Merry Christmas at the Thibaudier Residence – French Day 2025
More than 150 years ago, the area around what is now Yokosuka Port was home to the Yokosuka Ironworks, a large shipyard where ships and their parts were manufactured. The head and deputy head of the shipyard were French engineers François Léonce Verny and Jules César Thibaudier.
Today, the Yokosuka Modern Heritage Museum Thibaudier Residence introduces the lives and achievements of these two engineers. As part of this, the museum will host a Christmas event inspired by their home country, France. Under the title “French Day at the Thibaudier Residence,” the program includes a talk on French Christmas culture, photo time with Santa Claus, live music, and original Christmas cards that families can enjoy together.
Overview of French Day at the Thibaudier Residence
Dates: Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, 2025.
Location: Yokosuka Modern Heritage Museum Thibaudier Residence, inside Verny Park (1-1 Shioiri-cho, Yokosuka City).
Admission: Free. Some programs have a capacity limit and require same-day numbered tickets.
Parking: Paid parking is available with 10 spaces in Parking Lot 1 and 4 spaces in Parking Lot 2. Because the number of spaces is limited, using public transportation and walking from Keikyu Shioiri Station or JR Yokosuka Station is often a convenient option.
Inquiries: Thibaudier Residence (046-827-7003, 9:00–17:00) and the Cultural Promotion Division, Culture, Sports and Tourism Department, Yokosuka City (046-822-8116, weekdays 9:00–17:00).
“Get to Know France with Nicolas”
“Get to Know France with Nicolas” is a talk event held on Saturday, December 13. Sessions start at 11:30, 13:30, and 15:00, each lasting around 30 minutes, with a capacity of 23 people per session. Numbered tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis from 9:00 on the day.
The event is led by Nicolas Chandelier, the French Coordinator for International Relations with the City of Yokosuka. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, he introduces how people in France typically spend Christmas and the customs associated with the season. It is a good opportunity to encounter aspects of French Christmas culture that may differ from those in Japan.
Preschool children must be accompanied by a guardian. If you are visiting with young children, it can be reassuring to arrive with some extra time before the session starts.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
On Sunday, December 14, from 13:30 to 15:30, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” will take place. Santa Claus will appear in the recreated zone of the Thibaudier Residence, where visitors can take photos together.
A commemorative photo taken in a festive Christmas setting may become a special family memory. Since crowds are expected, visitors are asked to cooperate with staff instructions and be considerate of others while waiting their turn.
Enjoy Music that Feels Like a French Street Corner
Live music will also help create a Christmas mood with sounds that evoke the atmosphere of a French street. Accordion and barrel-organ performances are scheduled on different days.
Accordionist Norie Anzai
On Saturday, December 13, accordionist Norie Anzai will perform at 11:00, 13:00, and 14:30. The repertoire includes nostalgic chanson, Showa-era Japanese popular songs, and familiar tunes that can be enjoyed across generations, all played with the unique sound of the accordion. Tap dance and light performance elements are incorporated into the show, so even visitors who do not know the songs may find themselves drawn into the performance.
Barrel organ performer KINO
On Sunday, December 14, barrel-organ performer KINO will give shows at 11:30, 13:00, and 14:30. The original hand-cranked barrel organ produces music as the handle is turned and is filled with delightful mechanical surprises. A picture-story show may begin, puppets might start to dance, and soap bubbles can suddenly appear, creating a playful stage that is enjoyable just to watch.
Original Christmas Cards and Christmas Decorations
On both Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, visitors will receive an original Christmas card from the Thibaudier Residence. The card features the residence as its motif and is designed so that you can fold and display it at home. Each person can receive one card, and distribution ends when supplies run out. The sample images shown in advance may differ from the actual design, so the finished card can be enjoyed as a small surprise on the day.
Special Christmas decorations
From Wednesday, November 26 to Thursday, December 25, the museum will also feature special Christmas decorations. During this period, the recreated zone and entrance area of the Thibaudier Residence will be decorated for Christmas. The combination of the historic building and seasonal decorations may create a distinctive atmosphere, making it enjoyable simply to walk through the space. Even on days when no specific event is scheduled, visitors can savor the Christmas mood at the Thibaudier Residence.
Access
Verny Park, where the Thibaudier Residence is located, is about a 5-minute walk from Keikyu Shioiri Station and about a 5-minute walk from JR Yokosuka Station. Strolling through the waterfront park on your way to the museum allows you to experience the scenery characteristic of Yokosuka City.
For visitors arriving by car, there are two paid parking areas: Parking Lot 1 with 10 spaces and Parking Lot 2 with 4 spaces. Because the number of spaces is limited, it may be advisable to consider using public transportation depending on congestion.
Please note that the content and schedule of each event are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. Checking the latest information in advance is recommended before enjoying a French-style Christmas at the Thibaudier Residence.
