Travel
How to spend Christmas and New Year’s in Tokyo
Metropolis Magazine
December 18, 2024
Christmas at Caretta Shiodome (Metropolis Magazine)
As we enter the holiday season, Tokyo’s streets hum with holiday markets and temples prepare for the quiet reverence of New Year traditions. The season offers more than celebrations—it’s a chance to see the city shift between modern energy and cultural depth. Whether you’re drawn to late-night music and New Year’s countdowns or the first shrine visits of the year, Tokyo has a rhythm that’s entirely its own. Here’s how to make the most of Christmas and New Year’s in Tokyo.
Azabudai Hills Christmas Market, Until Dec 25, 2024
Azabudai Hills Christmas Market (Photo Credit: Azabudai Hills)
The Azabudai Hills Christmas Market 2024 transforms the Central Green into a festive wonderland, with charming holiday huts lining the streets beyond a sparkling gate. Visitors can explore 17 food, drink, and retail stalls, including eight debut stores offering exclusive Christmas menus and seasonal goods handpicked from Japan and around the world.
11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Free
Azabudai Hills: 1 Chome Azabudai, Minato-ku
Christmas Market in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Until Dec 25, 2024
Christmas Market in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (Photo Credit: Yokohama Akarenga)
Embrace the Christmas magic at the Christmas Market at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, now celebrating its 15th year since 2010. This year marks a milestone with an expanded area and a record-breaking 64 shops, including food and beverage stalls, merchandise vendors, and kitchen cars. The market has grown into the largest in its history, offering a festive atmosphere with a myriad of merchandise for visitors. From delicious treats to beautifully handcrafted goods, the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market is a haven for those seeking the perfect Christmas experience.
11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Free
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse: 1-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama
Tokyo Midtown Ice Rink, Until Feb 24, 2025
Tokyo Midtown Ice Rink (Photo Credit: KOSÉ Tokyo Midtown Ice Rink)
Tokyo Midtown’s outdoor ice skating rink returns this winter with a new design in collaboration with KOSÉ. As one of the largest ice rinks in the city, it offers a serene space to enjoy a quiet glide on real ice in the heart of Tokyo.
11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Tokyo Midtown: 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku
For more holiday activities check out our Tokyo Illumination Guide!
ZEROTOKYO New Year’s Eve Countdown Party, Dec 31, 2024
(ZEROTOKYO New Year’s Eve Countdown Party)
Ring in the New Year at ZEROTOKYO, Shinjuku Kabukicho’s iconic nightclub. Known for its electrifying atmosphere and dazzling performances, this annual countdown event promises a night of music, lights and celebration. Keep an eye on their official channels for updates.
9 p.m. – late
Price: TBA
ZEROTOKYO: 1-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku
LIQUIDROOM New Year Party 2025, Dec 31, 2024
LIQUIDROOM New Year Party 2025 (LIQUIDROOM New Year Party 2025)
LIQUIDROOM’s New Year’s Eve party brings together a lineup of electronic music artists spanning generations. From techno pioneer Takkyu Ishino to the upbeat sounds of group_inou and the melodic beats of Pasocom Ongaku Club, celebrate with the best in electronic music and kick off the new year in style.
8 p.m. – late
Adv: ¥5,000, Door: ¥6,000 (Includes two drink tickets)
LIQUIDROOM: 3-16-6 Higashi, Shibuya-ku
WOMB New Year Countdown, Dec 31, 2024
WOMB New Year Countdown (WOMB New Year Countdown)
Shibuya’s countdown might be canceled, but WOMB’s countdown party is still going strong. With its cutting-edge sound system, mesmerizing lighting, lasers, and massive three-sided LED screens, WOMB sets the stage for an epic celebration. Join guests from across Japan and beyond to welcome the new year in style.
10 p.m. – late
¥5,000 – ¥8,000
WOMB: 2-16 Maruyama-cho, Shibuya-ku
New Year’s at Disneyland, Jan 1 – Jan 12, 2025
Tokyo Disneyland (Metropolis Magazine)
Although Disneyland and DisneySea are arguably one of the most magical places on Earth already, the childhood nostalgia and wonder get ramped up even more over New Year in the Tokyo parks. Welcome 2025 with fireworks, parades and live shows featuring all your favorite Disney characters.
1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture
Hatsumode in Asakusa, Dec 31, 2024 – Jan 3, 2025
Senso-ji Temple (Metropolis Magazine)
Greet 2025 at one of Tokyo’s major temples in a traditional Japanese way. Hatsumode, the first shrine or temple visit of the year, is a beloved tradition in Japan and a wonderful way to start the New Year in a uniquely Japanese style. While fireworks light up celebrations in many parts of the world, Japan welcomes the year with prayers at cultural landmarks like Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple.
Free
4-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato-ku