Top Christmas Destinations in Japan 2024 | 30 Christmas Events, Lights, and Markets in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, and Kyushu

Experiencing Christmas in Japan is nothing short of enchanting! Throughout December, the country comes alive with a variety of Christmas events, ranging from charming markets and stunning light displays to unique programs at theme parks. This festive spirit is palpable no matter where you go. If you're planning a trip to Japan, don't miss Kinnso's handpicked list of the top 30 Christmas activities. It's your go-to guide for planning a magical Christmas adventure in Japan!

(Image Source: Japan National Tourism Organization, Sapporo Tourism, PR TIMES, TOKYO CHEAPO, XHS)

If you're planning to celebrate Christmas in Japan, Tokyo Disneyland should be at the top of your list. Every year, they host the magical "Disney Christmas" event, which is a huge hit with visitors. One of the highlights is the enchanting "Disney Christmas Story" parade, which will have its final run in 2024. The park gets a festive makeover with beautiful Christmas trees and wreaths everywhere you look. Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be dressed in their holiday best, ready for memorable photo ops with you. As the sun sets, the park lights up with stunning decorations and a special Christmas parade, making the atmosphere even more festive. For a Christmas experience packed with joy and excitement, Tokyo Disneyland is the place to be!

Besides Tokyo Disneyland, the enchanting Tokyo DisneySea also gets into the holiday spirit with a splash! This ocean-themed park is decked out in beautiful Christmas decorations, and you can spot Mickey and his pals dressed in their festive best. With joyful Christmas tunes playing in the background, they welcome guests aboard the ship with warm smiles! If you're looking to enjoy a nautical Christmas celebration with your favorite Disney characters, Tokyo DisneySea is the place to be!

This holiday season, Tokyo Studio is pulling out all the stops with the "Hogwarts Winter Wonderland" event, bringing the spellbinding Christmas spirit from the Harry Potter films to life! Just like the beloved annual event at the London Studio, fans in Japan can now dive into the magical winter atmosphere! Mark your calendars for November 9, 2024, because that's when the "Hogwarts Winter Wonderland" begins, running all the way through January 5, 2025. For two whole months, you can lose yourself in the enchanting winter magic of the wizarding world.

When it comes to capturing the magic of Tokyo during the Christmas season, Roppongi Hills tops the list. As the sun sets, the streets around this bustling area come alive with an array of stunning lights, transforming the surroundings into a mesmerizing galaxy. Looking up, you'll see Tokyo Tower shining brightly, its lights perfectly complementing the beautifully arranged decorations below. It’s a scene straight out of a fairy tale, and one that’s sure to enchant anyone who visits.

(Image Source: ITSUKI, 95578​​1539＠XHS)

This holiday season, Roppongi Hills is getting a festive makeover, transforming into a charming Christmas market with a delightful German twist. Imagine strolling through stalls that capture the magic of Stuttgart’s famous Christmas Market. You’ll find over 2,000 unique German products, perfect for gift shopping or simply treating yourself. And when it comes to food, prepare your taste buds for a feast! Think hearty beef stew, classic German hot dogs, crispy fried mushrooms, and mouthwatering schnitzels. It’s a true taste of German Christmas right here in Tokyo.

(Image Source: TOKYO CHEAPO)

Get ready to celebrate in style as the Tokyo Christmas Market marks its 10th anniversary with a fresh new look! This top-notch holiday event in Japan, which once attracted a whopping 250,000 visitors at Hibiya Park, is moving to the more expansive Jingu Gaien Stadium in 2024. With this new location, the market is set to be bigger and better than ever! Visitors can indulge in a fantastic variety of food stalls offering everything from hearty restaurant dishes to light snacks and beverages. Plus, there will be plenty of merchandise stalls that capture the lively spirit of a traditional German Christmas market.

Get ready to be dazzled, because the beloved "Shibuya Blue Cave" Christmas light display is back in Tokyo! This mesmerizing blue wonderland draws crowds of visitors every year, and it's easy to see why. This season, "Shibuya Blue Cave" will light up Shibuya Park, right across from Yoyogi Park. Imagine strolling through an 800-meter-long street, bathed in the glow of over 100,000 blue and white LED lights. The whole scene turns into a magical underwater tunnel, offering a romantic and dreamy visual treat that you won't want to miss.

