2024 — a year that has been both very long and all too short — is coming to a close. But before that clock hits midnight on December 31, try out some of these festivities and events in Tokyo.
Remember, December is the month of winter illuminations and Christmas markets in Tokyo. If you are looking for a New Year countdown party or more traditional things to do, then check out our dedicated New Year’s Eve guide.
For the top events in Tokyo throughout the year, check out our complete guide — organized by month.
1. Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks
December 7–28Odaiba Seaside Park, Odaiba
See fireworks every Saturday in December
Get ready for some pretty awesome fireworks. Already a romantic spot, the Seaside Park in front of Decks Shopping Mall will be filled to the brim with couples every Saturday in December (plus the 24th). While the fireworks display only lasts for five minutes, it’s still well worth the visit — plus there are plenty of other things to do in Odaiba while you’re there.
2. Hagoita-ichi Fairs
December 17–19Sensōji Temple, Asakusa
Hit that bad luck into the stratosphere
Hagoita are wooden paddles that were once used to play hanetsuki, a Japanese badminton-like game. Over time, they became regarded as an auspicious symbol — they’re used for hitting, after all, so maybe they could “hit” bad luck as well; get it? Thus, at Sensoji Temple’s Hagoita Market and Kasukabe Hagoita Market you’ll see elaborate, purely ornamental hagoita, which are meant to welcome good luck and drive away bad luck. Great for gifts.
3. Winter Comiket
December 29–30Tokyo Big Sight, Odaiba
See fans dress up in cosplay
If you’re into Japanese pop culture, comics, and cosplay, be sure not to miss Winter Comiket, the major geeky year-ender. This event draws tons of doujinshi (fan-made comics) collectors, cosplayers, and photographers every year, so be prepared for crowds and queues (yes, even to take photos of the more popular cosplayers).
Read our guide to cosplaying at Comiket to learn about Japanese cosplay event etiquette and what to expect.
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4. Tokyo Comic Con
December 6–8Makuhari Messe, Chiba
Celebrate Western comics and see celebrities
While anime and manga tend to be celebrated in Japan throughout the whole year, the biggest celebration of Western comic books and entertainment can be found in December.
Comic Con is famous the world over for merchandise, celebrity meet-and-greets, as well as cosplay — and Tokyo’s edition is no different. For 2024, Jude Law, Christopher Lloyd, Benedict Cumberbatch, John Boyega, and many more big names will be on the bill.
| Advance sales: ¥4,400 | ||
| Advance sales: ¥2,500 | ||
5. Christmas markets
Until December 25All around Tokyo and beyond
Ding! Dong! Merrily on high
Are we cheating with this entry? A little. While we have a whole article detailing the best of 2024’s Christmas markets, our three ultimate favorites are:
- Tokyo Christmas Market — Get tickets here
- Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market
- Roppongi Hills Christmas Market
6. Chichibu Night Festival
December 2–3Chichibu, Saitama
Towering floats with lanterns and fireworks
Find floats, fireworks, and food at this explosive winter festival. The biggest day is December 3, the Grand Festival, but both days will feature the towering lit-up floats that the event is known for. While around two hours from Tokyo, there will apparently be more trains on the day than usual if you’re planning on making the trip.
7. Jump Festa
December 21–22Makuhari Messe, Chiba
One Piece obsessed?
Another massive pop culture event of the month is Jump Festa, for those obsessed with the manga serialized in Jump magazines. Rifle through merchandise at this two-day expo that celebrates titles such as One Piece, Dragon Ball, Naruto, Slam Dunk, and Bleach. You can also expect panels and talks with creatives. Oh, also it’s free.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in November 2016. Last updated in November 2024.
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