# Christmas in Tokyo 2026

For most people in Japan, Christmas is not a family or religious holiday. It is a season of lights, strawberry cake, fried chicken and dinner dates, and Tokyo starts decorating in early November. The list below is updated daily with Christmas markets, concerts and services around the city.

## How Japan celebrates Christmas

Only a small share of people in Japan are Christian, so Christmas grew here as a seasonal and commercial holiday. Decorations go up in early November, right after Halloween, and come down fast on the 26th, when shops switch to New Year. New Year is the real family holiday. Christmas Eve is closer to a date night, and couples plan dinner and an evening walk under the lights weeks ahead.

Two food traditions surprise visitors. The first is Christmas cake, usually a light sponge with whipped cream and strawberries, which bakeries, department stores and even convenience stores take orders for well in advance. The second is fried chicken: KFC Japan launched its Kentucky for Christmas campaign in 1974, and December 24 has become the chain's busiest day of the year, with many families pre-ordering.

December 25 is a normal working day. Offices, banks and shops are open, trains run on the usual timetable, and nothing shuts down the way it does in Europe.

## Christmas markets

German-style Christmas markets are now a fixture in Tokyo, with wooden huts, mulled wine, sausages and ornaments. The largest, the [Tokyo Christmas Market](https://tokyochristmas.net/), started in Hibiya Park in 2015 and has moved venues several times since, with Meiji Jingu Gaien, Shiba Park and Shin-Toyosu among its recent homes, so check where it is this season. In recent years it has charged entry, and some tickets include a souvenir mug.

Roppongi Hills runs one of the longest-standing markets in the city, modelled on Stuttgart's, in [O-Yane Plaza](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%85%AD%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%A8%E3%83%92%E3%83%AB%E3%82%BA%20%E5%A4%A7%E5%B1%8B%E6%A0%B9%E3%83%97%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B6%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E5%85%AD%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%A86-10-1) right by the Keyakizaka lights. [Yebisu Garden Place](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%81%B5%E6%AF%94%E5%AF%BF%E3%82%AC%E3%83%BC%E3%83%87%E3%83%B3%E3%83%97%E3%83%AC%E3%82%A4%E3%82%B9%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E6%81%B5%E6%AF%94%E5%AF%BF4-20) and Marunouchi have also held markets next to their illuminations in recent years, and new ones keep appearing at places like [Azabudai Hills](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%BA%BB%E5%B8%83%E5%8F%B0%E3%83%92%E3%83%AB%E3%82%BA%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E9%BA%BB%E5%B8%83%E5%8F%B01-3-1).

Markets are busiest on weekend evenings and in the last few days before the 25th. Weekday afternoons are calm, and the stalls look their best just after dark. Most close on December 25.

- Carry some cash in case a stall does not take cards.
- Food queues get long after 6 pm on weekends, so eat early or come on a weekday.
- Markets are outdoors: dress warmly, as standing with a hot drink cools you down fast.

## Christmas lights

Most of Tokyo's winter illuminations are timed for Christmas, and some switch off on the night of December 25. Our winter illuminations guide covers the main spots and how to combine them. For a Christmas mood in one evening, pick an area that has both a market and lights, such as Roppongi Hills, Yebisu Garden Place or Marunouchi.

Large Christmas trees also go up in hotel lobbies, department stores and station concourses. Hotel lobbies are free to walk into and are usually calmer than the street displays.

## Concerts, shows and church services

December is concert season. Orchestras and choirs perform Handel's Messiah and Christmas programmes, and Beethoven's Ninth, known as daiku, is a Japanese year-end tradition played across the city all month. Gospel choirs, jazz clubs and hotel dinner shows add their own Christmas sets. Popular concerts sell out, so book when tickets open.

Several churches hold services in English. [Tokyo Union Church](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%A6%E3%83%8B%E3%82%AA%E3%83%B3%E3%83%81%E3%83%A3%E3%83%BC%E3%83%81%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%E5%89%8D5-7-7) on Omotesando usually has candlelight services with carols on Christmas Eve, and [St. Ignatius Church](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%82%AB%E3%83%88%E3%83%AA%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E9%BA%B9%E7%94%BA%20%E8%81%96%E3%82%A4%E3%82%B0%E3%83%8A%E3%83%81%E3%82%AA%E6%95%99%E4%BC%9A%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E9%BA%B9%E7%94%BA6-5-1&query_place_id=ChIJNZ056omMGGARZhItdVTT87M) near Yotsuya Station, a large Catholic parish, usually offers an English Mass that night. Visitors are welcome, but popular services fill up, so arrive early and check the church website for this year's times.

