[2024] 12 Best Illumination Events and Christmas Markets in Tokyo and Yokohama: December, January, and February

During winter, Tokyo and Yokohama come alive with stunning illumination events. From dazzling displays in the heart of the city to entire neighborhoods transformed into glowing wonderlands, each event offers its unique charm! Here, we’ll introduce some of the best illumination events and Christmas markets in the Kanto region that are worth checking out.

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What Are the Average Temperatures in the Kanto Area During December, January, and February?

Winter in the Kanto region, spanning from December to February, is characterized by significant temperature fluctuations throughout the day. Dressing in easily adjustable layers is highly recommended when heading out. For illumination events held at night, don’t forget to bundle up to stay warm!

Average Temperatures in Tokyo

Average Temperatures in Yokohama 

Average Temperatures in Chiba

1. Marunouchi Illumination

The Marunouchi Illumination is a dazzling light event centered on Marunouchi Naka-dori, a 1.2-kilometer stretch between Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace. During the event, over 360 roadside trees in the area are adorned with 1.2 million champagne-gold LED lights. The illumination also extends to parts of Gyoko-dori Street. Additionally, from November 28, 2024, the Marunouchi Street Park 2024 Winter will take place, featuring food trucks, stalls, and even an ice skating rink. Visitors can enjoy this magical experience alongside the illuminated Tokyo Station.

Spot information

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2.MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS

MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS is a magical annual event with a creative concept that brings the Christmas spirit to life. Throughout the area, Christmas trees and light installations set the mood. The highlight is Tokyo Midtown's iconic outdoor skating rink, made of real ice and one of the largest in Tokyo. At night, the rink is illuminated, creating a dreamy ambiance perfect for skating. The venue itself is adorned with festive decorations, offering a romantic holiday atmosphere.

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3.Roppongi Hills Christmas

The Roppongi Hills Christmas event brings winter magic to life every year. The iconic 400-meter Keyakizaka street is lit with 800,000 LED lights in "Snow & Blue," evoking a silvery-white winter wonderland. Illuminations and Christmas trees can also be found at Mori Garden and 66 Plaza, where colorful bouquet-inspired lights create a vibrant spectacle.

Adding to the festive cheer is the Christmas Market at O-Yane Plaza. Modeled after traditional German Christmas markets, the venue offers about 1,500 items, including Christmas ornaments and authentic German food.

Spot information

• Location: Inside Roppongi Hills

• Address: 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• Event Period: Early November to December 25 (For 2024: November 7–December 25)
• Lighting Hours:

• Keyakizaka Illumination: 17:00–23:00
• 66 Plaza: 17:00–24:00 (tentative)
• Access: Direct access from Tokyo Metro/Toei Subway Roppongi Station
• Official Website: https://www.roppongihills.com/

4. Tokyo Christmas Market 2024 at Jingu Gaien

Inspired by the world’s oldest Christmas market in Dresden, Germany, the Tokyo Christmas Market has been held annually since 2015. At its center is the “Christmas Pyramid,” an artistic installation brimming with elements from Grimms’ Fairy Tales, creating a magical atmosphere.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the market introduces a new design for the Christmas Pyramid, shifting from the Nutcracker theme to a focus on German and neighboring European folktales featured in Grimms’ Fairy Tales.

Spot Information

• Location: Meiji Jingu Gaien Softball Stadium

• Address: 2-3 Kasumigaoka-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Event Period: November 19, 2024 (Tue) – December 25, 2024 (Wed)
• Lighting Hours: Opening Day: 16:00–21:30, All Other Days: 11:00–21:30 (Last entry: 20:30; Last order: 21:00)
• Access: About a 5-minute walk from JR Chuo-Sobu Line Shinanomachi Station
• Official Website: https://tokyochristmas.net/

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5. Ebisu Garden Place "Baccarat ETERNAL LIGHTS- Shape of Joy-"

This event features the world’s largest Baccarat chandelier, a centerpiece that garners attention every year. The Christmas tree and Promenade feature special illumination performances synchronized to music every 30 minutes. This year’s event expands the European Christmas market-inspired "Christmas Marche," now held across two plazas—Clock Plaza and Chateau Plaza. The market will feature the largest number of vendors to date, offering a wide variety of Christmas gifts, alongside special food truck menus.

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6. Lake Sagami Illumillion

Held at Sagamiko MORI MORI, a vast outdoor resort surrounded by nature by the shores of Lake Sagami, Sagamiko Illumillion is one of the largest illumination events in the Kanto region. Spanning 40,000 square meters, the park transforms with 6 million LED lights, creating breathtaking light displays that highlight its undulating terrain. Unique attractions include the "Ferris Wheel of Light" and the "Rainbow Lift," which allow visitors to enjoy the illuminations from the sky.

