Christmas In Japan: Tokyo And Osaka’s 10 Best Winter Events
As the temperature drops and snow begins to blanket the cities, Tokyo and Osaka is transformed into enchanting winter wonderlands filled with dazzling lights, festive Christmas markets, and heartwarming traditions. Most of these magical events commence around mid November, building excitement and festive cheer as they lead up to the big day on 25 December. For those who are escaping the humid weather in Singapore and jet-setting off to snowy Japan will be excited to hear that the festivities there are endless! From breathtaking illuminations to adorable celebrations with beloved Sanrio characters, these cities come alive during the holiday season, offering locals and visitors alike a chance to revel in the magic of winter.
Whether you are strolling under glittering LED displays beneath the Osaka Castle, indulging in seasonal treats at Christmas markets, or marvelling at iconic landmarks decked out in holiday cheer, there’s something for everyone.
Read on to find out the top 10 winter events in Tokyo and Osaka and discover the best ways to make your holiday season unforgettable!
Tokyo
(1) Tokyo Christmas Market
(2) Disney Christmas
(3) Sanrio Puroland
(4) Winter Illuminations at Roppongi
(5) Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
(6) Tokyo Skytree Dream Christmas
Osaka
(7) Osaka Hikari Renaissance
(8) Osaka Midosuji Winter Illumination
(9) Osaka Castle Illuminage
(10) Tenshiba Christmas Market
Tokyo
(1) Tokyo Christmas Market
Source: Tokyo Cheapo
Experience the magic of a traditional German Christmas Market at Hibiya this festive season. Savour authentic German delicacies, sip on mulled wine, and enjoy live performances under a stunning 14-metre-tall Christmas tree, specially shipped from Germany. Visitors can admire the iconic Christmas Pyramid, a cherished European holiday symbol, and soak in the enchanting illuminations.
If you plan to visit on the weekends, get ready to navigate the bustling crowds while exploring the charming Seiffen-inspired stalls. Shop for handmade ornaments, savour delectable festive sweets like churros and crepes while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate to embrace the festive spirit!
Source: Tokyo Cheapo
(2) Disney Christmas
Source: Disney Resorts
What better way to spend Christmas than at the happiest place on earth?
Tokyo Disney Resort (Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea) will hold their annual Christmas event “Disney Christmas” where you can look forward to Disney-themed Christmas decoration, special night parades, limited-edited food, drinks and merchandise. Disney characters will dazzle in a magical nighttime parade of lights and music, the exclusive holiday edition of the Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights will feature beloved stars from Aladdin, Toy Story, and more as they glide through the park on vibrant floats. Presented only during the Christmas season, this will be the dreamiest place to celebrate the festive season.
Source: Disney Resorts
(3) Sanrio Puroland
Source: Sanrio Puroland
As the name suggests, Sanrio Puroland, is a theme park devoted to all-things Sanrio! Japanese characters like Hello Kitty, My Melody, Little Twin Stars, and more celebrates the annual festive season by hosting “Puroland Illumination Christmas”. They will be donning adorable Christmas costumes and visitors can explore winter-themed installations with festive photo spots. There will also be a chance to have a special photo session with the characters dressed in their special Christmas costumes. You can also check out the limited-edition Puroland Illumination Christmas Menu!
Source: Sanrio Puroland
(4) Winter Illuminations at Roppongi
Source: Tokyo Cheapo
Each year, the 400-metre stretch of Keyakizaka Street becomes a romantic winter wonderland with over 800,000 blue LED lights that illuminate the treets. The iconic Tokyo Tower creates a breathtaking backdrop for photos, great for romantic dates making it one of the most romantic spots in Tokyo for couples. The Mohri Garden will be beautifully lit up, there will also be a Christmas Market and a unique flower-themed tree at Roku-Roku Plaza.
Source: Metropolis Japan
Winter Illuminations at Roppongi
Location: Roppongi Hills Arena, 6 Chome-10-1 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-6108, Japan
Date: Mid Nov to 25 Dec 2024
Admission: Free
(5) Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Source: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market celebrates its 15th anniversary with the biggest celebration yet. Under the theme “Memorial,” the market features 58 stalls filled with festive foods, drinks, and seasonal goods, along with a 10-metre fir tree adorned with 20,000 LED lights that sparkle in a digital light show every 15 minutes. The venue’s decorations promise an authentic Christmas market experience, with traditional “Hütte” (wooden huts) sourced directly from Germany. For a smoother experience, visitors can also purchase "priority admission tickets" in advance through ASOVIEW! which reduces the waiting time.
