Christmas is just around the corner and numbers of festive events are held in Tokyo during the Christmas season. From spectacular illuminations to special events at Tokyo Disney Resort, here are the best things to do/see in Tokyo in 2024 Christmas!

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Best Things to Do in Tokyo in Christmas Season

1. Disney Christmas

Tokyo Disney Resort (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea) is hosting an annual Christmas event “Disney Christmas” from early November to 25 December with Christmas decorations, large Christmas trees, special day and night parades, limited food, drinks, and merchandise collection. It’s definitely the most festive and dreamy place to be during Christmas season!

▶ Book tickets to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea online!

Date: 8 November to 25 December 2024

More info: Tokyo Disney Christmas

2. Candlelight: A Night of Christmas Classics

If you’re looking for something unique to do in Tokyo this Christmas, check out Candlelight: A Night of Christmas Classics. Since its debut in 2022, this magical concert series has become a must-see event, offering live music performed under the warm glow of candlelight.

For the Christmas season, they have a special A Night of Christmas Classics. Enjoy timeless classics like Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker – Tchaikovsky, O Holy Night, Last Christmas – Wham!, White Christmas, and more, all in a cozy, intimate setting.

▶ Buy your tickets for Candlelight: A Night of Christmas Classics 

3. Sanrio Puroland

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 annually from early November until Christmas day with the special theme of Christmas. You can meet adorable Sanrio characters in special Christmas costumes and enjoy the winter decorations, colourful illumination, photo spots, special shows, limited food and drink menu, and merchandise.

▶ Book tickets to Sanrio Puroland is available here!!

Date: 7 November to 25 December 2024

4. Christmas Illuminations

Christmas illuminations are the biggest attraction in Japan during winter. The colourful and gorgeous illuminations turn the city into a winter wonderland and simply make us feel festive and happy! Not only within the city, but there are also numbers of spectacular illumination events outside of Tokyo which are perfect for a winter day trip.

Check out the best illumination events held in and around Tokyo during winter.

In Tokyo: Tokyo Winter Illumination Guide

Near Tokyo:  Must-See Winter Illuminations near Tokyo

5. Christmas Markets

Authentic European style Christmas Markets can be enjoyed at several locations in Tokyo during the Christmas season. Along with Christmas trees, lights, decorations and music, enjoy hot and delicious Christmas food and drinks at day and night!

More info: Best Christmas Markets in Tokyo

6. Ice Skating

One of the most festive and wintery activities around Christmas season is ice skating. There are several limited-time outdoor ice skating rinks open in Tokyo during winter, and they usually offer visitors rental facilities. With the great view of city’s illumination, and warm Christmas food and drinks, enjoy being on ice in the heart of the city!

More info: Best Ice Skating Spots in Tokyo

7. Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter is a new entertainment facility that opened in 2023 summer at the former site of the Toshimaen amusement park in Nerima Ward, Tokyo. The world’s largest indoor Harry Potter attraction features the wizarding world of Harry Potter and allows visitors to step behind the scenes of the production of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film series. The Studio Tour Tokyo is holding their Christmas event starting from 9 November, featuring a park-wide Christmas theme and snowy decorations as well as Christmas themed food and merchandise at restaurants and shops.

▶︎Book tickets to Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo !

Related article: Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo Christmas

8. Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa NAKED Star Aquarium

Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa is a popular aquarium located in the heart of Tokyo (near Shinagawa Station). The aquarium is home to 350 kinds of sea creatures displayed at 11 different sections. The aquarium is hosting a Christmas event “NAKED Star Aquarium” offering romantic and festive contents created by the collaboration between sea creatures and the latest digital art produced by the creative company, NAKED,INC. The famous dolphin show will be also held with special effects of water, lights and projection mapping.

▶ Book discount e-tickets to Aqua Park Shinagawa!

More info: NAKED STAR AQUARIUM Christmas Event

9. Art Aquarium Museum Ginza

Art Aquarium Museum Ginza is a popular art museum in Tokyo, displaying installation works and sculptures with goldfish tanks and colourful lights. A Christmas event will be held at the venue for a limited time, featuring special decorations and effects with the theme of Christmas and winter.

▶ Book Tickets for Art Aquarium Museum in Ginza, Tokyo

More info: Art Aquarium Museum Ginza Christmas

10. Starbucks Japan Christmas Collection

One of the best Christmas gifts to buy is Starbucks Japan Christmas merchandise collection including limited designed tumblers, mugs, gift cards as well as special Christmas beverages! The collection is released in early November and available till Christmas day while the stocks lasts!

Related article: Starbucks Japan Christmas Tumbler and Mug

11. Christmas Cinderella Night Cruise

The “Christmas Cinderella Night Cruise in Tokyo Bay by Symphony Cruise” is exclusively available for Christmas, offering a romantic journey with the night view of Tokyo. The cruise includes free drinks and share plate. It’s a perfect option if you wish to do something really special on Christmas day with your loved one!

More info ▶ Christmas Cinderella Night Cruise in Tokyo Bay by Symphony Cruise

Check out more Christmas events held across Japan!

How exciting! Christmas is definitely one of the best time to visit Tokyo! For more info about travelling in Japan in December, please check out these article, too!

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