Now that Halloween is over, the Christmas decorations are out and cozy season is officially here! Wondering what to do in Tokyo in December? Here are 3 Christmas markets that will be running for a month you should check out during your visit over!
Meiji Jingu Christmas Market
Located walking distance from Harajuku Station, this market will have 25 food stores and 30 more selling miscellaneous goods. The centerpiece is a huge wooden pyramid tiers, each featuring wooden dolls. While you’re there, look out for a wall of wreaths. Snapping and a photo of them on Instagram enters you into a lottery to win a gift. You can expect to satisfy your sweet cravings at booths run by 3 famous pastry chefs from Le Chocolate De H, Toshi Yoroizuka, and Theobroma. And if you need an extra plushie to add to your collection or as extra decoration, pick one up from the booth of world famous German-based plush toy company Steiff. Buying your ticket in advance gets you a novelty mug in maroon or navy blue!
Date: Nov 23 - Dec 25, 2023 Location: Meiji Jingu Gaien Time: 11:00 - 21:30 Admission Fee: Weekdays - 1000yen, Weekends - 1500yen
Yokohama Christmas Market
The centerpiece of this market is a real fir tree standing 10m tall. Using the latest italian LED technology, the lights will change depending on the time of the day. And for the first time in four years, the roofs will be lined with lights again. There’s also an Illumination Garden, a new attraction established just last year, that will be filled with illuminated animals to create the atmosphere of spending time in a forest. Surely this will be a delight for the little ones. If you are a little samugari (afraid of the cold) and don’t want to miss out on the festivities, you can consider reserving a premium lounge with a cozy Christmasy interior to spend time in there with your loved ones.
Date: Nov 24 - Dec 25 Location: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Nov 25- Dec 8 Time: 11:00 -21:00 Dec 9 - Dec 25 Time: 11:00 - 22:00 Admission Fee: 500yen, but if you download the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Event app, it’s 300yen.
Roppongi Christmas Market
The 17th year in its running, this Christmas Market is located centrally and its design is inspired by the largest Christmas Market in Stuttgart, Germany. There will be 10 stores selling Christmas goods like snow globes and intricate wooden decorations. There’s also authentic German cuisine available. Of course, you can also get a mug! At 1400yen, it’s a little expensive but is a solid looking minimalistic design of Santa and his reindeer. It’s a tradition to enjoy mulled wine in mugs at these events so why not pick one up when you’re there?
Date: Nov 25 - Dec 25 Location: Roppongi Hills Arena O-Yane Plaza Time: 11:00 - 21:00 Admission: Free
No matter which one you choose to go to, you can prepare to be transported to another world for an evening. Happy Holidays!
Cover Photo: tokyofamilies.net