Merry Christmas! In December, during the peak of the holiday season, vibrant Christmas markets sprout across Tokyo. So, this is the perfect time to embrace the Christmas spirit and immerse yourself in these wonderful markets, filled with iconic Christmas illuminations, holiday treats, and drinks, from hot cocoa to malt wine.
Christmas in Japan definitely differs from that in the West, with less emphasis on religious aspects and fewer large family gatherings. But the holiday is widely observed in Japan, and the best way to enjoy the Christmas festivities is to attend a Christmas market. So, keep reading to check out our top recommendations for the Christmas market in Tokyo.
Want to know how else to enjoy Christmas in Japan? Check out our article for the 10 best winter illuminations in Tokyo!
What Are Tokyo Christmas Markets? Are They Similar to Ones in New York or Europe?
One of the most popular activities during the Christmas season is visiting one of Tokyo’s many Christmas markets. But what exactly are they, and are they similar to the world-famous markets in New York or even in Europe?
Christmas markets in Japan draw heavily on European Christmas decorations, goods, and festivities, particularly from Germany. They often consist of festive European-style dishes such as sausages, meat pies, roast beef, mulled wine, and Western-style sweets. However, expect the foods to be somewhat localized to Japanese tastes.
Japanese Christmas markets are generally smaller than those in the United States or Europe, which often feature larger attractions such as Ferris wheels. However, despite their smaller size, they still provide the same beautiful Christmas ambience that captures the holiday spirit.
So, if you’re looking to go further than eat KFC for Christmas, then make visiting one of the Tokyo Christmas Markets on the list below, at the top of your Christmas to-do list!
Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets in Japan
1. Reserve in advance
Japan loves organization, and that includes Christmas markets. Many of the popular ones (especially in Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama) require pre-reservation (yes, even if the admission is free), and the time slots can sell out fast. If you already know your travel dates, book as early as you can. It saves you from disappointment and lets you skip long at-the-door queues.
2. Visit before Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve in Japan is basically like Valentine’s Day, where it often becomes a perfect date event. which means Christmas markets get packed. And since many venues are on the smaller side, it can get tight and slow-moving very quickly.
If you want a relaxed, cozy vibe (and shorter lines for mulled wine), try visiting during early December or weekday evenings! You’ll actually get to enjoy the lights, the food, and the atmosphere without being shoulder-to-shoulder.
3. Learn a little Japanese!
Even though the markets are European-inspired, most of the ordering and signage is in Japanese. You don’t need to be fluent. A few simple phrases go a long way and make the whole experience smoother (and way more fun).
We recommend trying out short-term lessons at schools like Coto Academy, which offer beginner-friendly classes focused on practical skills for daily life. Even if you’re only visiting Japan for a couple of weeks, the great thing is that you can study part-time for as little as one week, unlike most language schools that require a minimum commitment of six months!
It’s a super flexible option if you want to pick up useful Japanese without changing your whole travel schedule.
Best Christmas Markets in Tokyo
1. Tokyo Christmas Market
True to its name, Tokyo Christmas Market takes place in Central Tokyo, either in Jingu Gaien or Shibu Park. Held annually since 2015, it is currently Tokyo’s largest Christmas market, featuring a wide variety of stalls.
The market is backed by the German Tourism Association and German Embassy, making the venue highly influenced by European Christmas traditions with stalls offering German ornaments, novelties, and artisan goods. The decorations and festive food are heavily European-inspired, featuring beef stews, goulash, pretzels, European beer, and more.
At the center, perhaps the Tokyo Christmas Market’s main attraction is the 14-meter-tall Christmas pyramid, featuring large wooden nutcrackers and other characters. At this stage, you can enjoy live music, entertainment shows, workshops, and other lively performances.
