10 Best Events in Japan in December 2024

List of Seasonal Events in Japan in December

Japan in December

Tokyo has countless things to do for both residents and tourists from overseas throughout the year. There are especially some of the most exciting events in Japan’s capital in December, which are held for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. You may have some snowy days during your stay in December while January and February are colder than that.

Some popular amusement parks host Christmas events from November to late December. Christmas markets open to offer hot dishes and drinks and lovely items in urban areas. Winter is famous for fresh seafood and Japanese unique dishes such as Oden and hot pots, and Tokyo is one of the few places where you can taste almost everything from across the country.

Viewing spectacular illuminations around the city has been one of the most popular attractions in winter recently. Some tourists take a short trip to well-known Onsen towns near Tokyo.

For every tourist who wants to add some more plans to your itinerary, here is the list of the best events in Tokyo in December including popular theme park events and exclusive art and pop culture exhibitions.

Don’t miss the highlight in Tokyo in December!

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.


1. Illuminations

The colorful city of Tokyo shines even more during December, the city is surrounded by various colorful illuminations on the roads, buildings, and even establishments symbolizing the approaching holiday season. Most of the illuminations in Tokyo start to open in mid-November.
Come and take a walk in the city of Tokyo and enjoy the beautiful and colorful illumination.

Genre: Illuminations
Dates: Lots of places are lit up from November

For more information about the Illumination event in Tokyo, check out the following article!

▶︎Tokyo Winter Illumination Guide 2024-2025

2. Christmas Markets

Christmas Market

December is one of the most exciting months of the year when the holiday season is celebrated with many Christmas-related events taking place. One of them is the Christmas markets that take place in various places in Japan, especially in Tokyo. Here, you can feel the spirit of the holiday season where various things can be seen such as Christmas decorations, and characters related to the holiday season.

Genre: Market
Dates: From November to December 25, 2024

For more information about the Christmas Markets and events, Check out the following articles.

▶︎Best Christmas Markets in Tokyo 2024

3. Disney Christmas 2024

Disney Christmas-min
©Disney.

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.

Genre: Theme Park
Location: Tokyo Disney Resort
Dates: November 15 to December 25, 2024
Website: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/topics/event/christmas2024/tdl.html

<< Book your Tokyo Disney Resort e-tickets here! >>

For more travel tips about Tokyo Disney Resort, Check out the following articles.

▶︎Tokyo Disneyland Guide: Best Things to Do

▶︎Tokyo DisneySea Guide: Best Things to Do

4. Puroland Christmas 2024

Puroland Christmas-min
© 2024 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN 著作 株式会社サンリオ

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.

Genre: Theme Park
Location: Sanrio Puroland
Dates: November 7 to December 25, 2024
Website: https://www.puroland.jp/event-campaign/2024_christmas/

<<Book your Sanrio Puroland Tickets here!>>

5. Tokyo Skytree Dream Christmas 2024

Tokyo Skytree Dream Christmas 2024-min
© TOBU RAILWAY CO.,LTD. & TOBU TOWER SKYTREE CO.,LTD.

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.

Genre: Illumination Christmas Event
Location: Tokyo Skytree
Dates: November 7 to December 25, 2024
Website: https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/event/info/xmas2024

For more information about this event, check out the following articles.

▶︎Tokyo Skytree Town Dream Christmas Illumination 2024

6. Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks

Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks-min
©TOKYO RINKAI HOLDINGS, INC

This month of the holiday season, Odaiba will celebrate rainbow fireworks which will brighten up the area and give a unique view at night, it will be held every Saturday throughout the month of December.

Genre: Festival
Location: Odaiba Seaside Park
Dates: December 7, 14, 21, 24 and 28, 2024
Website: https://www.tokyo-odaiba.net/rainbow2024/

7. Shibuya Sky Sparkling View

Shibuya Sky Sparkling View-min
Copyright © SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE

Shibuya Sky offers a unique experience this winter, a special sight that sparkles this holiday season. From the rooftop, a beautiful view full of colorful lights from the city view at night. Enjoy a unique experience this winter, book your Shibuya Sky tickets here.

Genre: Winter Scenery
Location: Shibuya Sky
Dates: November 7 to December 25, 2024
Website: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/sky/sparkling_view/

<<Book your SHIBUYA SKY tickets here!!>>

For more information about the Shibuya Sky, Check out the following article.

▶︎Shibuya Sky: the New Observatory on Top of Shibuya Scramble Square

8. NAKED Star Aquarium 2024

Naked Star Aquarium-min
Copyright©Maxell AQUAPARK SHINAGAWA

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.

Genre: Christmas Event
Location: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
Dates: November 23 to December 25, 2024
Website: https://www.aqua-park.jp/special/staraquarium2024/

9. New Year Countdown Cruise at Tokyo Bay Symphony

New Year Countdown Cruise at Tokyo Bay Symphony-min
Copyright © 2024 Sealine Tokyo

Celebrate the welcoming of the New Year with joy, here and experience the unique and exciting New Year Countdown on the Tokyo Bay Symphony Cruise.

Genre: Dinner Cruise
Location: Tokyo Bay Symphony Cruise
Dates: December 31, 2024
Website: https://www.symphony-cruise.co.jp/newyear2025/

<<Book 2024-2025 New Year’s Eve Cruise in Tokyo here!!>>

10. Marunouchi Bright Holiday (Super Mario Themed)

Marunouchi Bright Holiday -min
Copyright © MITSUBISHI ESTATE Co.,Ltd.

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.

Genre: Christmas Illumination
Location: Marunochi Area
Dates: November 14, 2024 to January 13, 2025
Website: https://www.marunouchi.com/en/

For more information about this event, check the following article!

▶︎MARUNOUCHI BRIGHT HOLIDAY 2024


Want to check out last month’s events? Check them out from the following link!

▶List of Best Events in Tokyo in November

In addition to those seasonal events, there are more things to do in Tokyo in December. Check more details in these articles below.

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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.