Spot information

• Location: Sagamiko MORI MORI

• Address: 1634 Wakayanagi, Midori-ku, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Event Period: Annually from November to April (For 2024: November 16, 2024 (Sat) – May 11, 2025 (Sun))

• *After April 7, 2025, open only on weekends and holidays

• Lighting Hours: 16:00–21:00 (May vary depending on sunset time)

• Access: About an 8-minute bus ride from JR Sagamiko Station
• Official Website: http://www.sagamiko-resort.jp/

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7. Yokohama Night Illumination 2024-25

Experience the dazzling lights of Yokohama with various illumination events held across its iconic landmarks and shopping streets. From the Yokohama Milight in Minato Mirai to the Chinese New Year Festival, you can immerse yourself in the unique charm of each area.

Spot information

• Location: Yokohama urban coastal area (including Yokohama, Sakuragicho, Minato Mirai, Nogecho, Isezaki-cho, Kannai, Ishikawa-cho, Yamashita, Chinatown, and Motomachi)

• Event Period: November 1, 2024 (Fri) – March 2, 2025 (Sun)
• Lighting Hours: Varies by facility
• Official Website: https://yorunoyo.yokohama/

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8. Lights of Yokohama: Yorunoyo 2024

Centered around the Minato Mirai area, this event features a spectacular show synchronized with lights and music. Highlights include large-scale projection mapping at the Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal and interactive light displays at Yamashita Park. This event offers a magical display of light, showcasing Yokohama’s harbor at its brightest during the year.

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9. Christmas Market at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Celebrating its 15th year in 2024, the Yokohama Red Brick Christmas Market recreates the festive atmosphere of traditional German markets. The venue features authentic hüttes (wooden huts) and decorations imported directly from Germany. A standout attraction is the 10-meter-tall fir tree adorned with 20,000 LED lights. This tree incorporates cutting-edge digital and internet-controlled lighting systems, offering a special illumination display every 15 minutes.

Spot information

• Location: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Event Plaza and Red Brick Park
• Address: 1-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Event Period: November 22, 2024 (Fri) – December 25, 2024 (Wed)
• Lighting Hours: From 4:00 PM until closing (Christmas tree lights: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
• Access: JR/City Subway
• JR/City Subway: 15-minute walk from Sakuragicho Station via the Kishamichi Promenade or Kannai Station
• Minato Mirai Line: 6-minute walk from Bashamichi Station or Nihon-Odori Station; 12-minute walk from Minato Mirai Station
• https://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/access/
• Official Website: https://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/

10. Jewels of Shonan

A winter illumination event held across Enoshima and Katase Coast areas, Shonan no Hoshi is recognized as one of the top three illuminations in the Kanto region and has been selected as a Japan Night View Heritage site. The event’s iconic spot, the Enoshima Sea Candle, stands tall at 59.8 meters within the Samuel Cocking Garden. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking displays, including a 70-meter-wide field of lights, a light tunnel, and the Shonan Chandelier adorned with Swarovski® crystals, offering a stunning winter spectacle.

Spot information

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11. Tokyo German Village Winter Illumination

The Tokyo German Village hosts its renowned winter illumination annually with a variety of themed displays. Featuring over 3 million LED lights, highlights include the "Light and Sound Show," themed ground illuminations, and the mesmerizing "Rainbow Tunnel." For a unique perspective, enjoy the "3D Illumination" that transforms when viewed from the ferris wheel. This event offers an extraordinary light experience for all ages.

Spot information

• Location:

• Address: 419 Nagayoshi, Sodegaura, Chiba Prefecture

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12. Mother Farm Illumination: Garden of Light ~ A Fairy Tale World ~

Mother Farm, a destination for animal interactions, fun attractions, and farm-themed gourmet experiences, hosts its winter illumination event featuring 600,000 LED lights. The vast grounds transform into a magical space with illuminated flower fields and animal-shaped lights. From the 300-meter-high "Mountain Top Area," visitors can enjoy a silhouette of Mt. Fuji at sunset, blending beautifully with the illumination.

Spot information

• Location: Mother Farm

• Address: 940-3 Tagura, Futtsu, Chiba Prefecture
• Event Period: November 2, 2024 – February 24, 2025 (weekends and holidays), and December 24–25, December 28, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (daily)
• Lighting Hours: 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM

• Access: 30–40 minutes by bus from JR Kimitsu Station

  Official Website: https://www.motherfarm.co.jp/

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Check Out the Winter Essentials

Even if it is relatively warm during the day, it is more likely to get cold at night when the illumination is carried out. In order not to have any problems at the illumination venue, be sure to check the essentials for winter travel.

👉 Checklist of things to bring for a winter trip to Japan. What are the must-haves?

Check Out Winter Clothing!

The Kanto region experiences temperature fluctuations throughout the day. Opt for layered clothing with a warm outer jacket and thinner tops or thermals underneath. For coastal areas like Minato Mirai, prepare for strong winds with additional windproof clothing.

👉【2024-2025】What should I wear during my winter trip in Japan?