Tokyo in December: Best Things to Do

What to Do in Tokyo in December

Travelling to Tokyo in December? Check out the hottest events and attractions in Tokyo only available in December! There are a number of special events held at many locations such as winter illuminations and jolly Christmas markets, and the whole city will be covered with colourful lights and the festive atmosphere! Also we can’t miss New Year’s countdown celebrations available only this time of the year!

Let’s check out the list of the best things to do in Tokyo in December, and don’t miss the hottest events and tourist attractions!

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.


Tokyo in December

What is Tokyo in December like? In addition to regular tourist attractions that you can enjoy throughout the year, there are a variety of winter events in Tokyo. There are lots of gorgeous illuminations in popular towns including Roppongi and Omotesando. Some large Christmas markets are open until Christmas Day. The average daily temperature in December in Tokyo is 6-10°C (42.8-50°F). Tokyo has several snow days each year, and you may see snow in Tokyo near Christmas.

1. Winter Illuminations

Winter illuminations are definitely the top attraction in Japan in winter. Numbers of illumination events are held in Tokyo in December, and also many spectacular ones in Kanto area, which you can access easily from Tokyo. How many illuminations can you visit this winter??

▼Tokyo ▼

▼ Kanto Area ▼

2. Christmas Market

What a better way to celebrate the holiday season?? There are several authentic Christmas Markets in Tokyo open during Christmas season with lots Christmas goodies including delicious German food, hot wine, Christmas tree and decorations.

Related article:

3. Ice Skating

Ice skating is one of most wintery and festive activities this season, and Tokyo has several outdoor ice skating rinks in a central area. Enjoy the winter fun with hot snacks, drinks and illuminations.

More info:

4. Disney Christmas

©Disney.

Tokyo Disney Resort (Disneyland and DisneySea) hosts a variety of seasonal events through the year, and the annual Christmas event “Disney Christmas” is the perfect one for the grand finale of the year. The entire park will be decorated with festive Christmas decoration, and there will be special program including attraction, shows, parades as well as limited-edition food and drinks, and merchandise collection 🙂

Date: early November to late December

Book your tickets to Tokyo Disney Resort:
▶Tokyo Disneyland Tickets and Easy Pick-up
▶Tokyo DisneySea Tickets and Easy Pick-up

5. Christmas Dessert Buffets

Christmas/winter theme all-you-can-eat dessert buffets will be available at numbers of venues in Tokyo this winter. From delightful chocolate desserts to traditional Christmas treats, pick your favourite dessert buffets and indulge yourself as the sweetest Christmas present!

More info:

6. TOKYO COMIC CON

© TOKYO COMIC CON

The world’s leading pop culture event, COMIC CON is held annually in Tokyo (Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall) for 3 days in early December. TOKYO COMIC CON is a sister event to the Silicon Valley Comic Con founded by the legendary creator, Stan Lee, and celebrates both Japanese and American pop culture. Visitors can enjoy a large range of elements; comics, animation, games, and movies, as well as meeting special guests from Hollywood. The special guests to COMIC CON TOKYO in previous years included Sebastian Stan from Avengers series, Ron Weasley from Harry Potter series, Orlando Bloom from The Lord or the Rings and Zachary Levi Pugh from Shazam!.

Map: http://bit.ly/2OR1DTx
Website: https://tokyocomiccon.jp/en/

7. Puro Christmas

© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN

Sanrio Puroland is a theme park dedicated to Sanrio which produced numbers of popular Japanese characters such as Hello Kitty, My Melody, Gudetama, Pompompurin, etc. The Christmas event, Puro Christmas is held from early November to late December annually.You can meet adorable Sanrio characters in special Christmas costumes and enjoy fairy winter decorations, colourful illumination, photo spots, special shows, limited food and drink menu, and merchandise.

▶ Special Advance E-Tickets to Sanrio Puroland is available here!!

Related article:

8. Comic Market

The Comic Market (Comiket), one of Japan’s biggest comic related events, is held twice a year in August and December at Tokyo Big Sight. The event features thousands of manga published by professional and amateur artists, and also invites a large numbers of cosplayers.

Website: http://www.comiket.co.jp/index_e.html

9. Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks

A fireworks show “Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks” is held at Odaiba area every Saturday in December. The show starts at 7 pm and displays dramatic fireworks for 5 mins collaborating with illuminations and the magnificent night view of Odaiba area on its background. Along with the fireworks, you can also enjoy festive winter illuminations and Christmas decorations at several locations in Odaiba area.

Website: https://www.tokyo-odaiba.net/rainbow2023/

Check winter illuminations in Odaiba area:

10. Countdown Events

Every year, there are numbers of special countdown events held in Tokyo on New Year’s Eve such as fireworks, cruise party and more. Check out the link below to see the list of countdown events and best places to spend New Years Eve in Tokyo.

Related article:


▼Planning a trip to Tokyo in January??▼

Which events are you gonna visit in Tokyo in December?? There are more special events available all over Japan this month! Check the following articles for more fun events and activities in December!

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Written by

"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have lived and explored countries around the world. As a resident of Japan and based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling Japan with my readers. I hope my story will help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