Saitama City Area Guide

Kick off the holiday season with some European flair, find that special handmade ornament, or enjoy 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. 1. Tokyo Christmas Market November 19–December 25 Meiji Jingu Gaien, Shinjuku This is a Christmas market designed to beat the competition, and it has the backing of the German Tourism Association and the German Embassy, which helps. For 2024, 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 23–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 22–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 7–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 TBC LaQua Garden, Tokyo Dome City, Bunkyo Tokyo Dome City will hold a Christmas market along with their illuminations and other Christmas festivities. 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. Furusato Tokyo Ouen (Hometown Tokyo Support) Shibuya Christmas December 13 to 18 (Part 1) and December 21 to 25 (Part 2) Yoyogi Park Events Square, Shibuya Right next to the Blue Cave Illumination in Yoyogi Park's Event Square, you'll find Shibuya Christmas -- a market that celebrates local food. A bit different than the classic German-market experience from the rest of the list, this food truck fair has a lot of typical Japanese dishes (think takoyaki and fried chicken, the Christmas classic). But don't worry, there will still be a shining Christmas tree, hot cocktails, and other trimmings. 7. Azabudai Hills Christmas Market November 23–December 25 Azabudai Hills Central Square, Azabudai This is another fairly new addition to the list of Christmas markets in Tokyo -- Azabudai Hills just opened in 2023, and this will be the second year of the event. The design for the Christmas market is spectacular; lights are draped generously, and a 12-meter-tall Christmas tree stands proudly. Expect 17 food stalls serving the season's delicacies, and others selling wreaths and toys for Christmas gifts. 8. Yebisu Garden Place Christmas Market November 9–December 25 Yebisu Garden Place, Ebisu Guess what's back? Known for its dazzling chandelier illumination, Yebisu (Ebisu) Garden Place also once had a much-loved Christmas fair. Taking a break during the pandemic, the market is now back with a vengeance, taking over two squares in Ebisu and featuring the festive treats you know and love. 9. Ark Hills Christmas Marche Every Saturday from November 23–December 21 Ark Karajan Square, Akasaka Ark Hills holds a marche every Saturday in Ark Karajan Square, but during November and December, 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. 10. Tokyo Tower Christmas Market November 22–December 25 Tokyo Tower, Shibakoen Alongside a Christmas tree, view a miniature lit-up version of Tokyo Tower under the base of the city's most famous landmark. Free to enter, the market features all the yuletide trimmings -- including warming mulled wine, sausages, and beef stew. This year, the illuminations around the stalls will shine a warm orange with 42,000 LED lights. 11. Tamaari Town Christmas Market December 13–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 European trinkets, and a sparkling 6-meter-tall Christmas tree will take pride of place among 150 illuminated zelkova trees. The market takes place a 3-minute walk from JR Saitama-Shintoshin Station -- only 30 minutes from Tokyo. 12. Cocoon City Christmas Market December 21–December 25 Cocoon City, Saitama Just on the west side of Saitama Shintoshin Station, across the way from Tamaari Town Christmas Market, lives Cocoon City’s holiday events. In addition to illumination scenes and a massive 10-meter-tall Christmas tree, they offer a brief but beautiful Christmas Market for visitors for just a few days before the 25th. Stop by and get into the seasonal mood with gourmet food, hot drinks, and a variety of goods available for purchase. Time your visit right, and you can visit both in one day. 13. Metsa Village Nordic Christmas Market November 1–December 25 Metsa Village, Hanno Many of Tokyo’s Christmas Markets take inspiration from Germany, but Metsa Village, a Finnish theme park that also includes Moomin Valley Park, takes its cues from Nordic tradition. A visit to the village’s Christmas Market will delight visitors with goods imported directly from Scandinavia, including handmade trinkets. There will be live performances of Christmas music, and a Finnish Santa Claus is also said to be making an appearance. Be sure to check out our full guide to Winter Illuminations in Tokyo. Going to be in Hong Kong for the festive season? Check out our Guide to Christmas Markets in Hong Kong. While we do our best to ensure it's correct, information is subject to change. This post was first published in December 2014 and is updated every year. Last update: November 2024.

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