This holiday season, Tokyo Skytree is going all out with a "Light and Snow" theme, turning the area into an enchanting winter paradise adorned with 460,000 LED lights! Beyond the breathtaking illuminations, you'll find quaint booths decked out in European-style decor, making you feel like you've wandered into a storybook snow village. And don't miss out on the mouth-watering treats on offer, like Spanish churros and Baumkuchen, perfect for satisfying your cravings while you soak in the festive atmosphere.

(Image Source: Tokyo Skytree Town)

Get ready for a magical experience at the Marunouchi illumination in 2024, where a "Super Mario" theme will bring extra cheer to the season! From Otemachi and Marunouchi to Yurakucho, the streets will come alive with your favorite characters like Mario, Luigi, Toad, Princess Peach, and Yoshi, all decked out for the festivities. Situated right next to Tokyo Station, the Marunouchi illumination is a beloved highlight of Tokyo's Christmas scene. This year, the 1.2-kilometer stretch of Marunouchi Nakadori and the area around Yurakucho Station will be sparkling with over a million champagne gold light bulbs. Nearly 350 trees will be aglow, creating a luxurious, romantic, and dazzling holiday atmosphere that you won't want to miss.

Make sure to visit the famous "Ebisu Garden Place," where you'll find the world's largest crystal chandelier! This stunning Baccarat crystal chandelier, meticulously crafted by French artisans over an incredible 15,000 hours, towers at an awe-inspiring height of four to five stories. The sheer grandeur of this piece is absolutely breathtaking. Featuring 8,500 crystal pieces and mirror decorations, along with 250 light fixtures and a majestic 10-meter tall Christmas tree, the chandelier creates a spectacular light show. The surrounding garden decorations add to the magic, making it a truly enchanting holiday experience!

Get ready for the magical return of Tokyo's beloved winter illumination event, "Meguro River Minna no Illumi"! From November 15, 2024, to January 13, 2025, the banks of the Meguro River will be draped in a mesmerizing pink glow, thanks to 350,000 LED lights. This year, the theme continues with the enchanting cherry blossom pink, creating a stunning "night sakura" scene. It's a romantic light show that promises to be an unforgettable experience!

Get ready to be enchanted! From November 15 to December 25, 2024, Tokyo Tower is putting on a Christmas illumination event you won't want to miss, called "Tokyo Tower Winter Wonderland 'Orange Illumination 2024'." Picture this: the plaza in front of Tokyo Tower's main entrance transforms into a mesmerizing "Orange Garden." Right at the heart of this garden stands a 10-meter tall "Little Tokyo Tower," doubling as the Christmas tree. Every evening at dusk, this "Little Tokyo Tower" springs to life every 15 minutes, putting on a stunning light show synchronized with music, creating a truly magical holiday vibe.

Get ready for an unforgettable holiday experience at Universal Studios Japan this year! The "NO LIMIT! Christmas 2024" event is set to dazzle visitors with its seven unique Christmas-themed attractions. You'll be enchanted by the stunning lights of the Christmas tree and entertained by incredible performances, making it a perfect way to create lasting memories as the year comes to a close.

After the roaring success of last year, the 2024 "Christmas Market in Osaka" is back and bigger than ever! Mark your calendars because from November 29 (Friday) to December 25 (Wednesday), the lawn square entrance of Tennoji Park in Osaka will transform into a festive wonderland. This year, the market has expanded to feature 24 stalls, each brimming with unique goodies. Sip on specialty drinks like spiced hot wine and German beer, savor mouthwatering German sausages and classic pretzels, and find the perfect holiday gifts, from charming snow globes to beautiful wreaths. There's something here for everyone to enjoy!

Get ready to be dazzled because the "Osaka Light Festival" is back for 2024, lighting up Osaka's winter nights like never before. This year, the festival features two main attractions: "Midosuji Illumination" and "Osaka Light Renaissance." The "Midosuji Illumination" will transform the entire Midosuji Avenue with about a million LED bulbs, turning it into a breathtaking river of lights that feels straight out of a fairy tale. It's the perfect spot for couples to enjoy a romantic evening or snap some unforgettable photos! But that's not all! The festival also includes a giant Christmas tree and a bustling market, where you can indulge in delicious food and browse through a variety of handmade crafts.

