Christmas is finally close by, and what better time to visit some authentic Christmas markets – or as close as we can get while being in Tokyo – to soak up all the Christmas atmosphere and celebrate the most festive time of the year?
Christmas markets are traditional festivals that have been held in Germany and other European countries since the Middle Ages.
In every city, the central square is filled with characteristic Christmas decorations, lights, and stalls selling traditional sweets and beverages, making them an essential part of the Christmas season from the end of November through December 25th.
Christmas Markets Worth Visiting this Winter in Tokyo
Image credit: Tokyo Solamachi Instagram
Japan has definitely hopped on the western tradition of Christmas markets, and in this article, we are showcasing some of the best Christmas markets in Tokyo you should pay a visit if you’re feeling the Christmas spirit.
Christmas Market Roppongi Hills
The Christmas market in Roppongi Hills celebrates its 16th anniversary in the pretty setting of Roppongi, reproducing the atmosphere of a German Christmas market.
Inside the venue, you can also appreciate the majesty of the Christmas tree that reproduces the one at the Christmas market in Stuttgart, Germany, which is said to be the world’s largest Christmas tree.
Enjoy the visit while trying some authentic German cuisine such as sausages and mulled wine and shop around the stall to find all kinds of Christmas-themed goods.
📅Date: November 23rd to December 25th
🕒Time: 11:00 to 21:00
📍Where: Roppongi Hills
🎟️Free Entry
🔗Christmas Market Roppongi Hills
Christmas Market at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market in Yokohama this year as well will be centered around the 10-meter high Christmas tree, the symbol of the event. Visitors can enjoy German cuisine, hot wine, and Christmas goods at the market.
The area on the side of Red Brick Warehouse No. 2 will be lit up with an “Illumination Garden” set up with warm lights, where you will be able to enjoy a variety of foods, from pizza to hot and cozy minestrone from food stalls. Browse around where you’ll find European miscellaneous goods and participate in a candle making workshop.
DJs from popular clubs will be making an appearance with a limited number of music events to provide a new way to enjoy the festive season.
📅Date: November 22nd to December 25th
🕒Time: 11:00 to 22:00
📍Where: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
🎟️Entrance fee: 500 yen
🔗Christmas Market at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Tokyo Skytree Town Christmas Market
Image credit: Tokyo Solamachi Instagram
From the beginning of November, the shopping complex of Tokyo Skytree town will be decorated to celebrate Christmas. The main spot, “Sky Arena”, is wrapped in warm gold-based illumination, and plenty of photo spots for all to enjoy. Enjoy the view of Tokyo Skytree as it lights up to create the appearance of a Christmas tree, making Tokyo Skytree Town Christmas Market one of the best spots to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and take pictures with the iconic symbol of the city.
📅Date: November 7th to December 25th
🕒Time: 17:30 to 00:00
📍Where: Tokyo Skytree Town
🎟️Free Entry
🔗Tokyo Skytree Town Christmas Market
Tokyo Christmas Market Meiji Jingu Gaien
Image credit: photo-ac.com
This year the Tokyo Christmas Market will be held in Meiji Jingu Gaien in Shinjuku. This market is certainly not to be missed as the event is backed by the German Tourism Association and the German Embassy. The main protagonist of this event is the 14-meter-high “Christmas Pyramid” from Seifen, Germany, a city that is considered the home of Christmas ornaments. Stalls and stores offering hot wine, Christmas traditional sweets, European-style Christmas ornaments, and more, are lined up in the surrounding area.
You might not be familiar with the “Christmas pyramid” since it’s not very popular at all in Japan, but its history is older than that of the Christmas tree, and it is an indispensable part of the German tradition of Christmas.
📅Date: November 19th to December 25th
🕒Time: 11:00 to 21:30
📍Where: Meiji Jingu Gaien, Shinjuku
🎟️Entrance fee: Children 500 yen, adults 1000 yen on weekdays, 1500 yen on holidays and weekends
🔗Tokyo Christmas Market
Miyashita Christmas Park
Miyashita Park shopping complex in Shibuya will once again hold its Christmas market event titled “Love purple market” from November 12th to December 25th. The market theme is Christmas as the “time to deepen your love with your loved ones.” Kitchen cars, food stalls, shops, pop-up stores, and workshops will be connected through the common theme of “purple” – purple illuminations. Pick up your presents and some food and enjoy a new type of Christmas market in Shibuya.
📅Date: November 12th to December 25th
🕒Time: 17:00 to 23:00
📍Where: Miyashita Park (Shibuya)
🎟️Entrance Free
🔗Miyashita Christmas Park
Cocoon City Christmas Market
If you’re in the Saitama area, head on over to Cocoon City to feast your eyes on their 10-meter tall Christmas tree. Although the dates are rather tight, Cocoon City Chrismtas Market offers great events for all to enjoy. Ranging from delicious food stalls, Christmas goods, and a couple of workshops for guests to partake in making it the perfect Christmas-filled day. Enjoy the food and the company at the eat-in space inside the venue while viewing the illumination.
📅Date: December 21st to December 25th
🕒Time: 12:00 to 20:00
📍Where: Cocoon City Saitama
🎟️Entrance Free
🔗Cocoon City Christmas Market (Japanese site)
Image credit: Canva.com
Which Christmas Market Are You Going to Visit in Tokyo This Year?
Although Christmas is not culturally such an important event in Japan, you can find some great Christmas markets that will bring you to the center of the Christmas action – just like being at home.
Related articles:
- The Best Tokyo Christmas Illumination Installations of 2024/2025
- Ethical, Vegan-Friendly Christmas Markets in Tokyo for Eco-Conscious Gifts and Good Food
Ethical, Vegan-Friendly Christmas Markets in Tokyo for Eco-Conscious Gifts and Good Food
