From Tokyo to Yokohama and Osaka, celebrate the holidays at Japan’s top Christmas markets this year.
TEXT BY LIM CHEE WAH
Christmas may not be a public holiday in Japan, but the festive spirit is alive and well. These joyous Christmas markets in Tokyo – plus one in nearby Yokohama and another in Osaka – show just how universal the celebration is around the world. So layer up: we’re about to soak up some European-inspired Christmas magic right here in Japan.
Roppongi Hills Christmas Market
November 22–December 25, 11am–9pm, free entry
Art and nightlife hub Roppongi is one of the most festive Tokyo neighbourhoods at this time of year. The area’s popular Roppongi Hills Christmas Market, now in its 19th year, is inspired by the renowned Stuttgart Christmas Market in Germany. And while it may be smaller than some others in the city, this charming fair is not short on holiday cheer.
Clustered under a classic holiday scene of reindeer pulling a sleigh, the market stalls offer a wide range of festive gifts, ornaments and seasonal treats. There’s a lip-smacking array of German and winter specialities, including Weisswurst sausages, pretzels and mulled wine. If you’re gift shopping, check out the fragrant spice-based home decor from Rasp Spice Decorations and exquisite glassware from Joy Luck Club.
Most importantly, don’t leave without taking in the mesmerising Snow & Blue illumination along the picturesque Keyakizaka Avenue, just around the corner. With glowing trees framing the iconic Tokyo Tower in the distance, it’s the perfect spot for a postcard-worthy shot of Tokyo in winter.
Tokyo Christmas Market
December 5–25, 11am–10pm (last entry at 9pm), entry ¥1,000–¥2,000
Like most Christmas fairs in Japan, the Tokyo Christmas Market is modelled after its German counterparts, but it appears more faithful with its 14-metre-tall Dresden-style Christmas pyramid, which has become the event’s signature. With its strategic location in Shiba Park near Tokyo Tower, the market offers a truly magnificent scene: the visual juxtaposition of a German holiday icon rising alongside one of the city’s most recognisable silhouettes.
Visiting the market requires a ticket, and it’s worth purchasing one in advance, not least because you’ll receive a souvenir mug that isn’t sold separately. The huts stay true to tradition, serving up classic German fare such as stollen and sausages, alongside mulled wine and hot chocolate to keep you warm.
Here you’ll also find German artisanal goods perfect for gifting, including ornaments from Seiffen, the famed German woodcraft town, as well as event-exclusive teddy bears produced by the renowned German plush toy brand Steiff. Rounding out the experience are live music and workshops, where you’ll learn to make snow globes and candles.
Azabudai Hills Christmas Market
November 22–December 25, 11am–9pm, free entry
The sparkly Azabudai Hills Christmas Market looks especially captivating, thanks to the site’s striking architecture. At the entrance, a majestic real-fir Christmas tree – all decked out with special lighting effects by designer Hisaki Kato – adds an extra touch of magic.
There are 17 vendors at the Azabudai Hills Christmas Market, offering festive wreaths, holiday gifts and décor, cosy winter accessories as well as freshly prepared food and drinks. Be sure to keep an eye out for Santa Claus, as he’ll be roaming around Azabudai Hills on selected days.
The highlight, however, is the pop-up by famed German Christmas shop Käthe Wohlfahrt. This treasure trove of Christmas décor features everything from snow globes and Nutcracker figurines to charming tableaux from the Winter Wonderland series, which is exclusive to this market in Japan’s Kanto region.
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market
Until December 5, 11am–9pm (last orders 8.30pm); December 6–25 11am–10pm (last orders 9.30pm), from ¥500
For a Christmas market that feels like a fairytale escape from the bustling centre of Tokyo, don’t miss this massive annual event at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. With around 60 huts set by the sea and flanked by two historical red brick buildings, the market’s waterfront location is so picturesque that it drew an impressive 1.24 million visitors in 2024.
This year, the market’s iconic real-fir Christmas tree is bigger and more majestic than ever, standing 12 metres tall and adorned with 22,000 colour-changing LEDs. True Christmas enthusiasts will appreciate the market’s commitment to authenticity: its food and retail huts, along with their decorations, are brought in directly from Germany, so you can experience a slice of European magic right here in Yokohama. Moreover, a real Santa certified by Rovaniemi in Finland – the official hometown of Santa Claus – will make a special appearance on December 9 for a meet-and-greet.
Given the market’s popularity, crowds are inevitable, but you can skip the lines with priority-entry tickets or by booking the Premium Lounge package. Both options include an exclusive souvenir mug crafted in collaboration with renowned Japanese porcelain brand Noritake.
Christmas Market in Osaka Tenshiba
November 28–December 25, 11am–9pm (last orders 8.30pm), free entry
Occupying the expansive lawn at the entrance of Tennoji Park – across from Abeno Harukas, the city’s tallest skyscraper – Osaka’s Christmas Market offers all the joys of a festive fair this holiday season. The charming wooden huts serve winter warmers such as mulled wine and hot cocoa alongside a delectable spread of German comfort foods. You’ll also find stalls selling Christmas ornaments and adorable stocking stuffers.
But the festivities go beyond food and shopping. The market is decked out with brilliant illuminations, and there are special photo spots – including a cluster of three towering Christmas trees – where you can capture the perfect seasonal snapshot. Santa Claus is even scheduled to make appearances on December 7, 13, 14 and 19, and you’re welcome to take photos with the man of the season.
As Christmas approaches, the celebration gets more vibrant, with a dedicated Christmas stage set up from December 20 to host uplifting gospel performances and other seasonal entertainment.