## Booking, crowds and getting around

Restaurants book out for December 24, and many switch to set Christmas courses at higher prices for a few days around it. If you want a particular place, reserve weeks ahead. The 25th is usually a little easier, and lunch is a good fallback.

On the evening of the 24th, Roppongi, Omotesando, Shibuya and Marunouchi get packed, and trains in those areas are crowded. Last trains leave around midnight, and taxis are hard to find at that hour.

- Order a Christmas cake by early December if you want one from a specific bakery or department store.
- KFC takes pre-orders well before the season; walk-in queues on the 24th can be long.
- Coin lockers at big stations are handy if you are carrying gifts between a market and dinner.

## Christmas markets

- **[Hale’s Christmas Market at Odakyu Department Store Fujisawa](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hales-christmas-marche-at)** — Wed, Nov 11, 2026 10:00 – Tue, Nov 17, 2026 (JST) · Odakyu Department Store Fujisawa · Free entry
- **[My Hero Academia Christmas Fair 2026 at Keio Department Store Shinjuku](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/my-hero-academia-christmas-fair-2026-at-keio)** — Thu, Nov 19, 2026 – Fri, Dec 25, 2026 (JST) · Keio Department Store, Shinjuku Main Store (Shinjuku) · ¥3,300
- **[Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/yokohama-red-brick-warehouse-christmas-market-2026-7915)** — Fri, Nov 20, 2026 17:00 – Fri, Dec 25, 2026 (JST) · Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (Naka, Yokohama) · ¥500〜
- **[Tokyo Christmas Market 2026 (Meiji Jingu Gaien)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-christmas-market-2026-meiji-jingu-gaien-7913)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 – Fri, Dec 25, 2026 (JST) · Meiji Jingu Shrine (Shibuya) · price on the official site
- **[Roppongi Hills Christmas Market 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/roppongi-hills-christmas-market-2026-7914)** — Sun, Nov 22, 2026 – Fri, Dec 25, 2026 (JST) · Roppongi Hills (Minato) · Free entry
- **[The 152nd Akasaka Flea Market at Ark Hills: Special Christmas Edition](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/152-in-ark-hills)** — Sun, Nov 22, 2026 11:00 (JST) · Ark Hills Ark Karajan Plaza (Minato) · Free entry
- **[Chiikawa Christmas Market](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/chiikawa-christmas-market)** — Tue, Nov 24, 2026 11:00 – Fri, Dec 25, 2026 (JST) · Toyosuna Park (in front of AEON MALL Makuhari Shintoshin) (Mihama, Chiba) · price on the official site
- **[Kannai Station Chika Art Market Christmas Week](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/kannai-station-chika-art-market-christmas-week)** — Thu, Dec 3, 2026 11:00 – Sun, Dec 6, 2026 (JST) · Marinard Underground Mall Piano Square (Naka, Yokohama) · Free entry
- **[Tokyo Christmas Market 2026 at Shiba Park (Onarimon Station Plaza)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-christmas-market-2026-at-shiba-park-onarimon)** — Fri, Dec 4, 2026 11:00 – Fri, Dec 25, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo Metropolitan Shiba Park Area 4 (Minato) · ¥1,000〜¥2,000
- **[SOCOLA Hiyoshi Christmas Market (Jury-Selected Works)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/socola-xmas-market)** — Sat, Dec 12, 2026 (JST) · SOCOLA Hiyoshi Christmas Market (Selected Works) · Free entry
- **[Creators Christmas Market (Tama-Plaza Terrace)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/creators-christmas-market-tama-plaza-terrace)** — Sun, Dec 13, 2026 11:00 (JST) · Tama Plaza Terrace (Aoba, Yokohama) · Free entry
- **[Christmas Night Market at Tama Center 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/christmas-night-market-at-tama-center-2026)** — Sat, Dec 19, 2026 – Thu, Dec 24, 2026 (JST) · Parthenon Avenue (Tama Center Station Front Walkway) · price on the official site
- **[Parthenon Boulevard Market & Christmas Night Market](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/parthenon-boulevard-market-christmas-night-market)** — Sat, Dec 19, 2026 15:00 – Thu, Dec 24, 2026 (JST) · Parthenon Tama Boulevard (Tama Center Station Front Walkway) (Tama) · price on the official site

