Tokyo Disney Resort® will once again be hosting the special event 'Disney Christmas' this year.

At Tokyo Disneyland®, a heartwarming tale featuring Disney characters celebrating Christmas will be staged in the parade called 'Disney Christmas Stories' (once daily, approximately 45 minutes long). As you enter the World Bazaar, you will be greeted by a towering Christmas tree, standing at about 15 meters in height, adorned with the 40th-anniversary logo.

Over at Tokyo DisneySea®, Mickey Mouse and Disney friends will greet you in Christmas attire with Christmas music at Mediterranean Harbor in 'Disney Christmas Greeting' (1-2 times daily, approximately 15 minutes each performance). The Christmas season is the time when the park sees the most visitors, so come and enjoy the romantic and heartwarming atmosphere.

Event Details
・Venue: Tokyo Disney Resort
・Dates: November 8, 2023 - December 25, 2023
・Hours: Vary by date, please refer to the official website
・Admission: Vary by date, please refer to the official website
・Closed: Open every day during the event
・Phone Number: 0570-00-8632 (Navigation Dial)

Jewellumination is a popular event held at Yomiuri Land amusement park in western Tokyo. The event is curated by Mitsuko Ishii, a world-renowned lighting designer. This year's theme is "LIGHT is LOVE," featuring the new color "Earth Blue Jewelry Color," which symbolizes love for the Earth. It blends deep shades of aquamarine and sapphire representing the beautiful sea with emerald tones depicting lush forests.

The event also includes a fountain show with 188 fountains, a 15-meter-tall water screen, and dazzling effects using lasers and flames, showcasing cutting-edge technology.

The "Starlight Bandit Shooting Star Coaster" is one of the attractions adorned with stunning illuminations, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers and those who want to enjoy the illuminations.

Event Details
・ Venue: Yomiuri Land
・ Event Dates: October 19, 2023 - April 7, 2024
・ Event Hours: 4 PM - 8:30 PM
・ Admission: One-Day Pass: Adults 5,800 yen; After Pass (Entry from 3 PM on Jewel Illumination days + unlimited rides): Adults 3,100 yen
・ Closed: Open every day during the event

Marunouchi's main street, Marunouchi Nakadori, and other locations like Tokyo Kotsukaikan near Yurakucho Station and Tokyo Station Nihonbashi Exit, will see around 340 street trees illuminated with about 1.2 million LED lights. What makes this display unique is its champagne gold color scheme, which is brighter and more vibrant than typical yellow light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

All of the power for the illumination of Marunouchi Nakadori comes from green energy sources like solar and wind. While TOKYO TORCH Park, which is a large outdoor space in front of Tokyo Station's Nihonbashi Exit, is a bit away from Marunouchi, it will also be decorated with illuminations.

Event Details
・ Venue: Marunouchi Nakadori, Tokyo Station vicinity, and more
・ Event Dates: Mid-November onwards (details to be confirmed)
・ Event Hours: 3 PM - 11 PM
・ Admission Fee: Free
・ Closed: Open every day during the event
・ Phone Number: 03-5218-5100 (Marunouchi Call Center)

A Christmas event held at Roppongi Hills. Approximately 800,000 LED lights are installed along the zelkova tree-lined avenue, which stretches for about 400 meters, creating a dazzling display. The theme colors are 'SNOW&BLUE,' inspired by a world of silver and white, using white and blue LEDs to create an atmosphere that befits the sophisticated Roppongi district.

Around the Tiffany & Co. area on Keyakizaka Street and near Roppongi Tsutaya Books, you can capture the entire illumination scene. You can capture the perfect contrast between the brilliantly lit Tokyo Tower and the illuminations. Additionally, at the entrance of Roppongi Hills' '66 Plaza,' the 'Luminous Bouquet' illumination will be lit, inspired by colorful bouquets. It resembles bouquets made of trees, with approximately 200,000 colorful LED lights.

Event Overview
・Venue: Roppongi Keyakizaka Street
・Event Dates: November 6, 2023 - December 25, 2023
・Event Hours: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM, except on the first day when the lighting may start at a different time
・66 Plaza Illumination: 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM (planned, until 11:00 PM on the last day)
・Admission: Free
・Closed on: No closing days during the event
・Phone Number: 03-6406-6000 (Roppongi Hills General Information)

This is the largest illumination event in Yokohama, held in the Yokohama Station and Minato Mirai area. Using approximately 350,000 LED lights in blue, gold, and white colors, it covers a total length of about 1.5 kilometers from the east exit of Yokohama Station to the Grand Mall Park, enveloping the area in vibrant light.

One of the unique features of this event is that it covers a wide range of spots illuminated by the illumination. Areas such as the east exit of Yokohama Station, Hamamirai Walk, Minato Mirai pedestrian bridge, Yokohama Symphony Stage, Grand Mall Park, and the sailing ship Nippon Maru are all adorned with illuminations.

