This is Hamamoto from TIMEWELL Inc.
Christmas Across Japan in 2024
The Christmas season in Japan runs from mid-November through December 25, with illuminations, markets, workshops, and themed park events spread across the country. This guide covers the major events by region — a practical reference for planning holiday outings wherever you're based.
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Kanto (Tokyo and Surrounding Areas)
The greater Tokyo area has the densest concentration of events in the country.
Yebisu Garden Place (Ebisu, Tokyo)
The Baccarat Crystal chandelier installation is the anchor — one of the world's largest crystal chandeliers, mounted in the courtyard. The Christmas Marché runs November 9 through December 25.
Reference: https://gardenplace.jp/special/2024christmas/
Tokyo Skytree Town / Tokyo Solamachi
Approximately 500,000 LEDs create the illumination around the base of the Skytree. A Christmas market runs alongside, with food stalls and seasonal goods.
Dates: November 7 – December 25, 2024
Reference: https://www.tokyo-solamachi.jp/2024xmas/event/
Tokyo Midtown / MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS 2024 (Roppongi, Tokyo)
Approximately 320,000 gold-toned lights in the tree-lined garden areas, plus a "shabon" (bubble) illumination of approximately 240,000 lights creating a snow-globe-like effect.
Dates: November 14 – December 25, 2024
Reference: https://www.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/event/7162/index.html
Additional Kanto events are running in Saitama Shintoshin and Nishi-Shinjuku's central boulevard.
Kansai (Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto)
Osaka Hikari no Kyoen (Festival of Lights)
The largest illumination event in Kansai, centered on Midosuji boulevard with satellite events throughout the city.
Dates: November–December along Midosuji and other central Osaka locations
Reference: https://www.hikari-kyoen.com/
Kobe Harborland and Abeno Harukas
Kobe Harborland runs its German-style Christmas market through the holiday season. Abeno Harukas in Osaka also runs seasonal illumination events. Both offer the kind of festive atmosphere that's hard to find in everyday urban settings.
Chubu (Nagoya and Surrounding Areas)
Legoland Japan — Brick Christmas 2024
Legoland's first illumination event, featuring Lego brick-based installations and seasonal displays.
Dates: November 22 – December 25, 2024
Reference: https://www.legoland.jp/operation/seasonal-events/bricxmas/2024/
Nagoya Christmas Market 2024
A German-style Christmas market in central Nagoya.
Dates: December 6–25, 2024
Reference: https://www.tokai-tv.com/xmasmarket/
Toyohashi Christmas Market 2024
German mountain-cabin-style stalls, original candle-making workshops, and local food vendors.
Dates: December 14–24, 2024
Reference: https://1484machinaka.jp/event/11432
Other Regions
Aomori — CHRISTMAS MARKET in ASPAM 2024
Illuminations and local specialty goods market at the ASPAM building in Aomori City.
Reference: https://www.aomori-kanko.or.jp/aspam/christmas-market/
Fukuoka — Christmas Market in Hikari no Machi Hakata
Traditional Christmas goods, hot wine, and seasonal food stalls in the Hakata district.
Dates: November 1 – December 25, 2024
Reference: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000042.000105684.html
Christmas events are also running in Sapporo, Sendai, Hiroshima, Naha, and other major cities nationwide. Check regional tourism boards for specific dates and locations.
Planning Notes
- Verify dates and times: Events can be adjusted for weather, operational decisions, or other factors. Always confirm on official websites before traveling.
- Book in advance for high-demand events: Legoland, Tokyo Disney Resort, and major illuminations are busiest in the final week of December. Book tickets early if you're visiting then.
- Check what's ticketed versus free: Many illuminations are publicly accessible; markets and park events often charge admission. Know before you go.
Have a wonderful Christmas season wherever you are in Japan.
