Christmas Markets in Tokyo and Yokohama

Nov 29, 2024

Christmas Markets in Tokyo and Yokohama

This year went by quick. It seemed like only yesterday that summer would never end and now, all of a sudden, it is time for the holidays. Or maybe autumn in Japan just feels that short. The upside of the encroaching cold is looking forward to the year end holidays of Christmas and New Years. For me, this means taking my family to the Christmas Markets for some cocoa. Or visiting one after work for a German beer or three. The point is that Christmas Markets are both a lot of fun and a great way to keep warm during the cold month ahead. Lasting for roughly a month at most locations, these markets sell festive food and drink and all sorts of Christmas decorations. They’re a great way to get into the holiday spirit for those of us not traveling home this year. Plus, this year there are more than ever. We have compiled a list of those that are most worth visiting and a few more just in case you want to to go one nearby. Please check them out and let us know about your experience. 

Tokyo Christmas Market –  Shinanomachi

We’ll start with the biggest offering: the Tokyo Christmas Market, located in this year in Meji Jingu Gaien Niko Niko Park. Usually held in Hibiya Park, the location for the last two years has been here instead. This market is sponsored by the German Embassy and several German municipalities and business groups, so you know that it will come closest to Germany’s famous Christmas markets. German food, mulled wine, beer, plenty of Christmas decorations, and even a Christmas pyramid, which they imported directly from Germany to bring the recreation even closer to the real thing. They actually renewed it this year with a theme based off both Grimm’s Fairy Tales and Alice in Wonderland to emphasize the fairy tale atmosphere  of the event. It’s a must-visit during the lead-up to Christmas in Tokyo.

Note that buying your ticket beforehand online gets you a collectable mug and that ticket prices vary depending on when you visit. They start from 1,000 yen on weekdays until December 21 and go ups to 2,000 yen for the last 4 days of the event.

Dates: November 19 -December 25
Hours: 16:00-21:30 on November 19, 11:00-21:30
Where: Jingu Gaien
Website: https://tokyochristmas.net

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market – Yokohama

The Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market is celebrating it’s 15th anniversary this year. This event features a giant Christmas tree, wooden booths from Germany, and authentic food, drink, and decorations. This is probably the second-best Christmas Market after the one in Jingu Gain. Similar to the Tokyo Christmas Market, tickets can purchased online and the price is a reasonable 500 yen but they are also offering a special Priority Ticket for 1,500 which promises shorter wait times.. A perfect and festive option for our readers in Kanagawa.

Dates: November 22 -December 25
Hours: 11:00-21:00
Where: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse 1-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama
Website : https://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/christmas/ 

Roppongi Hills Christmas Market – Roppongi

This market is modeled on the market in Stuttgart, Germany, which is supposed to be the biggest Christmas Market of them all. This reproduction is relatively small, though, at just eight stands, but let’s keep an open mind. While this one isn’t as big as the other options on this list, it is free and nearby the amazing illuminations on Keyakizaka Street. This makes for a nice place to visit after work for a snack, a little shopping, and a stroll to take in the lights. 

Dates: November 23 -December 25
Hours: 11:00-21:00
Where: Roppongi Hills, Oyane Plaza, 6-11-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Website: https://www.christmas.hills-site.com/illumination-event/roppongi/101/

Azabudai Hills Christmas Market – Kamiyacho

The newest market on this list is only in its second year but this one is worth it to check out the still pretty-new Azabudai Hills Complex. This is also a great place to swing by after work or during a weekend date since you can stroll through the market and then explore Azabudai Hills. In addition to food, drinks, and souvenirs, there are photo spots, portrait paintings and even visits by Santa Claus.

Dates: November 23 -December 25
Hours: 11:00-21:00
Where: Azabudai Hills, 1-3 Azabudai, Minato, Tokyo
Website: https://www.christmas.hills-site.com/illumination-event/azabudai/201/

Tokyo Solamachi Christmas Market – Oshiage

This one is pretty good if you are on the Eastern side of town. Set up on the 4th floor of the Sky Arena, this free event offers German food, beer, mulled wine, plenty of booths selling ornaments, and tons of Christmas decorations. This one is worth a visit for the number of illuminations by itself, plus the Sky Tree is there to visit as a bonus!

Dates: November 18-December 25
Hours: 11:00-22:00
Where:  Solamachi, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Website : https://www.tokyo-solamachi.jp/2024xmas/

Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons