December 2025 Events in Japan: Holiday Magic & Winter Wonders

December 2025 in Japan offers a blend of holiday cheer, winter illuminations, cultural festivals, and year-end celebrations. Cities and regions across the country host a range of events, from Christmas markets in Tokyo to historic float festivals in Saitama, as well as light displays in Hokkaido and the Kansai region. Let’s check out a few!

Tokyo Christmas Market 2025 (Tokyo)

The Tokyo Christmas Market is held at Meiji Jingu Gaien and runs until December 25. The market features wooden stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, warm drinks like mulled wine, and live holiday music in a European-style setting. Visitors can stroll among beautifully decorated trees, savor seasonal treats, and find unique gifts. It’s a convenient way to experience a festive winter outing without leaving Tokyo’s central area.

In addition to the stalls, there are special themed evenings, children’s events, and photo spots specifically designed for the season. The market often features a tall, evergreen or imported Christmas tree that serves as a focal point for visitors. The setting in a city park offers an openness that complements the winter lights and mild chill of December in Tokyo. Visiting in the evening adds sparkle as the lights stand out against the dark sky.

Azabudai Hills Christmas Market 2025 (Tokyo)

Located in the Azabudai Hills Central Square, this Christmas Market runs from late November through December 25, combining urban holiday design with market elements. Visitors can expect holiday light installations, food and drink stalls, pop-up performances, and a modern take on Christmas shopping and entertainment. The surrounding area gives the event a sleek, city-style feel that appeals to locals and travelers.

The market also connects to nearby shopping, dining, and viewing areas, making it a convenient stop before or after dinner. Because it is centrally located, travel between the market and other Tokyo sights is efficient. Light displays throughout the square often change nightly, providing returning visitors with fresh visuals. The mix of holiday atmosphere and urban architecture makes this market distinct among Tokyo’s December offerings.

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Tokyo Skytree Town Dream Christmas 2025 (Tokyo)

At Tokyo Skytree Town, a winter-themed “Dream Christmas” event runs through December and features special illumination of the Skytree tower itself, themed window displays, and ground-level holiday stalls. The tower is lit in changing colour modes, shifting between “Tree Mode” and “Candle Mode,” creating a dynamic visual experience. Visitors can enjoy holiday snacks, themed souvenirs, and take photos against the backdrop of the tower and its surroundings.

Evening times are particularly effective, as the city lights and tower illumination stand out after dusk. The observation decks give views over the city’s winter lights. Many visitors go after dinner or as part of a whole evening outing in Tokyo. The market and displays are accessible via major stations, making it easy to include in a Tokyo visit. If you’re going to Tokyo and want a memorable holiday evening, this event delivers.

Chichibu Night Festival (Chichibu, Saitama)

Held on December 2–3, 2025, in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, the Chichibu Night Festival is one of Japan’s major float festivals, boasting over 300 years of history. On December 2, the evening parade features four large floats known as yatai and kasaboko, while December 3 features six massive floats illuminated by lanterns. The climax of the festival is the hauling of the floats up the steep Dango-zaka hill and a long fireworks display.

The festival route is centered around Chichibu Shrine and extends into the city’s major streets. Food stalls line the streets with local specialties. The illumination of floats at dusk, the sound of drums and flutes, and the contrast between the winter air and the crowd’s energy make this event an immersive cultural experience. Snapshot moments, such as lantern-lit floats and fireworks, create lasting images and memories of travel.

Hakodate Christmas Fantasy (Hokkaido)

Running from December 1 to December 25, the Hakodate Christmas Fantasy takes place at Hakodate Bay in Hokkaido. It features a large floating Christmas tree erected on the water near the red-brick Kanemori Warehouses. Nightly fireworks and the harbour setting give the event a distinctive winter maritime feel. Visitors can stroll the waterfront, view the lights reflected in the water, and enjoy food and drink stalls serving regional specialties.

Because it is located near the harbor, the event infrastructure provides visitors with access from Hakodate Station and nearby dining options. The floating tree becomes a city landmark during the event period, drawing photography enthusiasts. For travelers already planning a trip to Hokkaido, the festival offers a festive bonus. The harbour reflections, winter lights, and local food make for a memorable December evening.

Sapporo White Illumination (Hokkaido)

In Sapporo, the White Illumination event, held from late November to early December, takes place in Odori Park and around JR Sapporo Station, featuring thousands of LED lights that adorn trees, paths, and buildings. Visitors can walk through illuminated lanes, stop at food stalls offering warm Hokkaido snacks and enjoy extended hours. While it’s not a Christmas market, the event is a significant winter illumination and a key part of the region’s December travel.

Evenings in Sapporo during the illumination often feature local winter treats, such as warm soup and hot drinks, along with occasional mini-events. Because it is held in December, the lights offer a chance to see the city’s winter transformation before deeper snow arrives. Access is effortless via subway or JR train lines, making it suitable for both short trips and longer stays. The event encourages walking and exploring central Sapporo rather than only staying at ski resorts.

Why should I go to these events?

Attending these December 2025 events in Japan gives you access to seasonal experiences. The holiday events in Tokyo offer a festive atmosphere and holiday rituals in a major city. Meanwhile, the events in Saitama, Hokkaido, and Osaka offer a diverse range of winter experiences, from traditional Japanese festivals to beautifully lit streets. You’ll engage with traditions and seasonal culture rather than generic tourist events.

Visits also support local economies during quieter seasons and often feature unique, small-scale elements such as food stalls, local drinks, crowd rituals, and live performances. Overall, they can suit solo travelers, couples, or families looking for an evening outing, holiday mood, or cultural experience. Will you be going to one of these events? Which one do you want to go to? Let us know in the comments below!