This year, the Tokyo Christmas Market will be held at 2 locations:
1. Meiji Jingu Gaien, in front of the Shotoku Memorial Picture Gallery
- Time: Nov 21 – Nov 25
- Admission: Varies between weekdays and holidays (¥1,000 – ¥2,000)
2. Tokyo Metropolitan Shiba Park Site No. 4 (Onarimon Station Square)
- Time: Dec 5 – 25
- Admission: Varies between weekdays and holidays (¥1,000 – ¥2,000)
2. Yokohama Red Brick House Christmas Market
Another vastly popular Christmas Market in Japan, the Yokohama Red Brick House Christmas Market has been open for the holiday season since 2009. The traditional German-style market transports you straight to Europe, where you can buy Christmas-themed handicrafts, such as decorative ornaments, European wines, and souvenirs. You can also enjoy a plethora of European winter favorites, from steaming hot pies to sweets like warm pretzels and hot chocolate.
It is recommended to visit after 4 pm to watch the whole place light up and feel the magic of Christmas.
While much of the market is free to enter, certain areas will require a ¥500 fee. Also, keep in mind you might need to make relevant reservations in advance. A bonus of the Yokohama Christmas Market is its proximity to an ice rink!
- Date: November 21 – December 25
- Admission Fee: ¥500 (Certain areas are free to enter)
3. Roppongi Hills Christmas Market (The Oldest Christmas Market in Tokyo)
Dating back to 2006, the Roppongi Hills Christmas Market is the oldest one in the Tokyo Christmas Market. Representing the Christmas market in Stuttgart, Germany, it carries the German tradition and boasts a huge wooden pyramid display with dolls and animals rotating on it.
There is no place better to shop than here in this shopping complex, which even offers a Christmas tree shop on the first floor. It is your one-stop shop for all your Christmas shopping needs, with the market offering wreaths, ornaments, and any other decorations you could possibly need.
Behind Roppongi Hills is a 400-meter stretch known as Keyakizaka Street, famous for its illumination, which lights up from November 10, starting at 5 pm.
Admission to both locations is free. Be sure to check out the breathtaking sight and enjoy the festivals by taking a stroll after your Christmas shopping for an unforgettable experience.
- Date: Nov 22 – Dec 25
- Admission: Free
4. Akasaka Ark Hills Christmas
This year, the Akasaka Ark Hill complex imported its giant Christmas tree all the way from Hokkaido. In addition, they will hold a Christmas market in the main square during December.
The Christmas concert at Karajan Square and their very own Christmas Hamper event are also ongoing celebratory events. During this period, the Hills Marche Market, held on Saturdays, will be transformed into a Christmas market, featuring seasonal treats and decorations.
No entry fee is required, but it is recommended to visit after 8 pm, as you do not want to miss the illuminations.
- Dates: Nov 11 – Dec 25
- Admission: Free
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5. Yebisu Garden Place
Yebisu Garden Place is known for its old-European architecture, making it the perfect place to host a traditional Christmas market.
The front square will have various stands selling Christmas goods and seasonal food. However, the biggest show-stopper is the huge Baccarat crystal chandelier, made from over 8,000 crystal pieces and 250 lights, and a large Christmas tree in the center.
Location: Yebisu Garden Place, 5-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line “Ebisu Station” or Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line “Ebisu” exit
- Dates: Nov 28 – Dec 25
- Admission: Free (cost only applies when buying food, drinks, or gifts)
6. Tokyo Skytree Solamachi Christmas Market
Located at the base of Tokyo Skytree, the Solamachi Christmas Market offers a cozy European atmosphere with festive wooden stalls, warm seasonal drinks, and Christmas decor inspired by classic picture books. With Skytree towering overhead and beautiful illuminations across the Solamachi plaza, this market is a favorite for families, couples, and anyone looking for a picture-perfect holiday photo spot.
Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate, Baumkuchen, fondue, Christmas goods, and handcrafted ornaments. The festive lighting display around Skytree makes this one of Tokyo’s most magical nighttime Christmas destinations.
- Dates: Nov 6 – Dec 25
- Admission Fee: Free
7. Tokyo Dome City: Nordic Xmas Park 2025
Tokyo Dome City hosts a special limited-time “Nordic Xmas Park,” transforming part of the entertainment complex into a Scandinavian-style Christmas space. Unlike traditional German-inspired markets, this event has a Nordic theme — think soft lights, modern wooden decor, winter sweets, cinnamon-based treats, and warm seasonal drinks.
