Marunouchi Street Park — Photo: Keisuke Tanigawa | Marunouchi Illuminations

Photo: Keisuke Tanigawa

18 magical Christmas events to help you get into the festive mood in Tokyo

Make the most of the Christmas season with these festive markets, illuminations and celebrations in Tokyo

Thursday 5 December 2024

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Tokyoites love Christmastime, so it’s no surprise that the city is full of special, seasonal events come December. This month, make plans to see the sparkling illuminations at shopping malls, public plazas and parks, take in the festive mood at joyous Christmas markets, catch some of Tokyo's most impressive Christmas trees, and go skating at an ice rink. Despite the chilling cold, this is one of the best times to be out and about.

That said, you’ll need some serious scheduling skills in order to check out all of the city’s top Christmas and year-end events. So we’ve made a list with our best picks below. Grab a cup of hot chocolate, get comfy, and start compiling your list of things to do before 2024 rolls around.

RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful winter destinations in Japan

Things to do

Shibuya Sky Sparkling View

Things to do
Events & Festivals

Photo: Shibuya Scramble Square Co., Ltd.

There are plenty of incredible illuminations and light displays in Tokyo during winter, a time of year when the city shines much brighter to compensate for the cold, short days and long nights. This year, Shibuya Sky is joining in the year-end trend with its own Christmas illuminations until December 25.

The Shibuya Sky observatory deck at Shibuya Scramble Square is celebrating the holiday season with its Sparkling View event. One of the most eye-catching elements is the Sparkling Balloon Corridor. An entire walkway at the Sky Gallery on the 46th floor is decked out with ‘mirror balloons’ of all sizes. This will surely add some extra sparkle to the spectacular views of the city.

Things to do
KanagawaUntil 6 Apr 2025

Photo: Yomiuri Land

Located next to Tokyo amusement park Yomiuri Land, the Hana Biyori garden is lighting up with a spectacular illumination display until April 6 2025. Follow the path lined with 500 takeakari bamboo lanterns and takemari (ball-like ornaments made from bamboo) and you’ll come to a historical gate that was transplanted from the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Once inside, you’ll find a wall of illuminated Japanese umbrellas that look like colourful lanterns, leading you further into the garden. Awaiting here are more takeakari and takemari, in addition to a glowing chozuya (basin with purified water) decked out with flowers.

A new addition this year are the kiri-e (paper cutout) lanterns, which are placed around the garden’s east waterfall, as well as an illuminated bamboo wall featuring cutout images of flowers, wind and water.

To complement your experience, you can rent a Japanese umbrella and lantern to walk around and take photos for just ¥200.

Tokyo Disney Christmas

Things to do
Events & Festivals

Photo: ©Disney

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea each have 15 metre-tall Christmas trees, all decked out with colourful ornaments and golden garlands. The tree at DisneySea in particular, which will appear at the American Waterfront area, is joined this year with a new tree decorated with ornaments of Duffy and friends at Cape Cod.

Disneyland will run two parades as usual, one in the day and another after dark. The daytime Disney Christmas Stories parade will feature Christmas-themed floats carrying Mickey Mouse and his friends in cosy winter outfits. The evening Electrical Parade Dream Lights, on the other hand, will feature illuminations as well as a special Christmas medley.

Things to do
Events & Festivals

Sanrio Puroland offers an alternative way to celebrate Christmas with a lengthy line-up of exclusive events and activities for the holidays. The theme park turns into an illumination extravaganza until December 25. You’ll be feeling the holiday spirit immediately at the entrance, which is decorated with sparkling champagne gold illuminations and yellow poinsettias for the season.

There’s also a designated photo spot there, featuring Hello Kitty and friends riding a shooting star in the back. The main Christmas event at Puroland is a 20-minute parade titled 'Starry Starry Christmas Party' at Puro Village. Little Twin Stars Kiki and Lala, Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll and the rest of the Puro friends will be dressed in star costumes and dancing along to festive music under synchronised illuminations.

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Sagamiko Illumillion - San-X Characters Illumination

Things to do
SagamikoUntil 11 May 2025

Sagamiko Resort Mori Mori has gone all out for its winter illuminations, featuring over six million dazzling LEDs. This year, there's an entire area dedicated to Japan's beloved laid-back bear, Rilakkuma, along with his sidekick Korilakkuma and other San-X friends like Sumikkogurashi.

You can hop on the park’s Rainbow Chairlift and sail over colourful stripes before reaching the top of a hill, where you'll find a series of illumination art walls showcasing Rilakkuma and his friends. Walk further in to discover a massive Tarepanda inflatable and a bear-shaped igloo with Sumikkogurashi characters glowing in colourful lights.

Be sure to catch the spectacular illumination show at the San-X character stage, where Korilakkuma, Afro-dog and Ebifurai No Shippo perform live with synchronised laser lights for four minutes each. Nearby, a massive Rilakkuma is perched a set of swings, providing the perfect setup for a special photo.

While you’re there, indulge in Rilakkuma and Sumikkogurashi-themed meals and snacks. Enjoy a hearty Sumikkogurashi Bon Pasta or the Meat Doria Plate with San-X characters. Prefer something sweet? Then check out the colorful popcorn sundae or the Rilakkuma pudding in a cup.