All the electricity used for this event is generated from "green energy" sources such as solar and wind power. In December, they are planning to hold a festival of light and sound. Enjoy the illuminations in the maritime city of Yokohama while feeling the sea breeze.

Event Overview
・Venue: Minato Mirai area, centered around Yokohama Station East Exit to Grand Mall Park
・Event Dates: November 9, 2023 - February 11, 2024
・Event Hours: 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
・Admission: Free
・Closed on: No closing days during the event

This illumination event is held at Tokyo Dome City and has a unique theme, 'Warau (SHOW)' which means laughter. This year, there is a special area produced by Shouhei Naga of Chocolate Planet, a talent affiliated with Yoshimoto Kogyo Corporation. For example, in the 'Theater Illumination' located at the Tokyo Dome Hotel 3F Lawn Plaza, you can stand on a special stage and perform your own comedy routine in response to prompts from Naga, and when you do, smile-shaped lights will shine, making you feel like a comedian. There are also other fun features and performances, such as 'Tsukkomi Illumination,' where you can take interesting and photogenic photos with Tokyo Dome as the backdrop.

This event offers unique and entertaining experiences that you won't find in other illumination events.

Event Overview
・Venue: Tokyo Dome City, 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-0004, Japan
・Event Dates: November 21, 2023 (Tuesday) - February 29, 2024 (Thursday)
・Event Hours: 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
・Admission: Free
・Closed on: No closing days during the event
・Phone: 03-3817-6001

This illumination event takes place from JR Shibuya Station's Park Street to the Zelkova tree-lined path in Yoyogi Park, covering approximately 900 meters with around 600,000 blue LED lights. The event draws its name from the famous tourist attraction, the 'Blue Grotto' in the southern part of Italy's Capri Island, known for its deep blue luminescence. As the event's name suggests, it features a unified theme of blue lighting, creating a refreshing and natural sky-blue ambiance. One of the highlights is witnessing the simultaneous illumination of approximately 770,000 lights at 5:00 PM, transforming the area into a fantastical, blue world. Equally enchanting is when the lights are turned off simultaneously, plunging the area into darkness.

Additionally, this year marks the first time they will be hosting a Christmas market called the '青の洞窟 Xmas market,' featuring around 20 stalls selling gourmet food and various goods.

Event Overview
・Venue: Shibuya Park Street to Yoyogi Park Zelkova tree-lined path
・Event Dates: December 1 - 25, 2023
・Event Hours: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Illumination: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Christmas Market: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
・Admission: Free
・Closed on: No closing days during the event

This event is Japan's largest Christmas market, held in the Meiji Jingu Gaien (Meiji Shrine Outer Garden). It features 25 food and beverage stalls offering items such as Glühwein (a type of mulled wine made with spices and wine), German beer, European cuisine, and sweets. Additionally, there are 30 merchandise stalls selling Christmas-themed goods and more. The market also hosts musical performances and stage shows, creating a festive Christmas atmosphere.

One of the highlights is the 14-meter-tall 'Christmas Pyramid,' which is considered the prototype of a Christmas tree. This pyramid has six levels, each adorned with different motifs of wooden figurines, and it rotates while conveying a fantastic story. This unique Christmas Pyramid can only be found in Dresden, Germany (the birthplace of Christmas markets) and at this event in Tokyo. It adds an authentic touch to the Christmas market, making you feel as if you've stepped into the heart of Europe.

Event Overview
・Venue: Meiji Jingu Gaien (Meiji Shrine Outer Garden)
・Event Dates: November 23, 2023 - December 25, 2023
・Event Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM (Last order: 9:00 PM) (Opening day: 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM)
・Admission:
November 23 - December 22: Adults (Junior high school students and above) 1,000 yen, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 1,500 yen, Children (Elementary school students) 500 yen
December 23 - December 25: Adults (Junior high school students and above) 2,000 yen, Children (Elementary school students) 1,000 yen
・Closed on: Admission to the outer garden of Meiji Shrine is free during the event
・Phone: 03-3524-0890

A Christmas event held at Tokyo Midtown with the theme for this year being "BE ENCHANTED...," aiming to create an enchanting and fantastical Christmas experience immersed in the beautiful rhythm of nature. What sets it apart from other Christmas events are the numerous cutting-edge technological displays. For instance, in the lawn area in front of 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT within Midtown Garden, there will be a Christmas installation called "Gold Trees," which utilizes sound, light, and mist. Additionally, there are sensory-rich installations like "some snow scenes," which uses piano music and lights to depict winter scenes.

