Best Christmas Markets In And Around Tokyo

Find Your Savviest Seasonal Buys At These Holiday Markets

Santa will also be there, having a glass of hot wine.

While you may still be recovering from all the turkey and pies you had on Thanksgiving, Japan is already embracing the arrival of Christmas at full speed: you’re seeing the illuminations and Colonel Sanders dressed as Santa Claus, and you’re no doubt hearing Christmas music in absolutely every public space where there is a speaker.

But besides all that (and the Christmas cakes), you know Christmas is coming when you find yourself at a Europe-inspired market, sipping hot wine and eating bratwurst. While most of these markets attract Japanese crowds for the food and drink, they are also some of the few venues where you can enjoy some real holiday spirit—as you’re used to it from back home.

Here are our top picks of Christmas bazaars and markets in and near Tokyo for this year.


1. Roppongi Hills Christmas Market


 

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Roppongi Hills Christmas Market is the Japanese replication of Stuttgart’s famous (and one of the world’s largest) Christmas marché. Now in its 13th year, it features 11 stores offering over 2,000 Christmas-inspired goodies—from authentic German delicacies to snow globes, ornaments, and other festive kitsch. Santa Claus and his reindeer crew will supervise from above the stalls, bringing smiles to the kids and a pleasant vibe for the adults. Original anniversary goods, such as mug cups for your glühwein, will also be on sale.

When: Now through Dec. 25, 2019, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Until 10 p.m. on Fri, Sat, and Christmas Eve)
Where: Roppongi Hills O-Yane Plaza, 6-11-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo


2. Tokyo Christmas Market


 

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Tokyo Christmas Market will occupy Shiba Park (not Hibiya Park this year) for a limited period of ten days in December, turning the area into an almost-real fairy tale. Expect to be impressed by the market’s great array of food and drink stalls, various international holiday crafts, and entertaining stage performances. There will also be handicraft workshops and daily live performances by German, Japanese and gospel groups, all in the warm glow of Tokyo Tower. But without a doubt, the most amazing feature of this event is the stunningly illuminated 14m-high Christmas pyramid imported straight from Dresden. “Ach du meine Güte!” as they say in German (we think).

When: Now through Dec. 25, 2019, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Shiba Park, Shiba Koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo


3. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market


 

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The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (Akarenga) Christmas Market is one of the biggest and most popular markets of its kind in Japan, drawing tens of thousands of visitors annually. It’s a great place to visit for shopping, eating, and sightseeing, as well as to experience a truly festive feeling under the (real) giant Christmas tree.

There’ll be hot wine, seasonal ornaments, and beautiful illuminations, live Christmas song shows, a street piano and various other entertaining events. Santa Claus will also be making appearances once in a while carrying presents for the little ones. The 2019 market will also include a second food venue where you can sample a range of seafood paired with different champagnes.

If you drop by, don’t forget to follow Akarenga’s official Instagram account (@yokohamaredbrick) and post a photo with the hashtag #横浜赤レンガのクリスマス撮ってみた (I took a Christma picture of the Red Brick Warehouse). Winning photos will appear in official advertisements for the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse!

When: Now through Tue, Dec. 25, 2019, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Yokohama Akarenga, 1-1, Shin-Minato, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa


4. Ebisu Garden Place Marche de Noël


 

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As soon as you pass through the long Sky Walk from JR Ebisu station, you’ll be greeted by a giant Christmas tree, overseeing a wide array of stalls selling European-inspired crafts, food and seasonal gifts. The entire shopping complex is decorated with thousands of gorgeously shining LED lights and an impressive Baccarat chandelier, making this market one of the most romantic and festive venues for this holiday season.

When: Now through Dec. 25, 2019, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Ebisu Garden Place 4-20, Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo


5. Saitama Christmas Market


 

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Though a bit far away from the city center, this European-style Saitama Christmas Market is just as cozy and festive as the rest. Try various goods and food from all over Europe and get creative at the market’s original Christmas ornament workshop. While most Christmas markets in Japan are only German-inspired, here you can find traditional ornaments from Austria, Russia, France and other countries that also celebrate Christmas. This year’s market will host several events to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, including a special menu and a limited-edition tumbler.

When: Now through Dec. 25, 2019, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Weekdays) 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Weekends)
Where: Saitama Super Arena Keyaki Hiroba, 8 Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama


6. Tokyo Skytree Solamachi Christmas Market


 

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New to the list since 2017, Tokyo Skytree invites guests to shop around for Christmas goods and treats amid stunning winter illuminations at the base of the capital’s highest tower. There will be a variety of Germany-inspired traditional crafts and goods, warm food and drink stalls and some entertainment as part of the attraction’s Dream Christmas 2019 roster of events. If you’re new to Tokyo, this is a great place to feel the holiday spirit while sightseeing at one of its landmarks!

When: Now through Dec. 25, 2019
Where: Tokyo Skytree Solamachi, Sky Arena 4F, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo


*This article was first published in December 2017 and has been updated with the latest details on December 10, 2019. 


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