15 Best Christmas Event in Japan
Popular Christmas Illumination, Christmas Market, Tradition and Festival
Christmas in Japan is a unique cultural and spiritual celebration depending on the location. The cold climate adds to the festive atmosphere, and you can experience a white Christmas. A hallmark of Christmas in Japan is the presence of colorful lights, decorations, displays, and traditions.
Although Christmas in Japan is not a national holiday, various lively events and festivals related to the holiday season take place across the country. If you are planning to spend the holiday season in Japan, here are some events and festivals where you can enjoy Christmas.
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1. Disney Christmas (TOKYO)
Disney Christmas is an annual event at Tokyo Disney Resort in celebration of the holiday season. Every year there are unique activities and events prepared by Disney friends and characters and colorful Christmas decorations around the theme parks that make the place shine even more. One of the best places to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. Don’t miss out on this exciting event book your Disney Resort tickets here.
Location: Tokyo Disney Resort
Date: November 15 to December 25, 2024
Website: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/topics/event/christmas2024/tdl.html
2. No Limit Christmas (OSAKA)
The Universal Studio Japan will celebrate NO! Limit Christmas with the unique theme of Mario’s World, it is more fun and exciting because of new experiences and various activities offered. There are many decorations related to the holiday season including the winter season decorations that add sparkle to the place to feel more the spirit of Christmas. Come and enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends book your Universal Studio tickets here.
Location: Universal Studio Japan
Date: November 20, 2024 to January 5, 2025
Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/events/christmas-2024/no-limit-christmas
3. European Holy Christmas (NAGASAKI))
Huis Ten Bosch Christmas will provide a unique melody this festive season adding more of the spirit of Christmas. A majestic performance with brilliant illumination all around, a fantasy show that will bring joy to the visitor. In addition to the illumination, the Christmas market is a fun experience with various unique items for souvenirs and gifts.
Location: Huis Ten Bosch
Date: November 8, 2024 to January 6, 2025
Website: https://english.huistenbosch.co.jp/event/xmas/
4. Puroland Christmas (TOKYO)
Sanrio Puroland will bring joy this holiday season with a concert as a celebration of Christmas in Puroland. This holiday season Kiki and Lala will be the star of the village’s Christmas special that will shine in the starlight and offer a merry Christmas and romantic atmosphere.
Location: Sanrio Puroland
Date: November 7 to December 25, 2024
Website: https://www.puroland.jp/event-campaign/2024_christmas/
5. Tokyo Christmas Market 2024 in Jingu Gaien (TOKYO)
An annual Christmas event and the most anticipated Christmas Market in Tokyo featuring various Christmas ornament and gift shops. In addition, there are entertainment, and food stalls where you can feel the spirit of the holiday season.
Location: Jingu Gaien
Date: November 19 to December 25, 2024
Website: https://tokyochristmas.net/
6. Munich Christmas Market 2024 (HOKKAIDO)
One of the most anticipated annual Christmas events in Hokkaido is the Sapporo White Illumination which is also includes the magnificent Munich Christmas Market featuring various ornament, souvenirs and gifts related to Christmas. Plenty of shops, food stalls and some entertainment to enjoy the holiday season.
Location: Sapporo
Date: November 22 to December 25, 2024
Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/event/munich/
7. OSAKA Light Renaissance 2024 (OSAKA)
An annual Christmas event in Osaka, it is part of the Festival of the Lights in Osaka. The festival features arts and lights along the Nakanoshima waterfront, symbolizing Osaka as the aquatic capital.
Location: Around Osaka City Hall ~ Nakanoshima Park
Date: December 14 to 25, 2024
Website: https://www.hikari-kyoen.com/renaissance/
8. Kyoto Station Building Countdown Christmas (KYOTO)
One of the popular Christmas event in Kyoto held at the Kyoto Station building featuring shops selling various Christmas items and Christmas ornament that perfect for gifts. In addition with many food stalls and illumination around the area.
Location:
Date: December 2 to 25, 2024
Website: https://www.kyoto-station-building.co.jp/events/1545.html
9. NAKED Star Aquarium 2024
The Naked Star Aquarium is an annual winter event created by the Japanese creative company Naked, Inc. A unique experience of the digital art, projection mapping, and LED lights with the water marine life. Features show exhibitions, colorful illumination, and light-up.
Location: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
Date: November 23 to December 25, 2024
Website: https://www.aqua-park.jp/special/staraquarium2024/
10. Tokyo Skytree Dream Christmas 2024
An annual Christmas event in Tokyo Skytree featuring colorful and sparkling Christmas decorations, lightning, and illumination. Perfect place to spend the holiday season with your loved ones with the other attractions and activities in Tokyo Skytree.
Location: Tokyo Skytree
Date: November 7 to December 25, 2024
Website: https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/
11. Hikari no Machi Hakata Christmas Market (Fukuoka)
One of the most anticipated and fun Christmas events in Fukuoka where the annual Christmas Advent is held throughout Fukuoka and one of the most famous Christmas markets in the area is the Hikari no Machi Hakata takes place at Hakata Station. In addition the gift shops and food stalls, full of illumination and decoration around the station.
Location: Hakata City
Date: November 1 to December 25, 2024
Website: https://christmas-advent.jp/
12. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market
A famous Christmas market in Yokohama full of colorful gift shops and decorations with food stalls around, attraction and entertainment.
Location: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Date: November 22 to December 25, 2024
Website: https://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/christmas/
13. Kobe Christmas Market 2024
An annual Christmas market event in Kobe, featuring various shops selling handcrafted ornament, gifts, and seasonal decorations. In addition plenty of food stalls, illumination, and Christmas decorations inspired by European Christmas with lively performances.
Location: Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden/Ropeway
Date: November 9 to December 25, 2024
Website: https://www.kobeherb.com/tips/kobechristmasmarket/index.html#pageMain
14. Marunochi Bright Holiday (TOKYO)
The Marunouchi Bright Holiday is an annual winter illumination event in the Marunouchi area featuring street illumination, decoration, and seasonal displays. This year a special collaboration with the Super Mario-themed will add to the Marunouchi Bright Holiday celebrating the popular character with colorful illumination, decorations, Pop-up shops, exclusive merchandise, and a themed menu inspired by the characters.
Location:
Date: November 14, 2024 to January 13, 2025
Website: https://www.marunouchi.com/en/
15. Wonder Night Hill 2024 (MINAMI OSAKA)
A lively Christmas event held at Harvest Hill in Osaka featuring Harvest Night Hill an evening attraction full of colorful illumination displays and family-friendly activities. A perfect place to enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends.
Location: Harvest Hill
Date: November 1, 2024 to January 26, 2025
Website: https://farm.or.jp/illumination_2024
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Written by
Greetings to all mommies I am a supermom from Philippines. Previously, I worked and lived in Dubai for seven years, until 2015 the year I moved in Japan. Currently, I am happily settled here with my Japanese husband and our 7 months old baby. I could only describe my almost 6 years of living here as a roller coaster ride more so, after I gave birth to my son. Japan had changed me in ways unimaginable. It has influence my lifestyle, my perceptions and beliefs. I was able to witness firsthand the pros and cons of living in the country. From their language, culture and ethnicity, the people, place and in work. Those years were enough to give me quite personal and memorable experiences which I would be more than delighted to share with you.