Besides the stunning Midosuji illuminations, the Osaka Central Public Hall transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle as night descends. Vibrant lights will dance across the graceful façade of this historic landmark, giving its architecture a magical new glow that captivates onlookers. Additionally, the beech tree-lined entrance will be adorned with lights, forming a whimsical 150-meter-long tunnel of light that creates a romantic and enchanting ambiance.

If you find yourself in Osaka, make sure to check out the "Osaka Castle Illuminations" at the Nishinomaru Garden. This event is an absolute must-see! This year’s light display takes inspiration from samurai helmets, creatively featuring elements like water buffalo, plows, and dragons. With the addition of traditional Japanese-style LED lights, it beautifully highlights the rich history and iconic landmarks of Osaka Castle in a stunning light show.

Starting from November 1, 2024, and running until January 26, 2025, the Sakai Green Museum Harvest Hill in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, is set to dazzle visitors with "Wonder Night Hill 2024," the biggest light show in southern Osaka. This enchanting display transforms the area into a luminous wonderland, featuring interactive light installations that let you spread your wings of light and immerse yourself in a magical, dreamlike atmosphere!

This Christmas, the Umeda Sky Building is turning into a whimsical Nutcracker wonderland! Head up to the Sky Garden Observatory on the 40th floor, where you'll find a mesmerizing forest of Christmas trees glowing with pink lights. It feels like stepping inside a giant snowflake crystal ball! Whether you visit during the day or at night, you're in for a treat. Daytime offers a romantic and picturesque view, while nighttime dazzles with brilliant, captivating lights. Make sure to set aside enough time to soak in both of these magical experiences!

Get ready to be mesmerized this winter as Hirakata Park, one of Japan's most beloved theme parks, turns into a "Light Amusement Park" like never before! This year, the Christmas light display is bigger and better, with a delightful floral theme. Wander through seven uniquely themed areas, marvel at the impressive 13-meter tall Christmas tree, stroll through the radiant lantern square, and lose yourself in the magical light garden. It's a visual extravaganza you won't want to miss!

Since 1995, ROHM has been dazzling visitors with its stunning light displays. This year's event, the 17th of its kind, is set to be the most spectacular yet. With a whopping 800,000 light bulbs illuminating the area, it's officially the biggest light show in Kyoto!

When you arrive at Kyoto Station, you're greeted by a breathtaking spectacle of 15,000 LED lights illuminating the entrance! Exciting upgrades are planned for the lighting on the station's staircase and the East Plaza. Head up to the sky bridge on the 10th floor for a perfect view of the stunning staircase lights and the gorgeous night scenery. The staircase, stretching from the 4th to the 10th floor with 125 steps, is adorned with seasonal designs that create a timeless lighting display. In December, around 15,000 LED lights transform the area into a sparkling Christmas wonderland. Whether you're up close or admiring the view from the Karasuma Plaza on the 4th floor, the scene is simply mesmerizing.

Fukuoka, Kyushu's bustling metropolis, is ready to enchant visitors with its winter wonder, the "CHRISTMAS MARKET in the City of Light: Hakata." This magical event will light up the city for nearly two months, spreading across several key locations like Hakata Station, the west plaza of Fukuoka City Hall, Nakasu Central Street, and Kenmin Tenjin Central Park. The market's dazzling blue and white theme, illuminated by about 640,000 LED lights, will turn Fukuoka's nights into a mesmerizing fairy tale. Besides the stunning light displays, you'll find a charming "Christmas Market" with around 30 stalls offering tasty treats, unique gifts, and cozy drinks like mulled wine and hot chocolate. If you're heading to Kyushu this winter, make sure to carve out some time to experience this magical lighting event in front of Hakata Station!

Hakata Canal City in Fukuoka is a bustling hub that blends shopping, hotels, cinemas, and more into one vibrant complex. The unique design, featuring canals, fountains, and lush greenery, offers a refreshing escape from the busy city life. Each winter, the "Canal Winter Illumination" event transforms the area into a magical wonderland. The highlight is the "Wall of Light," a hemispherical light display in the underground stage area that bathes the entire canal in a mesmerizing 180-degree glow, creating an enchanting and dreamlike ambiance.