The event features a sustainable tree, the "Sustainable Christmas tree," created using pruning branches in their original form, and Tokyo's largest outdoor ice skating rink made from real ice, the "COACH MIDTOWN ICE RINK." There are plenty of other attractions that combine illuminations with various experiences.

Event Overview
・Venue: Tokyo Midtown
Dates: November 16 - December 25, 2023 ("Path of Light" & "COACH MIDTOWN ICE RINK" until Feb 25, 2024)
・Event Hours: MIDTOWN WINTER LIGHTS: MIDTOWN WINTER LIGHTS: Gold Trees 5:04 PM - 11:00 PM (4-min performance), "Path of Light" 5:04 PM - 11:00 PM (dimming effects, Garden area), Galleria Installation & Performance "some snow scenes" 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Sustainable Christmas tree 5:04 PM - 11:00 PM
・Admission: COACH MIDTOWN ICE RINK: Skating fee: Adults 1,800 yen (2,200 yen on Sat/Sun/holidays), Children 1,100 yen (1,500 yen on Sat/Sun/holidays), includes access to Tokyo Midtown's facilities and gourmet ticket, Skate rental fee: 500 yen
・Other attractions: Free
・Closed on: Open daily during the event
・Phone: 03-3475-3100

Experience the largest Christmas market ever held at the Red Brick Warehouse in Yokohama. With its partial incorporation of German architectural styles, the Red Brick Warehouse offers an atmosphere that makes you feel like you've visited a Christmas market in Germany. You can find Christmas wreaths, ornaments, and other festive goods for sale, along with approximately 50 shops, including food booths and food trucks. There's also a 10-meter-tall fir tree, and this year, they've added illuminations that change colors depending on the time.

In the "Illumination Garden," which is a free admission area, you'll find illuminated animal sculptures, and they plan to introduce new themed content in the first and second halves of the event.

For those who want to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit in a private setting, there's a premium lounge with limited availability for private reservations.

Event Overview
・Venue: Red Brick Warehouse, Yokohama
・Event Dates: November 24 - December 25, 2023
・Event Hours: November 25 - December 8: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM; December 9 - 25: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
・Admission: 500 yen (tax included), Illumination Garden is free, free admission for elementary school students and below
・Closed on: Open every day during the event
・Phone: 045-227-2002 (Red Brick Warehouse No. 2 Information)

Visit the Christmas market at Roppongi Hills' O-Yane Plaza, where you can experience a recreation of the Christmas market in Stuttgart, Germany, known as the world's largest. You'll find a wide range of items for sale, from Advent calendars and Christmas table decorations like lunch mats and paper napkins to German original Christmas goods and even spice decorations crafted in the traditional Salzburg style.

One of the highlights is the variety of food and drinks available, including authentic German cuisine served by five different stalls. Enjoy delights like Glühwein (mulled wine) and sausages, along with hearty dishes such as Goulash, a German-style beef stew simmered in dark beer. Additionally, a Christmas tree will be set up in the O-Yane Plaza.

Event Overview
・Venue: Roppongi Hills
・Event Dates: Nov 25, 2023 (Sat) - Dec 25, 2023 (Mon)
・Event Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
・Admission: Free
・Closed on: Open every day during the event
・Phone: 03-6406-6000

Experience one of Japan's three major float festivals, the Chichibu Night Festival, held in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture. The festival has a rich history spanning over 300 years and is one of Japan's most celebrated float festivals, ranking alongside Kyoto's Gion Festival and Takayama Festival.

The festival takes place over two days, December 2nd, known as "Yoiya" or the eve, and December 3rd, known as "Honmiya". The climax of the festival unfolds at night, around 7:00 PM, when the floats and stalls light up with lanterns and the performers on the floats, known as the "Hayashite," raise their voices as they set off from Chichibu Shrine and parade to their destination at Otabi Sho.

A must-see event during the festival is the "Dango-zaka Hikiage," where participants collectively pull and lift massive floats weighing up to 20 tons up the steep Dango-zaka slope. Both days of the festival feature spectacular firework displays, culminating in a grand finale of Fireworks and Floats.

Event Overview
・Venue: Chichibu Shrine
・Event Dates: Yoiya (Eve): December 2, 2023, Honmiya: December 3, 2023
・Event Hours: Yoiya: 8:30 AM - Around 9:00 PM, Honmiya: 8:00 AM - Early morning of the 4th
・Admission: Free
・Closed on: Open every day during the event
・Phone: 0494-22-0262

The Hagoita-Ichi Fair held at Senso-ji Temple is an event that embodies the Toshi-no-Ichi, which means the market that welcomes the end of the year. With a long history dating back to the Edo period, the fair has been held since then. Initially, it was a marketplace for selling New Year's goods and auspicious items. Nowadays, the temple grounds are filled with dozens of stalls selling decorative wooden paddles, known as "hagoita."

