Written by Patrick Balfe
Tokyo events for Monday, December 22, to Sunday, December 28, 2025.
With you-know-who set to make a visit on Wednesday night, it’ll come as no surprise that holiday markets take center stage this week. Already over the garish lights and jaunty music? Don’t worry, we’ve got enough to keep you occupied, too.
Winter Solstice Festival
Traditionally, this time of year marks the plunge into the depths of winter, so to protect yourself from the cold weather, you can buy a mamori or charm from either a shrine or temple — or both for good measure.
Kasukabe Hagoita Market
The Hagoita Market features a form of art traditionally sold at this time of year, for which the Kasukabe area is famous.
Yokohama Night Flowers
Yokohama Night Flowers was formerly called Yokohama Sparkling Twilight. This event has evolved over the years and is now a seasonal fireworks festival that runs from summer through winter.
Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks
This out-of-season fireworks display takes place every Saturday in December at 7 p.m. for five minutes. The fireworks are shot into the sky between Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge — so there are some awesome photo opportunities.
Roppongi Crossing: “What Passes Is Time. We Are Eternal.”
If you’re looking for a brilliant modern-art exhibition in Tokyo, Roppongi Crossing is it. The latest edition features a raft of acclaimed artists based in Japan and abroad, centred around the theme of time; specifically, how precious and transient it is.
Yoshimoto Comedy Night OWARAI
Yoshimoto Comedy Night heads to the Roppongi Theater stage every Monday, bringing locals and visitors a night of laughs and surprises. Don’t expect extended monologues, though — the comedy at Yoshimoto is largely driven by non-verbal physical humor, skits, prop comedy, and feats of sheer amazement.
| Advance sales: ¥3,800 | At the door: ¥3,800 | |
AniBeat: Tokyo Anime Music Live Performance
Catch intimate live performances of your favorite anime tracks in Shimbashi. Expect to hear classics from Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away and Kiki’s Delivery Service, as well as theme songs from series like Evangelion and Dragon Ball Z performed on piano and flute with a live vocalist.
Ajinomoto Stadium BIG Flea Market
One of the bigger flea markets in the city, there will be around 800 stalls to visit, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time and bring your haggling A-game. There will be organic veg, handicrafts, second-hand clothes bordering on vintage, antiques and toys.
Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin Flea Market
The market takes place on the 28th of every month. It starts bright and early at 6 a.m. and wraps up by 2 p.m. There are typically around 100 stalls selling antiques, second-hand clothes, and more.
Candlelight: Christmas Pop Hits
Christmas is just around the corner, so warm yourself with these peppy Christmas hits. Take in the punchy performances while being surrounded by candles.
Hakone Crystal Illumination
European decorative glass meets yuletide joy at the Hakone Glass Forest. This is no ordinary Christmas tree — it’s a 10-meter-tall installation composed of 150,000 crystal glass pieces.
| At the door: ¥1,800 | ||
| At the door: ¥600 | ||
| At the door: ¥1,300 | ||
Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination
Originally a Nakameguro event from way back in 2014, the Blue Cave is now a Shibuya highlight each winter. A giant snowman will be the main feature of this year’s event, combined with a Christmassy video projection on his belly.
Yokohama Winter Illuminations (Yorunoyo)
The Yokohama waterfront shines brighter than ever. Crowned one of Japan’s top three cities for stunning night views, Yokohama celebrates its title with Yorunoyo, an expansive winter illumination event that takes over the entire bayside.
Light Walk Odaiba
Light Walk Odaiba is an illumination trail that stretches across the two-kilometer path of Odaiba’s Yume-no-Ōhashi Bridge in Symbol Promenade Park.
Tokyo Night and Light
Tokyo’s biggest nighttime light show isn’t in a theme park. It’s projected right onto the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Tokyo Christmas Market
Sponsored by the German Embassy and the German Tourism Association, the market promises plenty of hearty food, warming wines, twinkling lights, and stalls stacked with handmade gifts.
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market
Stretching along the beautiful red-brick warehouses, the market features an impressive Christmas tree display, market stalls, and plenty of festive cheer.
| At the door: ¥500 | ||
Marunouchi Street Park Christmas Market
Don’t let the name confuse you — this is actually a Christmas market, and it stretches across Nakadori Avenue and Gyoko-dori Avenue.
Christmas Advent Tokyo
One of Japan’s most beloved Christmas events is coming to Tokyo. Like many Christmas markets, this one, too, is going for a European vibe. Expect an outdoor market atmosphere with lights, food stalls, and seasonal art installations.
Tokyo Skytree Dream Christmas
Not only will the tower be lit up, but the entire Skytree Town will be too.
Roppongi Hills Christmas Market
A Christmas market with all the frills, this festive event has the trinkets, treats, and trees you need.
Azabudai Hills Christmas Market
The snazzy Azabudai Hills complex gets a sprinkle of Christmas cheer come December. The venue, the central square of Azabudai Hills, is draped with golden lights and a truckload of decorations.
Tokyo Tower Christmas Market
Held at the foot of Tokyo Tower, this market has all of the food, drinks, and trinkets you need for a beautiful and memorable Christmas stop.
Tokyo Midtown Christmas
The Midtown illumination is incredibly popular in the days leading up to Christmas (especially the 24th), with couples bringing a bottle of champers with them.
Hanayashiki Christmas
Here’s how Tokyo’s oldest theme park is celebrating Christmas. The Christmas program runs from December 6 to 31, 2025.
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