Christmas in Tokyo is unlike anywhere else. The city doesn’t just decorate, it transforms. Streets shimmer with gold, plazas glow under giant chandeliers, and every corner hums with the spirit of the season. Even though Christmas isn’t a national holiday in Japan, Tokyo celebrates it with all the sparkle and warmth you’d expect from one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
Let’s explore what will make Christmas in Tokyo 2025 so enchanting!
What to Expect During Christmas in Tokyo
December in Tokyo feels crisp, cheerful, and wonderfully alive. The weather is cool but not harsh, with daytime highs around 14°C and lows near 5°C. It’s the perfect excuse to pull on a warm coat, sip something hot, and wander through the illuminated streets.
Unlike in the West, Christmas in Japan is more about joy and romance than religion. Couples plan special dinners, families go out for illuminations, and friends gather for cake — yes, Christmas cake is a big deal here. Think soft sponge, fresh strawberries, and clouds of whipped cream. You’ll see them everywhere.
Tokyo’s Best Christmas Illuminations 2025
No city does holiday lights quite like Tokyo. Each neighborhood puts its own twist on the tradition, creating a glowing trail across the city.
Marunouchi
The trees along Marunouchi’s main avenue are wrapped in champagne-gold lights — elegant, subtle, and endlessly photogenic. The whole district feels like a scene from a winter fairytale, especially when viewed against the backdrop of Tokyo Station’s red-brick facade.
Ebisu Garden Place
This upscale plaza is home to one of the world’s largest Baccarat chandeliers, dazzling with 250 lights. Beneath it, couples take photos, families sip hot cocoa, and street performers add a festive soundtrack to the night.
Roppongi Hills and Midtown
Roppongi Hills turns its streets into a river of blue and white light, while nearby Tokyo Midtown features a galaxy-themed illumination that’s almost otherworldly. You can also find an outdoor skating rink here, a winter date spot favorite.
Yomiuriland
Just outside central Tokyo, Yomiuriland hosts one of Japan’s most extravagant light shows. Millions of LED bulbs shimmer like gemstones, transforming the amusement park into a glowing fantasyland.
Christmas Markets You’ll Love
Tokyo’s Christmas markets are where the city’s winter warmth truly comes alive. Stalls lined with wooden facades glow under strings of fairy lights, the scent of cinnamon and roasted almonds floating through the air. You’ll find mulled wine, handmade crafts, and a mix of traditional European charm with Tokyo’s effortless modern style.
Among the most beloved are the Tokyo Christmas Market at Jingu Gaien, known for its towering German “Christmas Pyramid,” and the cozy Skytree Christmas Market, where the city’s tallest landmark shines in festive colors. Each market has its own character — some nostalgic, some contemporary — but all share the same inviting holiday spirit.
If you want to explore the best ones in detail, from hidden neighborhood gems to major annual favorites, check out our full guide to Christmas Markets in Tokyo 2025.
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Festive Traditions and Events
Beyond the lights and music, Tokyo’s December calendar is rich with centuries-old traditions. These events blend folklore, faith, and festivity, giving the season a uniquely Japanese heartbeat.
Setagaya Boro-ichi
Dating back to 1578, this bustling market in Setagaya is a slice of living history. Once a place to trade scraps of cloth — “boro” — it now bursts with antiques, crafts, and comforting winter foods. Locals wander through the narrow lanes clutching sweet potatoes and hot tea, surrounded by the nostalgic scent of grilled mochi. Date: December 15th and 16th, January 15th and 16th Time: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sensoji Temple Hagoita Market
Held at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, this colorful fair celebrates hagoita, ornate wooden paddles said to bat away misfortune. Stalls overflow with designs depicting kabuki actors and zodiac animals, turning the temple grounds into a vivid gallery of good luck charms and craftsmanship.
Date: December 17th, 18th, and 19th
32nd Oji Fox Parade
Every New Year’s Eve, the quiet streets of Oji flicker to life as locals dress as foxes and carry glowing lanterns toward Oji Inari Shrine. The parade recreates an old legend immortalized by the artist Utagawa Hiroshige, and seeing it firsthand feels like stepping into a moving ukiyo-e painting — mysterious, haunting, and beautiful.
These events remind you that Tokyo’s winter magic isn’t just about modern sparkle, it’s rooted in stories that have been passed down for generations.
Date: December 31, 2024 to January 1, 2025
Where to Enjoy Ice Skating in Tokyo
When the temperature dips, ice rinks start appearing across Tokyo like little pockets of winter joy. They’re more than just places to skate — they’re where friends laugh, couples glide hand in hand, and families make chilly but cheerful memories. Each rink has its own atmosphere, from elegant city lights to playful outdoor setups surrounded by cafés and music.
Tokyo Midtown Ice Rink
Beautifully lit at night and framed by designer boutiques, this rink feels like skating inside a snow globe. Soft music plays over the speakers, the air smells faintly of roasted chestnuts, and nearby restaurants make it easy to warm up afterward with hot chocolate or wine.
Futako Tamagawa Rise Rink
A favorite among families, this open-air rink overlooks the Tama River and sits right next to a sprawling shopping complex. After a few laps on the ice, you can wander through its festive decorations or enjoy winter desserts in one of the nearby cafés.
Minami-Machida Grandberry Park Rink
This suburban gem offers a relaxed, spacious setup surrounded by outlets and trees dressed in lights. It’s ideal for a day trip — you can skate, shop, and catch a Christmas concert all in one visit.
Even if you’ve never stepped on the ice before, Tokyo’s winter rinks are welcoming. They rent out skates, provide beginner aids for kids, and turn even a simple afternoon into a charming seasonal experience.
Why Tokyo at Christmas Feels So Special
It’s not just the lights or the markets — it’s the atmosphere. The blend of Western-style festivities with Japan’s love for detail and design creates something uniquely heartwarming. You’ll see couples holding hands under twinkling trees, hear choirs singing in train stations, and feel that unmistakable winter joy in the air.
Christmas in Tokyo 2025 isn’t about tradition, it’s about feeling — bright, hopeful, and beautifully alive.
