This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For Dec 21-24

While you'll most probably find yourself doing some last-minute present shopping this weekend, here are some events you should check out for when you need to escape the store crowds (and the stress of choosing between pairs of socks for your S.O.). It's the last weekend before Christmas so think of these as a precursor for the upcoming holiday festivities. Let the pre-party begin!

Santa's Little Runners

Tokyo Great Santa Run

Ditch the sleigh and dash away on a 2.5K route dressed as a Santa Clause, raising money in aid of sick children in Japan and underprivileged children in Kenya. One of the best parts? You won't be alone — there will be another 2500 plus Santas running with you, so think of this as a fun networking event too. Sort of. #BucketList

Date

SUN, DEC. 22, 2019

Time

10:30 A.M. – 3 P.M.

Location

KOMAZAWA OLYMPIC PARK, 1-1 KOMAZAWA-KOEN, SETAGAYAKU, TOKYO

Fee

ADULT ¥3,300, STUDENT ¥2,200, CHILD ¥1,100 (COMES WITH COSTUME BUT YOU CAN WEAR YOUR OWN TOO)

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: PARTY PEOPLE, FRIENDS, COUPLES

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Handmade From The Heart

Bunkamura Winter Craft Collection 2019

Over 100 craft makers from across Japan are gathering for the largest annual event at the Bunkamura Gallery to exhibit their one-of-a-kind works of art. You'll find everything from leather items to pottery to handmade jewelry, clothes, artworks and so much more. If you appreciate handmade goods or are looking for unique Christmas gifts, stop by!

Date

NOW THROUGH WED, DEC 25, 2019

Time

10 A.M. - 7:30 P.M.

Location

BUNKAMURA GALLERY, 2-24 DOGENZAKA, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO

Fee

FREE ENTRY

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: SOLO DATES, FRIENDS, CRAFT LOVERS AND COLLECTORS

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Last-Minute Christmas Shopping

Fantastic Carnival Magic Box

Bright illuminations in Saitama will add some extra holiday spirit to your Christmas gift shopping. What makes this market unique — other than the high-quality European-style goods and food — is the candle-making experience and teddy bear museum. A fun day out for all the family.

Date

NOW THROUGH FRI, FEB. 14 2020

Time

5 P.M. TO 12 P.M. (ILLUMINATION LIGHT UP)

Location

KEYAKI SQUARE 2F, SAITAMA SUPER ARENA, 10 SHINTOSHIN, CHUO, SAITAMA

Fee

FREE!

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, FRIENDS, AND COUPLES

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Winter Lights

Festival of Lights 2019

Stunning displays of winter lights are a big part of the festive season in Japan, and the event organizers of the Festival of Lights certainly know how to put on a show. This year, eight giant Christmas trees and 220,000 LED gold lights will illuminate the streets around Takenotsuka station in Adachi Ward to a background of romantic holiday tunes. Perfect for a date with that special someone.

Date

NOW THROUGH WED, DEC. 25, 2019

Time

5 P.M. TO 9 P.M.

Location

TAKENOTSUKA STATION (SEIBU SKYTREE LINE) TO MOTOFUCHIE PARK, 2-17-1 HOKIMA, ADACHI-KU, TOKYO

Fee

FREE!

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, FRIENDS, AND COUPLES

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Charity Quiz

Amnesty International’s Pub Quiz

The Amnesty International Tokyo English Network (AITEN) invites you to their December Pub Quiz in Shibuya, which you can join either solo or with up to five members to make your team. A great opportunity to meet and have fun with a multicultural crowd of like-minded people — and win some amazing prizes along the way!

Date

WED, DEC. 18, 2019

Time

7:30 P.M. TO 10 P.M.

Location

HOBGOBLIN BRITISH PUB, 1-3-11 DOGENZAKA 3F, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO

Fee

¥1,000 PER PERSON

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FRIENDS

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End Of Year

Osame No Daishi Festival

The Osame No Daishi is a popular end-of-year festival at Nishiarai Temple in Adachi Ward. The festival will be lined with food and product stalls, celebrating the closing of the year. A popular item to buy is a "Kumade," or lucky rake. Used as a New Year decoration, kumade are known to "rake in" luck and fortune.

Date

SAT, DEC. 21, 2019

Time

9 A.M. – 9 P.M.

Location

NISHIARAI DAISHI SOJI TEMPLE, 1-15-１ NISHIARAI, ADACHI-KU, TOKYO

Fee

FREE!

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, FRIENDS, AND COUPLES

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Park Boogie

Tokyo Dance Festival 2019

With last year’s Tokyo Dance Festival being a total success they’ve brought it back again this year! Dancers will do their thing against the backdrop of beautiful Christmas illuminations. As well as professional dancers, there will also be other stage performances. Everyone is welcome to participate, so grab your dancing shoes and head on over to Ueno Park this weekend!

Date

FRI, DEC. 20-SUN, DEC. 22, 2019

Time

10 A.M. – 6 P.M.

Location

UENO PARK, 5-20 UENOKOEN, TAITO-KU, TOKYO

Fee

FREE!

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: DANCERS, FAMILIES, AND FRIENDS

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The Sound of Music

Broadway Christmas Wonderland 2019

Filled with everything festive about the Christmas holidays, this breathtaking production fit for the whole family lets you experience Christmas music performed by superb singers, accompanied by delightful dancing, magnificent scenery, exquisite costumes, figure skating, and a classic chorus line. If you haven't quite been feeling Christmas-y this season, this show will give you all the holiday feels. This last weekend leading up to Christmas is your final chance to catch this show!

Date

SAT, DEC 14 - WED, DEC 25, 2019

Time

VARIOUS (SEE WEBSITE)

Location

TOKYU THEATER ORB, 1F SHIBUYA HIKARIE 2-21-1 SHIBUYA, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO

Fee

¥6,800-¥9,800

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES, FRIENDS, SOMEONE WHO NEEDS A GENKI BOOST

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Attending any of these events? Send us photos through Facebook or Instagram for a chance to be published on the site. #SavvyTokyo

For a full list of illuminations around Tokyo, see this article. For Christmas markets, see here.