Welcome to the latest installment of Voyapon’s new (ish) series where we share some of the best under-the-radar events happening throughout Japan. Every month we give our readers the best events from Hokkaido to Okinawa and everywhere else in between. Find our list, below, of some amazing activities happening in December 2024.
Tokyo
Let’s start this month in Japan’s capital, Tokyo, where numerous Christmas events are happening.
Zane Carney at Good Heavens Tokyo (December 5-7)
Foster the People’s brilliant guitarist, Zane Carney, is bringing his incredible talent to Good Heavens in Shimokitazawa. Known for his soulful, electrifying guitar work and mesmerizing performances, Carney’s live gigs blend rock, jazz, and blues captivating audiences everywhere he plays. Carney has also collaborated with artists such as John Mayer, U2, Avril Lavigne, Evan Rachel Wood, and Japanese star Miyavi. This is a rare chance to see one of the music industry’s most gifted guitarists up close in an intimate setting.
Find further information here:
| When | December 5 – 7 |
| Where | Good Heavens Daizawa 5-32-5, Setagaya-ku |
| Admission Fee | 3,900 Yen |
| Official Website | https://www.instagram.com/goodheavenstokyo/p/DCIHviyzc_X/ |
Tokyo Christmas Market 2024 (Nov 19 – Dec 25)
Located in Meiji Jingu Gaien, in the heart of the city, and sponsored by the German Embassy and Tourism Association, this festive market promises to be one of the city’s best offering everything you expect from a Christmas market.
Find further information here:
| When | November 19 – December 25 |
| Where | Meiji Jingu Gaien |
| Admission Fee | Adults (13 years and older): 1,000 Yen *includes a mug Children (6-12 years): 500 Yen *Prices may vary depending on the day, please check the official website in advance. |
| Official Website | https://tokyochristmas.net/ |
Roppongi Hills Christmas Market (Nov 23 – Dec 25)
Roppongi has always been an expat hub and Roppongi Hills Christmas Market has been a staple for years now. Snacks, beers, mulled wine and festive decorations make this a must visit this year.
Find further information here:
| When | November 23 – December 25 |
| Where | O-YANE PLAZA |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://www.christmas.hills-site.com/illumination-event/roppongi/101/ |
Roppongi Hills Christmas Illuminations (Nov 7 – Dec 25)
In addition to its renowned market, Roppongi Hills throws great illuminations over this season. Very Instagrammable and atmospheric, this is a great way to get into the festive spirit.
Find further information here:
| When | November 7 – December 25 |
| Where | Roppongi Keyakizaka Street |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://www.christmas.hills-site.com/illumination-event/roppongi/102/ |
Marunouchi Illumination (Nov 14 – Feb 16)
One of Tokyo’s most anticipated illumination events is in Marunouchi, near the Tokyo Station area. With shops, food and drinks, and stunning street-long illuminations, it’s one of the city’s biggest and best seasonal events.
Find further information here:
| When | November 14 – February 16 |
| Where | Marunouchi Nakadori |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://www.marunouchi.com/pickup/event/ |
Winter Enoshima Illumination (Nov 23 – Feb 28)
The Enoshima/Katase Beach winter illumination event has become a beloved tradition, drawing visitors from across Japan. The stunning, jewel-like lights seamlessly blend with the natural beauty and night views of Shonan. This enchanting fusion of nature, light, and scenery has earned the event prestigious titles, including the “First Place in the International Illumination Awards” and recognition as one of the “Three Greatest Illuminations in Kanto.” Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this dazzling winter spectacle, where every light sparkles like a precious gem.
Find further information:
| When | November 23 – February 28 |
| Where | Enoshima/ Katase Beach |
| Admission Fee | Samuel Cocking Garden Adults: 500 Yen Children: 250 Yen *Prices for groups may vary, for detailed information please visit the official website. |
| Official Website | https://enoshima-seacandle.com/event/shonannohoseki/ |
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market (Nov 22 – Dec 25)
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, this year’s event theme is “Memorial,” offering visitors a truly unforgettable Christmas experience. The venue has expanded to 58 stores, offering an array of food, drinks, and festive goods. New features include a “priority admission ticket” for quicker entry and an exclusive “app member-only area” for event app users. First-time collaborations with Noritake introduce limited edition “premium mugs,” while special accommodation packages with five luxury Yokohama hotels allow for a perfect holiday getaway.
Find further information here:
| When | November 22 – December 25 |
| Where | Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse |
| Admission Fee | Standard: 500 Yen Skip-the-line: 1,500 Yen Priority entry: 4,500 Yen |
| Official Website | https://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/christmas/ |
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (Dec 21 – Jan 5)
The National Ballet of Japan will run a production of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, a cherished holiday tradition. This winter 18 performances from 21 December to 5 January are scheduled as a special treat for Christmas and New Year.
This enchanting production features Wayne Eagling’s splendid, fast-paced choreography infused with humour, complemented by rich colours in the sets and costumes that beautifully depict both the real world and the dreamlike realm.