You’ll find food trucks, pop-up market stalls, live entertainment, and Christmas lights as part of the larger “Tokyo Snow Dome City” illumination event. Since it only runs on certain December days, it’s worth planning your visit around the scheduled dates.
- Dates: December 13–14, 20–21, 24–25
- Admission Fee: Free
8. Shibuya Christmas Market (Furusato Tokyo Ouen Shibuya)
Shibuya now hosts one of Tokyo’s most unique holiday events, spread across multiple venues which range from a traditional European-style Christmas market to a tropical Hawaiian-style Christmas zone.
At Miyashita Park, you’ll find classic German huts selling mulled wine, sausages, ornaments, and holiday snacks. Meanwhile, Yoyogi Park hosts a warm, tropical-themed market with food stalls, live music, and Hawaiian Christmas decorations. The atmosphere differs depending on which Shibuya venue you visit, making it a fun area to explore during the winter season.
Some areas of the market require an entry ticket (which includes a commemorative mug), while others are free.
- Dates: December 1 – December 25
- Admission Fee: Mostly free; some zones require a ¥1,500 cooperation ticket (children often free)
Conclusion: Try Visiting One of The Tokyo Christmas Markets this Year!
Visiting Christmas markets in Tokyo is one of the best ways to celebrate the festive season and get into the Christmas mood. They are full of Christmas-themed decorations, illuminations, artisan goods, and even entertainment. Some of the markets even transport you to Europe, by immersing you with shops full of traditional artisan goods, European sweet delights, and cozy food from pot pies to beer and mulled wine.
Make Your Trip to Japan Easier By Learning Some Japanese!
If you really want to make the most out of your winter break, we highly recommend learning how to speak Japanese! You will need to learn how to order food at the markets, make travel reservations, and even communicate with locals to participate in Christmas events!
At Coto Academy, you can learn Japanese with fun, flexible, conversation-focused lessons that help you start speaking from day one. Whether you’re visiting for a short getaway or staying a little longer, our classes are designed with travelers in mind, making it easy to fit learning into your winter itinerary.
We have campuses in Tokyo, Yokohama, and online, all offering:
- Part-time or casual lessons for busy sightseeing schedules
- Intensive Japanese courses to jump-start your progress
Why join Coto Academy?
- Over 60+ different Japanese classes over 18 levels
- Small classroom of only up to 8 students for personalized support
- Professional, native Japanese teachers
Fill out the form below to get started today!
When do Christmas markets in Tokyo usually start?
Most Christmas markets in Tokyo begin in mid-November and run until December 25. A few illumination events may continue until New Year’s Eve, but traditional markets typically close on Christmas Day. Major markets like Tokyo Christmas Market, Solamachi, and Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse follow this schedule.
Are Christmas markets in Tokyo free to enter?
Many Christmas markets, such as Roppongi Hills, Akasaka Ark Hills, and Solamachi (Skytree), offer free entry. However, others, especially larger or more popular ones, have admission fees, such as the Tokyo Christmas Market (Jingu Gaien / Shiba Park), which charges ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 depending on the date.
Some markets, like the Yokohama Red Brick Market, are generally free, with certain areas requiring a ¥500 entry fee.
What can you buy at Tokyo Christmas markets?
Tokyo Christmas markets specialize in festive European-style goods, food, and drinks. Common items include (definitely not limited to): German Christmas ornaments, wooden crafts (i.e., nutcrackers), seasonal gifts, artisan goods, Christmas sweets like stollen, crepes, or chocolates, warm drinks (mulled wine, hot chocolate, spiced cider), and European foods such as sausages, fondue, roast meats, and pretzels.
Are Christmas markets in Tokyo crowded?
Markets like Tokyo Christmas Market and Yokohama Red Brick Market get especially busy. But many of them can get quite crowded on Friday nights and weekends. To avoid the busiest times, try going on weekdays or before sunset.
Which Christmas Markets in Tokyo have the most “European” inspiration?
The Tokyo Christmas Market (Jingu Gaien / Shiba Park) is considered the most authentically European because the German Tourism Association and the German Embassy support it. It features Germany’s Christmas pyramid, European choirs, authentic crafts, and traditional German food. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Market also has a strong European atmosphere thanks to its architecture and long-running traditions.