Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays my fellow Ibarakians! This weekend is Christmas weekend. We actually get a day off for Christmas this year which is awesome! There are quite a lot of food specials, events, and illuminations around Ibaraki to check out. I will talk about a few of these and one event that unfortunately passed but you can check out next year.
Buddy's Rib Company's Christmas Special
If you love American BBQ, you need to try Buddy's in Tsuchiura city. If you want to have more BBQ chicken and spare ribs than you can handle on Christmas day, you need to get their Christmas platter. The half platter brings six spare ribs, two BBQ chickens, and a lot of fries. The full set brings twelve spare ribs, six BBQ chickens, and again a lot of fries. I can personally attest that this platter is incredible, and a great addition for Christmas dinner.
Drunken Duck Christmas Platter
The Drunken Duck in either Hitachinaka or Mito usually has a Christmas special platter available during Christmas. It brings turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy and other goodies. It is a great Christmas dinner. Don't forget to get the gingerbread cheesecake for dessert.
Illumination Events Around Ibaraki
Japan has illumination events everywhere. It isn't like the states where everyone puts Christmas lights outside their house. Still, it is always a treat to check out these illumination spots. Here are some places around Ibaraki where you can check out the pretty lights.
Tsuchiura- Kasumigaura Suigo Park
I am partial to this one since it is in the town I live in. It is a beautiful show of lights but make sure to bundle up. The wind from Lake Kasumigaura is no joke.
Ishioka- Flower Park
I have not been to the newely renovated Flower Park, but I have heard nothing but good things.
Tsukubamirai- Kirakuyama Fureai-no-Oka
This is another place I have yet to visit but I am always told it is the best illumination spot in Ibaraki.
Katsuta Station
Almost all train stations in Japan have lights around the station. But I think Katsuta station has really upped their game this year. There is a huge Christmas tree and a small light tunnel for couples and friends.
Hitachi City-Hitachi Civic Center
A lot of pretty lights to check out in the civic center close to Hitachi station.
Naka City-Shizumine Furusato Park
Take a lovely stroll around the beautiful lit up plants and enjoy the illumination music. Great place for a date!
Village Market Tsukuba
The place I have been talking about recently non stop, Village Market Tsukuba, will be open Sunday on Christmas Day. Come get some great food, amazing coffee, get your shopping done, and get in the Christmas spirit by donating some toys to their toy drive. Isn't it better to give than it is to receive?
They are also receiving canned food and old toothbrushes. I think they are using the old toothbrushes for potted plants.
Event Report: Ibafornia Christmas Event
Unfortunately, this awesome Christmas event happened during the last weekend of November so you will have to wait till next year. This Christmas event was at Ajigaura Beach, and it was a great event. As you can see from the video, they had a marshmallow roasting fire that was perfect. Have you ever roasted a marshmallow while listening to the waves crash on the shore? If you haven't, you should! It was heaven. That's why I roasted four marshmallows and chilled by the fire 90% of the time I was there.
Ponkey!
There were quite a few food trucks at this event. I ended up getting a burrito from Ponkey. I have talked about them before and they make a mean burrito which I feel like having now while I write this.
A Beach Christmas Tree!
There was even a huge Christmas tree that had seashells all around it. Everyone could grab a seashell and paint whatever they wanted on it and then hang it on the Christmas tree. It was quite fun.
I am definitely going to this event next year and I hope you can check it out next year as well.
Well, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! I hope you, your family, and friends all have a wonderful holiday weekend. Whatever you celebrate.
Happy Holidays! Next week will be my 2022 round up post. Don't miss it.
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