## Concerts and shows

- **[Royal Park Hotel Christmas Illuminations](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/royal-park-hotel-christmas-illuminations)** — Mon, Nov 9, 2026 – Fri, Dec 25, 2026 (JST) · Royal Park Hotel (Chuo) · Free entry
- **[Meiji Yasuda Village Marunouchi 2026 Christmas Tree](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/2026-christmas-tree-2026)** — Wed, Nov 11, 2026 – Fri, Dec 25, 2026 (JST) · Meiji Yasuda Village Marunouchi (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[Shinji Harada: Dreaming of a Happy Christmas!](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/dreaming-of-a-happy-christmas)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 13:00 (JST) · Kitazawa Town Hall (Setagaya) · price on the official site
- **[Shinobu Watanabe Recital: One Month Before Christmas Eve 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/shinobu-watanabe-recital-one-month-before-christmas-eve)** — Tue, Nov 24, 2026 19:30 (JST) · F.A.D YOKOHAMA (Yokohama) · ¥4,000–¥4,500
- **[ReLIT Solo Concert 2026: Want to See Our Festive Outfits? You’re in for a Treat!](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/relit-relit2026-showshow)** — Fri, Nov 27, 2026 13:30 (JST) · Akabane ReNY alpha (Kita) · price on the official site
- **[Kiyoshi Maekawa Christmas Dinner Show 2026: The Gift of Song](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/2026-gift)** — Wed, Dec 2, 2026 17:00 (JST) · Royal Park Hotel (Chuo) · ¥42,000
- **[JAYWALK: A Wonderful and Mysterious Christmas](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/jaywalk)** — Thu, Dec 3, 2026 19:00 (JST) · BLUES ALLEY JAPAN (Meguro) · price on the official site
- **[Christmas Concert 2026 at Tokyo Cathedral](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/christmas-concert-2026-at-tokyo-cathedral)** — Fri, Dec 4, 2026 18:30 (JST) · St. Mary's Cathedral, Tokyo · ¥5,000〜
- **[Christmas / Ave Maria – Elisabeth String Ensemble](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/christmas-ave-maria-elisabeth-string-ensemble)** — Sat, Dec 5, 2026 – Thu, Dec 24, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo Opera City (Shinjuku) · ¥5,800
- **[Delivering Medicine? Special Solo Consultation with the White Santa at Mizukuri](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/delivering-medicine-special-solo-consultation-with-the-white)** — Sat, Dec 5, 2026 18:30 (JST) · Okubo HOT SHOT · price on the official site
- **[Happy Christmas Concert: Special Christmas Performance by a Small Orchestra – Admission from 0 Years Old](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/happy-christmas-concert-special-christmas-performance-by-a)** — Sun, Dec 6, 2026 11:30 (JST) · Yokohama Kanagawa Public Hall · price on the official site
- **[Iwao Kozawa × Berlin Philharmonic Strings - Love's Christmas 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/iwao-kozawa-berlin-philharmonic-strings-loves)** — Sun, Dec 6, 2026 13:30 (JST) · Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall (Shinjuku) · ¥8,800
- **[Early Christmas Concert 2026 featuring Haruna Miyagawa](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/2026-featuring)** — Tue, Dec 8, 2026 14:30 (JST) · Midori Ward Cultural Center (Midori Art Park) Hall · price on the official site
- **[EXILE TAKAHIRO Birthday & Christmas Live 2026 "Knit"](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/exile-takahiro-birthday-christmas-live-2026-knit)** — Tue, Dec 8, 2026 18:30 (JST) · Tokyo International Forum (Chiyoda) · ¥12,100
- **[Jun Togawa Christmas Live 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/jun-togawaxmaslive-2026)** — Thu, Dec 10, 2026 19:00 (JST) · Uguisudani Tokyo Kinema Club (Taito) · ¥6,500
