Eating & Drinking

Kick off the holiday season with a bit of European flair, find that special handmade ornament, or just drink some steaming hot wine at some of Tokyo's best Christmas markets. Most Christmas markets in Tokyo are held as part of longer winter illumination events that run from November through the New Year. However, the Christmas markets tend to finish on Christmas Day. Tokyo Christmas Market November 23–December 25 Meiji Jingu Gaien, Shinjuku This is a Christmas market designed to beat the competition. It has the backing of the German Tourism Association and the German Embassy, which helps. For 2023, the festivities will take place in Meiji Jingu Gaien and they'll make full use of the space. Gorge on European food and drink (think German-style sausages, stew, hot wine, cider, cocoa, and beer). There are also booths selling decor, gifts, and winter gear. Once you've wandered through the stalls, grab a warming drink and watch the live music to round out those Christmas feels. Note that admission is paid (the only one on this list that is). Tickets start from for weekdays and for weekends. Buy them here. 2. Roppongi Hills Christmas Market November 25–December 25 Roppongi Hills Arena O-Yane Plaza, Roppongi This is a traditional Christmas market based on ones you'd find in the German city of Stuttgart, so expect handmade trinkets, advent calendars, and a whole lot of sausages. The market is only one part of Roppongi Hills' festive celebrations; other highlights include the illuminations along Keyakizaka Avenue. 3. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market November 24–December 25 Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Yokohama This may not be in Tokyo, but Yokohama is only a one-hour train ride away. Plus, this is one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in Japan. Held at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse -- a pair of handsome buildings next to the bay -- this festive bonanza has wooden stalls, a Christmas tree with classic lights and decorations, cake, hot wine, stollen, premium beer, and again, plenty of sausages. While not part of the Christmas Market, there’s also an ice rink in the same complex. 4. Solamachi (Tokyo Skytree) Christmas Market November 9–December 25 Tokyo Skytree Town, Oshiage Part of the longer-running Tokyo Skytree Dream Christmas event, this market will be held from the beginning of November till Christmas Day, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. You'll get all the typical yuletide treats, live music performances, and some of the best illuminations in Tokyo. 5. Tokyo Dome City Christmas Market December 16–December 25 LaQua Garden, Tokyo Dome City, Bunkyo Along with their illuminations and other Christmas festivities, Tokyo Dome City will hold a Christmas market from Dec. 16 to 17 and Dec. 23 to 25. You'll find stalls filled with wreaths, cakes, coffee, and candles. There will also be a library for festive reading, live music on the LaQua Garden Stage, and opportunities to meet Santa. 6. Blue Cave X-Mas Market (New) December 1–December 25 Yoyogi Park Zelkova Trees, Shibuya The new Blue Cave Christmas (X-Mas) Market is a mystery, as this is the first time it has ever happened. But if the numbers seen at the Blue Cave Illuminations are anything to go by, then it is expected to be very popular indeed! The market will take place at the entrance of Yoyogi Park Events Square and feature stalls filled with the usual festive goodies. 7. Azabudai Hills Christmas Market (New) December 9–December 25 Azabudai Hills Central Square, Azabudai This is another brand-new edition to the list of Christmas markets in Tokyo -- Azabudai Hills only opened on November 24, 2023. The concept designs for the Christmas market look spectacular, with golden drapery and a 12-meter-tall Christmas tree making an appearance. It has been announced there will be 17 food stalls serving the season's delicacies, and stalls selling wreaths and toys for Christmas gifts. 8. Ark Hills Christmas Marche Saturdays from November 18–December 23 Ark Karajan Square, Akasaka Ark Hills holds a marche every Saturday in Ark Karajan Square, but from November 18 to December 23, it will transform to match the holiday season. The smells of Christmas will fill the air as stalls sell cinnamon muffins, walnuts, hot chocolate, and other delectable treats. The Akasaka Antique Market will also get a suitable makeover on Sunday, November 26, and Sunday, December 10. 9. Tamaari Town Christmas Market December 15–December 25 Saitama Super Arena, Saitama Avoid the crowds destined for Tokyo's markets and head to Saitama for something cozier. The Tamaari Town Christmas Market is known for its lights and delicious food selection, so get ready to fill up on roast chicken, steaks, clam chowder, and dumplings, as well as mulled wine, hot lemonade, and melted chocolate. Stalls will also sell trinkets from Europe, and a Christmas tree is going up. The market takes place a 3-minute walk from JR Saitama-Shintoshin Station -- only 30 minutes from Tokyo. Note: You might be wondering what happened to the popular Yebisu Garden Place Christmas market. This has not taken place for the past few years. Be sure to check out our full guide to winter illuminations in Tokyo. This post was first published in December 2014 and is updated every year. Last update: November 2023.

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