Hwasun County to Hold 'Early Early Christmas' Event from November 21 to 23

Namsan Park and Dolmen Traditional Market Area
Theme: "Enjoy Christmas a Month Early"

The Hwasun-gun Culture and Tourism Foundation in South Jeolla Province will hold the '2025 Early Early Christmas vol.2' event from November 21 to 23 at Namsan Park and the area around the Dolmen Traditional Market.

According to the foundation on November 17, this year's festival is themed 'Enjoy Christmas a Month Early.' Following last year's inaugural event, which drew more than 20,000 visitors and received an enthusiastic response, the festival returns this year with even richer programs and is expected to establish itself as a representative winter festival for the region.

2025 Early Early Christmas Poster. Provided by Hwasun County

During the event period, all of Namsan Park will be decorated with sparkling trees and lights, creating a winter garden in the heart of the city. Hwasun County and the Hwasun-gun Culture and Tourism Foundation plan to create a festival space where both local residents and tourists can come together and enjoy a variety of programs in the romantic atmosphere unique to Christmas.

The 'Early Early Christmas Market,' set up in the parking lot area of the Namsan Park Community Hall, will serve as the central hub of the festival. Here, a wide range of products will be sold, including Christmas ornaments and decorations, crafts, cards, snow globes, tree trimmings, and Santa dolls.

The market will feature not only sellers from Hwasun but also participants from across the country, with more than 60% of the items on sale related to Christmas, further enhancing the festive atmosphere.

At the food booths, Hwasun-based food trucks will offer warm winter dishes, and visitors can also enjoy classic winter snacks from around the world, including vin chaud, barbecue, gambas, and goulash.

To boost the local economy, the 'Wagle Wagle Night Market - The Third Night' will be held in the Dolmen Traditional Market area. Running for two days from November 21 to 22, this program will feature existing market merchants, flea market sellers, and food booths, creating a lively night market vibe.

On the stage set up inside the market, performances and events will be held, while lighting installations and photo zones will allow visitors to enjoy the romance of a winter night. By connecting the traditional market and the festival space, the event takes on even greater significance as an example of coexistence with the local commercial district.

The 'Early Early Performance Program,' which will further brighten the festival nights, will take place on the Namsan Park outdoor stage and the small stage in front of the Red Cliff sculpture. Performances suited to the Christmas mood-such as choir, jazz, orchestra, magic, and theater-will be held daily from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., along with bubble shows and dance performances.

Instead of focusing on stages for invited singers, the program is centered on performing arts, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy a wide variety of genres.

Additionally, on November 22 and 23, the festival highlight 'Christmas Marching Band Parade,' which received explosive acclaim last year, will be held twice each day (Saturday: 3:20 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Sunday: 3:00 p.m. and 4:40 p.m.).

Instrumental bands and dance teams will march throughout Namsan Park, playing Christmas carols. At major spots such as the giant tree, market, and performance stages, small-scale fringe performances will be held simultaneously, captivating visitors.

Parade participants will be dressed in colorful costumes and decorations, and busking performances throughout the area will add to the festival's excitement.

There will also be a wealth of photo zones and event programs. Visitors can freely take photos at the photo zone set up against the backdrop of the Christmas tree, and an instant print service will be available at the photo booth with a four-cut photo concept.

Visitors who participate in the social media photo event or complete the stamp tour will receive commemorative gifts and daily necessities. Family-friendly hands-on activities such as making Christmas trees, cards, and cookies are also planned.

This year, a 'classic carousel' for children will also be operated. The 18-seat carousel, installed in the parking lot area of the Namsan Park Community Hall, is available for children aged five and older (accompanied by a parent).

The carousel will be open throughout the festival, and its Christmas decorations are expected to offer children a storybook-like memory.

This year's festival is especially meaningful as a 'coexistence-type festival' involving local artists, merchants, and young sellers. The county plans to strengthen ties with local businesses and invigorate the local economy by revitalizing the traditional market and attracting tourists.

Ku Jongcheon, CEO of the Hwasun-gun Culture and Tourism Foundation, said, "We have prepared this event in the hope that Hwasun will be the place where people can first feel the excitement of waiting for winter. I hope that families, couples, and friends will all create warm memories together amid dazzling lights and music."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.