List of Seasonal Events in Japan in December
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December is one of the months when most travelers come to Japan as well as the cherry blossom season in March and April. They visit Japan in December to have an enjoyable Christmas vacation, join exciting New Year’s countdown events, or experience Japanese seasonal attractions such as hot springs and winter food.
Lots of events are held in amusement parks and other tourist spots around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. There are gorgeous colorful illuminations lit up around urban cities including Tokyo and Osaka in the middle of winter. Both Japanese and foreign people take a trip to Onsen towns. The cold season is perfect for various Japanese dishes like Nabe hot pots, Oden, and the freshest seafood.
For all travelers, here is the list of the best events that you should experience in Japan in December. This event list ranges from famous Christmas and countdown parties to time-limited exhibitions only this year.
Make your winter travel better with these unique events!
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.
1. Disney Christmas (Chiba)
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! >>
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11 minutes walk from Maihama Station. |
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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
2. NO! Limit Christmas (Osaka)
This year 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.
Genre: Theme Park
Location: Universal Studio Osaka
Dates: November 20, 2024 to January 5, 2025
Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/events/christmas-2024/no-limit-christmas
<< Book your Universal Studios Japan Osaka e-tickets here! >>
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5 minutes from Nishikujo Station via (JR Yumesaki Line) to Universal-City Station. |
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For more travel tips about Universal Studio Japan, Check out the following article.
▶︎Universal Studios Japan Christmas 2024–2025
▶︎Check out the Best Things to Do at Universal Studios Japan!
3. Huis Ten Bosch 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.
Genre: Illumination/Festival
Location: Nagasaki
Dates: November 8, 2024 to January 6, 2025
Website: https://english.huistenbosch.co.jp/event/xmas/
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20 minutes from Haiki Station via (Omura Line) to Huis Ten Bosch Station. |
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4. Christmas Markets (Around Japan)
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 Market in Tokyo 2024
▶︎Best Christmas Market in Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto
5. Ramen Expo (Osaka)
Ramen Expo is one of the biggest festivals of ramen in Japan. Participate with top ramen chef professionals from all over Japan. Here, different kinds of ramen are cooked and prepared in front of you, delicious and unique taste. A perfect event for the cold weather and ramen lovers.
Genre: Festival
Location: Expo ’70 Commemorative
Dates: November 23 to December 30, 2024
Website: https://ramen-expo.com/
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6 minutes walk from Bampakukinenkoen Station. |
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6. Universal Studio No Limit! Countdown 2025 (Osaka)
Bring the whole family and have fun celebrating the end of the year and welcoming the new year at the most exciting place Universal Studio Japan. The NO! Limit Countdown 2025 will be held. Come and join the fun event, book now your Universal Studio tickets here.
Genre: Amusement Park
Location: Osaka
Dates: December 31, 2024 to January 1, 2025
Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us
<< Book your Universal Studios Japan Osaka e-tickets here! >>
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5 minutes from Nishikujo Station via (JR Yumesaki Line) to Universal-City Station. |
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7. NAKED Garden of Japanese Light (Heian Shrine) Kyoto
One of the popular winter illumination and light-ups in Heian Jingu Shrine. A Naked Illumination and projection mapping created by the Japanese creative company Naked, Inc. and an annual event during winter offer a unique experience to witness the beauty of Kyoto with modern technology.
Genre: Light-up event
Location: Heian Jingu Shrine
Dates: December 13, 2024 to January 13, 2025
Website: https://naked.co.jp/works/23893
For more information about this event, check the following article!
8. Sapporo White Illumination (Hokkaido)
The most anticipated winter illumination in Hokkaido is held annually in Sapporo city. Featuring street illumination, seasonal display, millions of LED lights with beautiful designs making the central Sapporo transform into a magical winter wonderland. Experience the snowy winter with unique and colorful illumination and the holiday season.
Genre: Illumination
Location: Sapporo area
Dates: November 22, 2024 to March 14, 2025 (Dates depend on the venue)
Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/
For more information about this event, check the following article!
▶︎Sapporo White Illumination 2024-2025
9. Ashikaga Flower Fantasy Illumination (Tochigi)
One of the most famous flower parks in Japan, the Ashigaya Flower Park in Tochigi will hold three large flower fantasy illuminations with the themes of a Fusion of light and amethyst sage, Christmas Fantasy, and Co-starring lights and winter peonies. Which starts from October 18, 2024, to February 16, 2025. Come and enjoy the amazing flower illumination with your family and friends. This year enjoy the Flower Fantasy Park with the theme of Snow and illumination the snow world.
Genre: Illumination
Location: Tochigi, Ashikaga Flower Park
Dates: October 18, 2024 to February 16, 2025
Website: https://www.ashikaga.co.jp/flowerfantasy_special2024/en/index.html
For more information about this event, check the following article!
▶︎Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination 2024-2025
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37 minutes from Oyama Station via (Ryomo Line) to Ashikaga Flower Park Station. |
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10. Nabana no Sato Illumination (Mie)
An illumination that will take your imagination to another fantasy place is the offering of Nabana no Sato at Nagashima Resort. There are different themed lights available in each area that are really amazing with their beauty and sparkles.
Genre: Illumination
Location: Nabana no Sato
Dates: October 19, 2024 to June 1, 2025
Website: https://www.nagashima-onsen.co.jp/nabana/illumination/index.html
For more information about this event, check the following article!
▶︎Nabana no Sato: Spectacular Winter Illumination 2024-2025
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10 minutes from Kintetsu-Nagashima Station via (Nagashima Nabana no Sato Line) to Nabana no Sato Station. |
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Want to check out last month’s events? Check them out from the following link!
▶List of Best Events in Japan in November
In addition to those seasonal events, there are more things to do in Japan in December. Check more details in these articles below.
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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.
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