7 joyous Christmas markets in Tokyo

In Germany and many other parts of Europe, Christmas markets transform central city squares into charming, romantic destinations with decorations, festive lights, hot spiced wine, sweets and stalls selling local crafts.

The Tokyo Christmas Market brings this same spirit to Japan, with a festive selection of food, drinks and European-style ornaments. There’s even a 14-metre-high Christmas pyramid installation brought over from a German village (the Christmas pyramid may be unfamiliar, but it actually has a history as old as the Christmas tree). Returning for the 10th time this holiday season, the Tokyo Christmas Market has become a familiar highlight of the city’s festive season calendar.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online, which comes with a free mug. (Adult tickets only)

One of Tokyo’s newest Christmas markets, located in the Azabudai Hills complex, is returning this holiday season with more than 15 stalls set up in the Central Green. This event's centrepiece is a giant Christmas fir tree decorated with five different types of lights that gently illuminate the market in champagne gold. Treats include everything from sausages and vegetables topped with melted raclette cheese and hot chocolate served by Hills House Dining 33, to mulled wine, goulash, pretzels and bratwursts from German Christmas Stand. Even vegans, who are often overlooked at these annual food markets, have something to keep their spirits high, with plant-based foods like gluten-free stollen from Eightablish.

Knick-knacks on offer include Christmas ornaments, elaborate Christmas cards and festive mugs, but we’ve got our eyes on Balcony by 6th’s popular Basque cheesecakes and juicy fried chicken — a true Japanese Christmas staple.

Now in its 19th year, Roppongi Hills’s popular German-style Christmas market is modelled after the market in the German city of Stuttgart. At O-yane Plaza, you’ll find handmade ornaments and nutcracker decorations from Käthe Wohlfahrt, plus classic carols and plenty of festive décor. When you get hungry and thirsty, there are Christmas market staples such as sausages and beer to enjoy. Don’t miss the nearby illuminations at Roppongi’s Keyakizaka Street, which add to the festive atmosphere.

Inspired by the famous market in the German city of Nuremberg, this Christmas market at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse features a range of stalls selling ornaments and holiday paraphernalia, as well as festive treats such as schnitzel, sausages, stollen cakes and glühwein.

For the best photo ops, make sure to check out the main plaza with a massive 12-metre Christmas tree decked out in flashy decorations that change every week. If you’re still in need of a Christmas present, join the on-site Christmas decorations and herbarium workshops (from ¥2,500).

German-inspired Christmas markets are taking Tokyo by storm, and this one is no exception. Tokyo Solamachi Christmas Market offers all the usual attractions like wooden stalls with various holiday accessories, beer, warm glühwein, hot chocolate and traditional confectionery such as stollen cake and waffles. The lighting in the market area combines nicely with the golden winter illuminations at Tokyo Skytree and the four-metre-tall Christmas tree, creating a homely atmosphere at Solamachi’s Sky Arena.

The Christmas market is open daily until 10pm.

While enjoying the champagne-gold illuminations along Marunouchi Naka-dori street, drop by this small Christmas market run by luxury hotel The Peninsula Tokyo. Shop for popular Christmas sweets such as stollen and strawberry panna cotta, as well as Christmas gifts and pet-care items at the hotel's Nakadori Café - The Terrace.

On Saturdays, Sundays leading up to Christmas (and November 24), children can learn how to decorate gingerbread houses at the on-site workshops held twice a day from 1pm and 3pm. The participation fee starts from ¥8,000 per person and reservations are required. (Workshops are held separately in the Ginza Ballroom on December 13 and the Sky Room on December 14.) Take-away gingerbread house kits are also available to purchase for ¥7,000.

What’s more, on December 13, 14, 20, 21, 24 and 25, the hotel’s adorable bear mascot Pen will make an appearance (at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm).

The Christmas market opens daily from 12noon to 6pm, until 8pm between December 23 and 25.

Head to Omotesando’s Spiral building for this special Christmas Market with the theme of ‘Space Christmas’. Browse a large selection of crafts, designs and artworks by over 50 artists. Between December 5-9 and December 12-16, you can shop for crafts, jewellery and fashion, which all make for great Christmas gifts. 

Meanwhile from December 19 until Christmas Day, you’ll find works that can be used in everyday life, from up-and-coming artists selected by Spiral staff and other contemporary art galleries. The prominent Christmas tree installation at the venue’s atrium is adorned with decorations by Japanese artist Aoyama Yume.

Check the event website for the full schedule.