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.

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1. Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks

December 7–28
Odaiba Seaside Park, Odaiba
See fireworks every Saturday in December

Expect a rainbow of colors at Odaiba Fireworks. | Photo by istock.com/magicflute002

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 17–19
Sensōji Temple, Asakusa
Hit that bad luck into the stratosphere

An example of a hagoita. | Photo by Grigoris Miliaresis

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 29–30
Tokyo Big Sight, Odaiba
See fans dress up in cosplay

The best of cosplay in Japan. | Photo by David Ishikawa

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 6–8
Makuhari Messe, Chiba
Celebrate Western comics and see celebrities

Who knows who you’ll find at Tokyo Comic Con. | Photo by Alex Ziminski

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.

5. Christmas markets

Until December 25
All around Tokyo and beyond
Ding! Dong! Merrily on high

santa
Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas and so on. | Photo by David Ishikawa

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:

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6. Chichibu Night Festival

December 2–3
Chichibu, Saitama
Towering floats with lanterns and fireworks

Chichibu Night Festival/Yomatsuri
There will be fireworks at the Chichibu Night Festival. | Photo by iStock.com/JoshuaHawley

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 21–22
Makuhari 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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