- **[Christmas Ave Maria: Elisabeth String Ensemble (Shinjuku Ward)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/christmas-ave-maria-elisabeth-string-ensemble-shinjuku-ward)** — Sat, Dec 12, 2026 – Sat, Dec 19, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall (Shinjuku) · price on the official site
- **[Musical Picture Book: Brass★Santa with the Saxofoxes](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/with)** — Sat, Dec 12, 2026 (JST) · Ginza Blossom Chuo Kaikan (Chuo Ward Community Center) Hall (Chuo) · price on the official site
- **[Marumiya Foods Presents: Annie Christmas Concert Musical](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/marumiya-foods-presents-annie-christmas-concert-musical)** — Sat, Dec 12, 2026 11:00 (JST) · Katsushika Symphony Hills Mozart Hall (Katsushika) · ¥8,800
- **[Broadway Christmas Wonderland 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/broadway-christmas-wonderland-2026)** — Sat, Dec 12, 2026 12:00 – Fri, Dec 25, 2026 (JST) · Tokyu Theatre Orb (Shibuya Hikarie) (Shibuya) · ¥4,800〜¥11,800
- **[Family Music Concert: Christmas Party (Open to All Ages, Even Infants)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/family-music-concert-christmas-party-open-to-all)** — Sat, Dec 12, 2026 14:00 (JST) · Iruma City Industry and Culture Center (Iruma) · price on the official site
- **[Trifony Hall Pipe Organ Christmas Concert 2026: The Thorough Organ Concert](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/trifony-hall-pipe-organ-christmas-concert-2026-the)** — Sat, Dec 12, 2026 15:00 (JST) · Sumida Triphony Hall Grand Hall (Sumida) · ¥1,500
- **[The Hamore e Cantare! 'Oh! Christmas Festival 2026 – Peace by Piece'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/oh2026-peace-by-piece)** — Sat, Dec 12, 2026 15:00 (JST) · MT Milly’s · ¥6,400〜
- **[KAWAII LAB. Christmas SESSION 2026 Day 1 / Day 2](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/kawaii-lab-christmas-session-2026-day1day2)** — Sat, Dec 12, 2026 17:00 – Sun, Dec 13, 2026 (JST) · Ariake Arena (Koto) · ¥5,000–¥10,000
- **[ONE N' ONLY Merry XmaSWAG 2026 ~Mega Festival~](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/one-n-only-merry-xmaswag-2026)** — Sun, Dec 13, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo International Forum (Chiyoda) · ¥9,000〜
- **[First Concert Experience: Christmas Concert](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/first-concert-experience-christmas-concert)** — Sun, Dec 13, 2026 (JST) · Shinjuku Bunka Center Grand Hall (Shinjuku) · ¥1,000〜¥3,500
- **[Handel's 'Messiah' – Complete Performance, 59th Annual Christmas Concert](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/handels-messiah-complete-performance-59th-annual-christmas)** — Sun, Dec 13, 2026 14:30 (JST) · Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall · ¥3,000
- **[Yokosuka Arts Theatre Children's Choir Stage 48 Christmas Concert 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/yokosuka-arts-theatre-childrens-choir-stage-48-christmas)** — Sun, Dec 13, 2026 15:00 (JST) · Yokosuka Arts Theatre · ¥900〜1,800
- **[Joyful and Profound Holy Spirits: Christmas Concert at Jiyugaoka Opera House](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/joyful-and-profound-holly-spirits)** — Sun, Dec 13, 2026 15:00 (JST) · Jiyugaoka Opera House · ¥4,000–¥11,500
- **[Yu Tamaki Trombone Recital, December 2026 – Tokyo Performance: Sharing a Single Note Before Christmas](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/december2026)** — Mon, Dec 14, 2026 19:00 (JST) · Luther Ichigaya Hall (Shinjuku) · ¥4,000〜¥5,500
- **[Takeshi Senoo Acoustic Piano Night Tokyo Christmas 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/acoustic-piano-night-2026)** — Tue, Dec 15, 2026 18:30 (JST) · Gloria Chapel, Christ Shinagawa Church (Shinagawa) · ¥7,500

Showing 30 of 86.

