance: 3.9 km
Bisan-dong, Seo-gu, Daegu
A village and walking path retaining an old-time atmosphere
A pleasant place for a quiet walk while soaking in a nostalgic mood in the city.
Distance: 4.6 km
172, Dongdaegu-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu (Hwanggeum-dong)
A public facility focused on education and hands-on programs
If you time it with children’s educational programs, you can plan a full-day course that includes a trip to Apsan.
Distance: 5.6 km
68, Seonwon-ro 23-gil, Dalseo-gu, Daegu (Igok-dong)
A park-like space with gardens and sculptures
A nice place for a leisurely walk and taking photos.
Distance: 6.4 km
Beomeo-dong, Suseong-gu, Daegu
A memorial honoring history with nearby walking paths
If you’re passing by the area, it’s a quiet place for a brief visit.
Distance: 6.5 km
5, Okpo-ro 56-gil, Okpo-eup, Dalseong-gun, Daegu
An exhibition space commemorating broadcaster Songhae and a place to experience seonbi culture
A good addition if you’re planning a broader itinerary around Gachang or Dalseong.
Distance: 9.6 km
Operating hours for nearby attractions may vary, so it’s best to check them before you visit.
Getting There
Public Transportation — The event takes place at Apsan Pallaeteo Park, 365 Apsansunhwan-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu (Daemyeong-dong). Take Subway Line 1 to Anjirang Station and continue by taxi, or take city buses Circulation 2, 410-1, 410, etc., and get off at the “Apsan Park Entrance” or “Pallaeteo Park” stops.
By Car — Follow Apsansunhwan-ro toward Nam-gu to reach the area near the festival grounds. Parking lots may be crowded during the festival, so it’s a good idea to also consider using public transportation.
If you’re coming from Anjirang Station, be sure to bring sufficient outerwear and gloves considering the cold weather.
Conclusion
The Apsan Christmas Festival is a brief yet vivid winter event where you can enjoy a Christmas-themed light show in the heart of Daegu. Lights, sunset, and the Daegu nightscape unfold around Apsan Pallaeteo Park and the observatory area, leaving a gentle afterglow as you end your day.
Although it runs for only two days, the moments when warm drinks, winter air, carols, and lights all come together will stay in your memory for a long time. As dusk falls, take your time walking and fill your heart with Apsan, embroidered with light.
Photo Snapshots
Videos
