【Tokyo December Event Guide 2025】From Christmas to New Year’s! 5 Must-Go Events Chosen by a Local

Insider Guides

Introduction

Hello! This is Ken, editor-in-chief of Tokyo Insider Guide.

December in Tokyo is a special month when the entire city sparkles as if under a magic spell, filled with a unique excitement that builds from Christmas to the New Year holidays.

In this article, I’ve handpicked five events in Tokyo this December that I, as a local, confidently recommend as “absolute must-goes.”

Furthermore, this is a two-part special guide that also includes a “Main Event List” to help you with your planning. Let’s enjoy the finale of 2025 in Tokyo!

Ken’s TIP: For more details on Christmas illuminations, please check out our “Tokyo Illumination Guide” and “Tokyo Christmas Special 2025,” also releasing at the same time!

【Ken’s Choice】My Top 5 Must-Go Events This Month

From the numerous events, I’ve handpicked five that I confidently recommend for an unforgettable experience.

1. 【Illumination】Marunouchi Illumination 2025

  • Overview: This is a sophisticated illumination for adults, where the approximately 1.2km Marunouchi Naka-dori street, stretching from the Tokyo Station area to Yurakucho, is enveloped in champagne-gold lights.
  • Ken’s Point: It has a dignified brilliance that sets it apart from the flashiness of Roppongi or Shibuya. Just walking on the cobblestone streets lined with luxury brand stores makes you feel like the protagonist of a movie. The contrast with the Tokyo Station Red Brick Building is also a must-see.
  • Dates: November 13th – February 15th
  • Location: Marunouchi Naka-dori, Tokyo Station area

Crowd Avoidance Tip
It gets extremely crowded on the nights just before Christmas (23rd-25th). It’s recommended to aim for earlier times on weekdays (5 PM – 7 PM) or, conversely, later after 9 PM, when it’s relatively empty.

2. 【Market】Tokyo Christmas Market 2025 in Meiji Jingu Gaien

  • Overview: This is one of Japan’s largest Christmas markets, recreating an authentic German atmosphere with wooden stalls called “Hütten.” The 14-meter-tall Christmas pyramid is a breathtaking centerpiece.
  • Ken’s Point: The real pleasure is enjoying Glühwein (hot wine) with sausages and stollen. There’s also a wide variety of Christmas goods, making it fun just to browse. It starts in late November, so you can enjoy it early.
  • Dates (approx.): Late November – December 25th
  • Location: Meiji Jingu Gaien

Crowd Avoidance Tip
It gets so crowded on weekend evenings that entry may be restricted. If possible, visiting on a weekday during the day or early evening is the most comfortable.

3. 【Tradition】Setagaya Boroichi (Flea Market)

  • Overview: A traditional flea market with over 440 years of history. About 700 stalls line the streets, selling everything from antiques, old clothes, daily goods, and toys to the famous “Daikan Mochi” (rice cakes).
    →Setagaya City Official Website
  • Ken’s Point: This is a rare place to experience the atmosphere of a “real festival” remaining in Tokyo. You can feel the local energy, untouched by tourism. It’s also fun to hunt for unique souvenirs like a treasure hunter.
  • Dates (approx.): December 15th & 16th (and January 15th & 16th)
  • Location: Setagaya Boroichi-dori Street area

Crowd Avoidance Tip
It gets incredibly crowded! Especially around noon, it can be difficult to even move forward. If you want to browse slowly, the golden rule is to aim for first thing in the morning (around 9 AM).

4. 【Year-End Scene】Ameyoko Year-End Shopping

  • Overview: After December 25th, the Ameyoko shopping street in Ueno instantly switches to year-end mode. It overflows with people seeking New Year’s ingredients like crab, tuna, and herring roe.
  • Ken’s Point: The energetic scene with unique “Tatakiauri” (bargain-crying sales) echoing is overwhelming. It might be difficult for tourists to shop, but just experiencing the lively atmosphere of the “Yen-no-Se” (year’s end) in Japan is worth it.
  • Dates (approx.): December 26th – December 31st (Peak is 29th-31st)
  • Location: Ameya Yokocho Shotengai (Ueno Station to Okachimachi Station)

Safety Advice
It gets extremely crowded, so please be extra cautious about pickpockets and theft. Don’t carry large bags and keep your valuables in front of you.

5. 【New Year’s Eve】Zojoji Temple Joya no Kane & Hatsumōde

  • Overview: On New Year’s Eve night, this is one of Tokyo’s most famous spots to ring in the New Year, with the solemn sound of the bell (Joya no Kane) echoing with Tokyo Tower in the background.
  • Ken’s Point: You can experience Japan’s “quiet” New Year’s, which is the complete opposite of a flashy Western countdown. It’s a very spiritual experience to send off the old year while listening to the bell and then join the queue for “Hatsumōde” (the first prayer of the New Year).
  • Dates (approx.): December 31st (midnight) – January 1st (early morning)
  • Location: Zojoji Temple (Shiba Koen, Minato-ku)

Warm Clothing Advice
You will be waiting outside in the middle of the night for a long time. Please take the strongest possible cold-weather precautions (thermal wear, down jacket, hand warmers, hat, gloves).

【Main Event List】Tokyo Event Calendar for December 2025

We’ve listed even more options to suit your interests. Always reconfirm the latest information like dates and details on the official websites.

Illumination

Festivals & Traditional Events

Art, Culture & Entertainment

  • Comic Market (Comiket): The world’s largest doujinshi convention held at Tokyo Big Sight at the end of the year. (Dec 30th & 31st)
  • Tokyo Disney Resort Christmas: Special parades and decorations. (Early Nov – Dec 25th)
  • Special Exhibitions at Museums: Check out notable exhibitions running until the end of the year.

Gourmet

  • Hotel Christmas Buffets: Luxurious Christmas-exclusive meals at high-end hotels. (Approx. Dec 1st – 25th)
  • Depachika Christmas Cakes & Deli: Department store basement food halls turn into a “food museum” that’s fun just to look at. (Especially Dec 23rd – 25th)

Ken’s Final Advice

  • Bundle Up Thoroughly: December in Tokyo is cold. Especially for outdoor events at night like illuminations and Joya no Kane, a down jacket, gloves, scarf, hat, and hand warmers (kairo) for your feet are essential.
  • Reservations are “Mandatory”: Christmas dinners (Dec 24th & 25th) and popular hotels get booked up months in advance. You absolutely must book ahead.
  • Note Year-End Business Hours: From around December 29th to January 3rd, many independent shops, some restaurants, bank ATMs, and post offices will be closed or have reduced hours. Department stores and chain stores are often open, but always check in advance.
  • Transportation: From New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day, many train lines like the JR Yamanote Line and subways run “all-night service.” This makes attending Joya no Kane and Hatsumōde easy.

Conclusion

December in Tokyo is the most dramatic month of the year, blending Western Christmas culture with traditional Japanese year-end preparations. The city sparkles, and people are energized for the new year.

Using this guide, prepare fully for the cold, and make special winter memories that you can only experience in Tokyo!

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