Imagine standing before the towering 234-meter Fukuoka Tower, which boasts three observation decks offering breathtaking views. During the enchanting "Fukuoka Tower Christmas Lights" event, the front of the tower is graced with a stunning 108-meter tall Christmas tree. This isn't just any tree—every minute and a half, it dazzles onlookers by changing colors, cycling through a vibrant palette of green, yellow, red, purple, blue, orange, pink, and white. The visual spectacle is simply mesmerizing. And here's a delightful twist: whenever the tree glows green, Santa Claus himself makes a surprise appearance to hand out gifts to the children. The festive spirit doesn't stop at the tree. The entire tower, its interior, and the surrounding plaza are decked out in beautiful Christmas decorations, offering countless photo opportunities to capture the magic of the season.

If you're looking to experience a slice of Europe without leaving Japan, the Huis Ten Bosch theme park in Kyushu is the place to be this Christmas. This year, the park is embracing the "European Holy Christmas" theme, transforming into a picturesque European village adorned with beautifully decorated Christmas trees and charming wooden cottages. The centerpiece of the festivities is a bustling Christmas market set around a stunning three-story carousel. Here, you can explore a variety of Christmas goods, savor delicious foods, and browse handmade crafts. For the adults, there's even some special Christmas red wine to enjoy, adding a romantic touch to the atmosphere. One of the standout features of the event is the "Winter Fireworks" display. These dazzling fireworks light up the night sky in perfect harmony with classic winter tunes, creating a mesmerizing experience for all who attend.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at this year's Kumamoto Christmas Market, known as "CHRISTMAS MARKET KUMAMOTO." This festive event will light up three fantastic locations: Kumamoto Station, Hanabata Square, and a special four-day celebration at Suizenji. Picture twinkling Christmas trees, charming candle holders, and a plethora of decorations setting the perfect holiday scene. Local vendors will be out in full force, showcasing an array of handmade crafts, unique Christmas trinkets, and a mouth-watering selection of seasonal treats. Warm up with mulled wine, indulge in hot chocolate, and enjoy other delicious beverages as you soak in the joyous atmosphere.

Since it first began in 1981, the Sapporo Snow Festival's lighting event has brought a magical touch to Sapporo's winter scenery, earning its place as Japan's very first illumination festival. At Odori Park, you'll find a dazzling array of artistic light installations that transform the park into a glowing wonderland. The trees lining Ekimae-dori and Minami-1-jō-dori streets are also beautifully lit, adding to the city's enchanting nighttime vibe. The "Sapporo Munich Christmas Market," located at 2-chome in Odori Park, adds even more festive cheer, offering visitors a chance to fully embrace the holiday spirit. During Christmas, the lights stay on until midnight, making it a favorite romantic spot for couples.

The Sapporo Munich Christmas Market, which started back in 2002 to celebrate the 30-year friendship between Sapporo and Munich, Germany, is a festive wonderland you won't want to miss. For about a month, Odori Park transforms into a bustling market filled with stalls offering all sorts of Christmas goodies, from mulled wine and German treats to unique, collectible mugs that change each year. The outdoor stage is alive with concerts and performances, and if you're lucky, Santa Claus might even make an appearance with a special gift for you. Inside, you'll find cozy spaces hosting interactive lectures and workshops. Even if it's snowing, you can enjoy the delicious food in the heated tents at the food stalls. And don't forget the "Sapporo White Illuminations" starting in late November, which add an extra layer of magic to the whole experience, making the Christmas market even more enchanting!

Imagine strolling through a picturesque scene where street trees and charming red brick buildings come together in perfect harmony. As you walk towards the Hokkaido Red Brick Building, you'll be greeted by an impressive row of ginkgo trees standing proudly on both sides of the path. Come autumn, the entire area is bathed in a warm, glowing light, and by winter, the ginkgo trees are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical wonderland that's perfect for capturing stunning photos.

Looking for the best Christmas and winter events in Japan for 2024? We've got you covered with our top 30 picks! If you're in Tokyo, don't miss out on the magical experience at Tokyo Disneyland. Over in Osaka, Universal Studios is the place to be for a fun-filled day with friends. For couples craving a romantic vibe, the dazzling lights at Roppongi Hills or the charming Otaru Canal are perfect spots. Dreaming of a white Christmas? Head to Sapporo or Niseko in Hokkaido for that quintessential snowy experience. No matter your holiday style, Japan offers a treasure trove of surprises and thrills. So why wait? Start planning your Christmas adventure in Japan now and create memories that will last a lifetime!