What's fascinating is the exquisite beauty of these hagoita paddles. Unlike the regular ones used by children during New Year's, the hagoita paddles sold at the Hagoita-Ichi Fair are lavishly decorated with scenes from Kabuki theater, current events of the year, and more. Some of the paddles even feature sports stars, politicians, celebrities, and other notable figures from the year in review. Simply walking through the market and admiring these unique items is a delightful experience.

If you decide to purchase a hagoita paddle, the shopkeepers will tie three strings around it while making wishes for your happiness. Though many of the shopkeepers may not speak multiple languages, you can easily communicate through gestures and body language. This interaction is an essential part of the charm of the Hagoita-Ichi Fair!

Event Overview
・Venue: Senso-ji Temple Grounds
・Event Dates: December 17 - 19, 2023
・Event Hours: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
・Admission: Free
・Closed on: Open every day during the event
・Phone: 03-3842-0181

The Joya no Kane event is a traditional Buddhist ceremony held on New Year's Eve at Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple in Tsukiji, Japan. The name Joya no Kane translates to "New Year's Eve Bells" and refers to the ringing of the temple bells 108 times on December 31st. This practice is believed to cleanse away the 108 earthly desires and welcome the new year.

To participate in the bell-ringing ceremony, you can either attend the event in person or join online. However, only those who have been selected through a prior application process can participate. The event will also feature a Pipe Organ Concert, distribution of a special "Visitation Commemorative Card," and sweet amazake. The temple will livestream the event on their YouTube channel.

Furthermore, the temple has set up photo spots throughout the temple grounds for visitors to take pictures. The religious ceremony will begin at 4:30 PM, followed by the New Year's Eve event "Joya no Tsudoiwa" at 9:30 PM.

Event Overview
Venue: Tsukiji Honganji Temple Grounds
Date: December 31, 2023
Event Hours: Around 11:00 PM to the following 1:00 AM

On New Year's Eve, a special ritual takes place at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. This ceremony is held in front of the "Bell of Time," which is located in a small tower to the southeast of the main hall of Senso-ji Temple, on a small hill facing the Benten Hall. At midnight, when New Year's Day begins, the "Joya no Kane" or "New Year's Eve Bells" are rung to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

The bell-ringing ceremony starts with three initial strikes called the "Sute Kane" (discarded bells), which are not counted in the total. Afterward, members of the local "Hyakuhachi-kai" group join in to ring the bell a total of 108 times. The whole ritual takes about 40 minutes. In the solemn sound of the midnight bells, people express gratitude for safely concluding the past year and offer prayers for a safe and prosperous new year ahead.

Event Overview
・Venue: Senso-ji Temple Grounds
・Event Date: December 31, 2023 (Sunday)
・Event Hours: Midnight (0:00)
・Admission: Free
・Closed on: Open every day during the event
・Phone: 03-3842-0181

Comic Market, commonly known as "Comiket," is a festival for manga and anime fans and is the world's largest fan-made comic book fair, expecting tens of thousands of visitors each day. Comiket is a biannual event held over two days, on December 30th and 31st, at the Tokyo Big Sight Convention Center.

Comiket revolves around "doujinshi," which are self-published magazines created by individuals or groups who share similar interests or passions. These publications cover a wide range of topics, including original stories, fan fiction, and artwork related to manga, anime, and games. Attendees can purchase doujinshi, cosplay photo books, character-themed accessories, clear files, posters, badges, rubber straps, and other fan-made merchandise. It is also known for attracting cosplayers who dress up as characters from manga, anime, and games.

Comiket isn't limited to amateur creators; it also features participation from professionals in the manga, anime, and gaming industries, as well as mainstream companies and publishers. International attendees can purchase tickets online through the "e+" ticketing service, making it accessible to fans worldwide.

Event Overview
・Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
・Event Dates: December 30 - 31, 2023
・Event Hours: 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
・Admission: Ticketed (application and lottery system with designated time slots)
・Closed on: Open every day during the event

A countdown event held at the Hanayashiki amusement park, located on the west side of Asakusa Temple. This event runs all night, with attractions like the Merry-Go-Round, Little Star, and haunted houses illuminated in beautiful cherry blossom colors.

Last year, there was a "Countdown Stage" featuring comedians from the entertainment company Shochiku, providing a night of laughter as you bid farewell to the year. Please note that as of November 2023, details for the countdown event from December 1st to January 1st in 2023 are yet to be announced.

Event Overview
・Venue: Asakusa Hanayashiki
・Event Dates: December 31, 2023 - January 1, 2024

With the arrival of winter, December is filled with exciting events and festivities like Christmas, countdown celebrations, and New Year's. Be sure to visit event venues and enjoy everything Tokyo has to offer in December!

(*The information in this article is as of November 2023. Please check the official websites for the latest information.)