The performance is filled with highlights, showcasing the talent of the National Ballet of Japan dancers — from the sophisticated pas de deux of the lead characters and the captivating corps de ballet in the snow scene and flower waltz to the delightful divertissements of the second act.
As an extra treat, the theatre foyer will be adorned for the festive season, and a seasonal buffet menu will be available during intermission.
Find further information here:
| When | December 21 – January 5 |
| Where | New National Theatre, Tokyo 1-1-1 Honmachi, Shibuya, 151-0071 Tokyo |
| Admission Fee | 1,650 Yen – 14,850 Yen |
| Official Website | https://www.nntt.jac.go.jp/english/productions/ballet-dance/nutcracker.html |
Osaka
This time we’re moving on from Tokyo to Kansai’s biggest city Osaka which also shines like a Christmas wonderland in December.
Osaka Christmas Market (Nov 29 – Dec 25)
For those in Kansai over December, try out the Osaka Christmas Market which promises performances, original merchandise and festive culinary goodies including pretzels.
Find further information here:
| When | November 29 – December 25 |
| Where | Tennoji Park “Tenshiba” and “Tenshiba i:na” |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://osaka-christmasmarket.com/ |
Namba Hikari Tabi Illumination (Nov 8 – Feb 16)
In Namba, the Kansai festivities continue with illuminations, photo contests and much more to get you in the mood for the holiday season.
Find further information here:
| When | November 8 – February 16 |
| Where | Namba |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://nambamarutto.com/hikaritabi/ |
Universal Studios Japan: NO LIMIT! Countdown 2025 (Dec 31 – Jan 1)
Get ready for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve adventure. This exclusive one-night event packs a year’s worth of fun into just 26 hours. Enjoy spectacular attractions, from the “Countdown Moment” with stunning fireworks to the “Special Countdown Stage,” featuring epic performances, beloved ONE PIECE characters, and even zombies! Explore fan-favorite areas like SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ and indulge in nonstop thrills. This ultra-premium night, sold out every year, promises dazzling entertainment, exhilarating experiences, and memories to last a lifetime. Celebrate the New Year like never before!
Find further information here:
| When | December 31 – January 1 |
| Where | Universal Studios Japan |
| Admission Fee | Party Pass: 15,400 Yen |
| Official Website | https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/events/countdown-2025/no-limit-countdown-2025 |
Hokkaido
Of course, we can’t ignore Japan’s Northern wonderland Hokkaido this month either. These events await you here.
Sapporo White Illumination (Nov 22 – Mar 14)
The Sapporo White Illumination, celebrating its 44th year in 2024, has become a beloved winter tradition. Since its debut in 1981 with just 1,000 bulbs in Odori Park, the event has expanded into one of Japan’s premier illuminations. This year, the sparkling displays will brighten locations across the city, including Odori, Sapporo Ekimae-dori, and Minami 1-jo-dori. Symbolic installations and beautifully lit trees will add to the festive atmosphere, attracting visitors from all over Japan and beyond.
Find further information here:
| When | November 22 – March 14 |
| Where | JR Sapporo Station |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://www.sapporo.travel/white-illumination/ |
Hakodate Christmas Fantasy (Nov 30 – Dec 25)
Christmas in Hakodate brings a magical atmosphere, blending the city’s rich history as Japan’s first international port with its unique cultural fusion. The cityscape, with its mix of Japanese and Western-style buildings, creates an exotic charm. A highlight of the season is the stunning Christmas tree, floating gracefully on Hakodate Port, its soft lights shimmering across the water. This year, as in the past, the tree is adorned with Hokkaido-grown Japanese fir, bringing a special local touch to the holiday spirit.
Find further information here:
| When | November 30 – December 25 |
| Where | Red Brick Warehouses |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | http://www.hakodatexmas.com/ |
Nagasaki
Our last stop for this month is Nagasaki, where you will find something to do not only for Christmas but also for the New Year.
Huis Ten Bosch Christmas Town (Nov 8 – Jan 6)
Experience a European-style Christmas in Nagasaki this season. With a 15ft Christmas tree, an ornament street packed with decorations, and carnival games and food wagons, this promises to be the perfect setting to get you in the mood for Christmas and the New Year.
Find further information here:
| When | November 8 – January 6 |
| Where | Huis Ten Bosch |
| Admission Fee | 1-Day-Pass for the park: 3,700 – 7,400 Yen |
| Official Website | https://www.huistenbosch.co.jp/event/xmas/ |
Huis Ten Bosch New Year Countdown (Dec 31)
With 8,000 fireworks illuminating the sky, illuminations, and a new viewing area (reservations are recommended) visitors can also enjoy watch Japan’s largest musical fountain show, “Water Magic.” The water, music, lights, and fireworks are ideal for families and couples on this special day.
Find further information here:
| When | December 31 |
| Where | Huis Ten Bosch |
| Admission Fee | 1-Day-Pass for the park: 3,700 – 7,400 Yen |
| Official Website | https://english.huistenbosch.co.jp/event/countdown/ |
