8 amazing ways to celebrate Christmas in Tokyo

What’s Christmas without a few holiday markets to explore? Come winter, Tokyo plays host to several Christmas markets, many of which are German-themed, meaning you can get your fill of glühwein, gingerbread and all sorts of seasonal snacks. For all you last-minute Christmas shoppers, there are also plenty of trinkets and gifts on sale, too.

Tokyo sure outdoes itself year after year with brilliant illuminations and light-ups around the city. The best part is that many of these holiday light displays are totally free to visit, like the ever popular Marunouchi Illumination, Akihabara's unique UDX installation and the festive Keyakizaka light display featuring 800,000 sparkling LEDs.

There's no doubt that Tokyo is home to some of the best illuminations in winter, and more than a few lean into the festive season with colourful Christmas trees as well. If you're looking for the most majestic displays, we've done the work for you with this list of the best Christmas trees in and around Tokyo this year, ranging from traditional installations to contemporary pieces.

Still looking for Christmas gifts? Or maybe you’d rather pick out a gift for yourself? Tokyo is a shopping paradise, and the holiday season is no exception. Visiting Tokyo’s department stores is a treat on its own just for the wonderful Christmas window displays. Start your shopping at one of Tokyo's many flagship stores, vintage designer boutiques or go hunting for discounts at these outlet malls near Tokyo. And don't miss out on the tasty treats from these amazing gourmet food stores.

Having a strawberry shortcake during the holiday season may be a Japanese tradition, but so is buying one of the festive cakes available at this time of year. Tokyo’s bakeries and hotels have been baking up a storm with complex creations including traditional yule logs and cakes topped with extravagant decorations. We particularly enjoy the decadent mousse cakes from Grand Hyatt Tokyo and the vegan-friendly options from So Tarte.

Most restaurants are still open on Christmas Day, so you’ll have the opportunity to dine out without the hassle of cooking and cleaning up a massive Christmas feast. Plus, many restaurants and hotels offer Christmas courses, so you know you’ll be getting the proper holiday treatment.

The tempting meal at Trunk Kitchen comes with either six or seven courses, with highlights being the potato potage served with caviar and the Japanese beef tenderloin with foie gras wrapped in a buttery pastry.

Alternatively, the Christmas eve lunch and dinner at The Peninsula Tokyo are accompanied by a joyous concert courtesy of the Tokyo Sinofonia Orchestra.

Tokyoites love Christmastime, so it’s no surprise that the city is full of special seasonal events over the winter months. Look out for beautiful illuminations at shopping malls and parks, large public Christmas trees, art exhibitons, the annual Setagaya Boroichi flea market, fireworks, and more.

To work off all those Christmas cookies and cakes, you can spend your holiday skating throughout the capital. Both Tokyo and Yokohama are home to a number of indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks that are perfect for the whole family – even the kids. Plus, some of these rinks light up after dark, making for a magical spin on the ice.