Source: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
(6) Tokyo Sky Tree Dream Christmas
Source: Tokyo Skytree Town from GO Tokyo
Tokyo Skytree will be transformed into a dazzling Christmas spectacle. Key illuminated areas include Solami Zaka, a popular photo spot with stunning views of Tokyo Skytree, and the Sky Arena, adorned with vibrant Christmas lights. The iconic SkyTree will shine as a giant green and gold ‘Champagnetree’ or a glowing ‘Candletree’, while there will also be a an 8-metre-tall tree and a fully lit Sky Arena to set the perfect holiday mood. You can also drop by the Christmas Market for some yuletide sweets and beer beneath the tower. Before you go, capture beautiful memories at the themed photo spots on the observation deck.
Source: Tokyo Skytree Town from GO Tokyo
Tokyo Skytree Dream Christmas
Location: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan
Date: 7 Nov to 25 Dec 2024
Admission: 2400 yen on weekdays, 2600 yen on weekends and public holidays
Website
Osaka
(7) Osaka Hikari Renaissance
Source: Hikari Kyoen
Illuminating the busy Nakanoshima District in a spectacular display of vibrant lights, the Osaka Hikari Renaissance is one of the main attractions of the Festival of the Lights in Osaka. Set against the stunning riverscape of Osaka, the event celebrates the city’s deep connection to its waterways and the vibrant spirit of its residents. The 150-metre-long zelkova tree-lined illuminated avenue symbolises the OSAKA Hikari-Renaissance.
A key highlight of the event is the iconic Osaka Central Public Hall, a historic cultural landmark with over a century of history. Renowned for its rich artistic heritage, the hall has long been a place of community and unison. A blend of artistic styles, including Western paintings, modern graphics, and CGI, paired with stunning music, will vividly showcase the "flourish" of Osaka, illuminating its rich history and vibrant evolution through time.
Source: Hikari Kyoen
(8) Osaka Midosuji Illumination
Source: Hikari Kyoen
The Osaka Midosuji Illumination is officially recognised as the street with the most illuminated trees in the world, with lights strung up for 4 kilometers from the Ooebashi-Kitazune intersection to the Hanshin Mae intersection. This grand illumination transforms Midosuji, Osaka's iconic boulevard, into a mesmerising path of gentle light. Recognised with a world record in January 2015, it captivates visitors with its global appeal. Experience the landmark lasers, projection mapping, and spectacular illuminations that celebrate the rich history of Midosuji. The impressive illuminations are held annually alongside the Osaka Hikari-Renaissance, creating the main highlights of the Festival of Lights on Osaka.
Source: Hikari Kyoen
(9) Osaka Castle Illuminage
Source: Osaka Castle Illuminage Group
Osaka Castle Park and Nishinomaru Garden will be transformed into a neon paradise. It blends futuristic art with historic tales, while displaying fascinating neon installations. Visitors can stroll through the vibrant electronic landmarks while admiring the Osaka Castle lit up in all its glory. With numerous photo spots, it is the perfect setting to capture beautiful holiday memories.
Source: Osaka Castle Illuminage Group
Osaka Castle Illuminage
Location: 2 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Date: 15 Nov 2024 to 16 Feb 2025
Admission: Ticket prices start at 1500 yen
Website
(10) Ten-shiba Christmas Market
If you are in Osaka this holiday season, you must not miss out on the most iconic Ten-shiba (Tennoji Park) Christmas Market. You will be greeted by a charming German winter wonderland brimming with Christmas cheer! The park will host a 24-stall European-style Christmas Market serving up spiced mulled wine, German beer, holiday sugar cookies, and more. There will also be creative workshops where guests will be able to craft candles and snowglobes, suitable for all ages to try. Before you go, remember to snap an unforgettable photo with Christmas trees beautifully framing the Osaka sign against the striking backdrop of Abeno Harukas, Japan’s tallest skyscraper.
Source: Matcha Japan
Ten-shiba Christmas Market
Location: 5-55 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0063, Japan
Date: 29 Nov to 25 Dec 2024
Admission: Free
Website
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Whether you are strolling under glittering LED displays beneath the Osaka Castle, indulging in seasonal treats at Christmas markets, or marvelling at iconic landmarks decked out in holiday cheer, the winter festivities are endless!