## More Christmas events

- **[Roppongi Hills Christmas 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/roppongi-hills-christmas-2026)** — Thu, Nov 5, 2026 – Fri, Dec 25, 2026 (JST) · Various Locations in Roppongi Hills (Minato) · Free entry
- **[Tokyo Midtown Christmas 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-midtown-christmas-2026-7903)** — Fri, Nov 13, 2026 – Fri, Dec 25, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo Midtown (Minato) · Free entry
- **[String Art Workshop: Christmas Night & Zodiac Sheep Decoration](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/string-art-workshop-christmas-night-zodiac-sheep)** — Fri, Nov 13, 2026 – Mon, Nov 23, 2026 (JST) · Gallery NOOOG (Taito) · price on the official site
- **[Grandberry Christmas: Together this Holiday](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/grandberry-christmastogether-this-holiday)** — Sat, Nov 14, 2026 – Fri, Dec 25, 2026 (JST) · Grandberry Park · price on the official site
- **[OOTEMORI Christmas Tree 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/ootemori2026)** — Mon, Nov 16, 2026 – Fri, Dec 25, 2026 (JST) · OOTEMORI (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[Christmas Wreath Workshop: Experience the Changing Colors of Plants](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/christmas-wreath-workshop-experience-the-changing-colors-of)** — Wed, Nov 18, 2026 10:30 (JST) · community space & cafe noma (Bunkyo) · ¥3,000
- **[Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas OH MY CAFE](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/oh-my-cafe-5)** — Thu, Nov 19, 2026 (JST) · OH MY CAFE (Omotesando Hills) (Shibuya) · price on the official site
- **[Chiikawa Park Christmas](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/chiikawa-park-christmas)** — Fri, Nov 20, 2026 – Fri, Dec 25, 2026 (JST) · Chiikawa Park (Toshima) · price on the official site
- **[Full-Length Ballet Performance: A Christmas Carol](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/full-length-ballet-performance-a-christmas-carol)** — Sat, Dec 5, 2026 – Sun, Dec 6, 2026 (JST) · MoN Takanawa The Museum of Narratives Box1000 (Minato) · price on the official site
- **[Create Your Own Original Stollen – December 2026 Workshop](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/create-your-own-original-stollen-december-2026)** — Sat, Dec 5, 2026 09:30 (JST) · Edogawa Eastern Friends Hall 3F Cooking Lecture Room (Edogawa) · ¥5,000
- **[Tachikawa Santa Relay Marathon at Showa Memorial Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tachikawa-santa-relay-marathon-at-showa-memorial-park)** — Sat, Dec 12, 2026 (JST) · Showa Memorial Park (Tachikawa) · ¥3,480–¥4,180
- **[NETH PRIERE CAIN Juri & Daichi Joint Birthday Festival 'PRIERE GUITAR December 2026 Issue'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/neth-priere-cain-priere-guitar202612)** — Sun, Dec 20, 2026 17:30 (JST) · EDGE Ikebukuro (Toshima) · price on the official site

## Questions people ask

**Is Christmas a public holiday in Japan?**
No. December 25 is a normal working day, and offices, shops and trains run as usual. The big family holiday in Japan is New Year.

**Is it hard to get a restaurant on Christmas Eve in Tokyo?**
Yes, popular restaurants book out weeks ahead for December 24, often with special set menus. Reserve early, or plan a lunch or a dinner on the 25th instead.

**Are Tokyo Christmas markets free?**
Many smaller markets at shopping complexes are free to enter. The large Tokyo Christmas Market has charged an entry fee in recent years, so check its [official page](https://tokyochristmas.net/).

**Why do people in Japan eat KFC at Christmas?**
It goes back to KFC Japan's Kentucky for Christmas campaign, which began in 1974. Fried chicken became the standard Christmas meal, and many people pre-order it.

**Are there Christmas services in English in Tokyo?**
Yes. Churches such as Tokyo Union Church and St. Ignatius Church usually hold English services on Christmas Eve. Check their websites for this year's times.

**When do Christmas markets in Tokyo open?**
Most open from mid or late November, some only in December, and nearly all end on December 25.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/christmas