(Photo courtesy of Nagaoka City)
Nagaoka Christmas Market
Festive shopping, food, and illuminations to enjoy
The Nagaoka Christmas Market invites visitors to celebrate the season with shopping, food, and sparkling lights. Hosted at Aore Nagaoka’s central plaza (Nakadoma), this festive event is returning after a three-year hiatus, and it blends holiday charm with a cozy winter atmosphere.
Under the glow of the venue’s iconic Christmas tree, over 40 vendors will offer a variety of goods for purchase. The market features 28 merchandise booths selling everything from Christmas wreaths to knitted accessories and unique children’s items, with hands-on workshops available for those who want to craft their own holiday keepsakes.
Food and drink lovers can explore more than a dozen stalls serving winter favorites like cakes, hot wine, and coffee, perfect for warming up while enjoying live performances by local musicians playing Christmas classics.
At the market, visitors can also revel in the breathtaking Aore Nagaoka Illumination, a seasonal light display that transforms the venue into a winter wonderland. The illuminations, which run from mid-November until mid-February, really set the scene for some magical holiday season shopping.
The market will be open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and until 5 p.m. on Sunday, with some vendors rotating between the two days. Whether you plan on shopping for gifts, enjoying local treats, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, the Nagaoka Christmas Market offers something for everyone.
Dates: Dec. 19 – 21
Cost: Free entry
Location: Aore Nagaoka
Address: 1 Chome-4-10 Otedori, Nagaoka, Niigata 940-0062
Getting there:
Aore Nagaoka is located just minutes on foot from Nagaoka Station, which is served by the Jōetsu Shinkansen, the Shin’etsu Main Line, and the Jōetsu Local Line.
For those who opt to drive, basement-level parking is available at Aore — it’s charged at 100 JPY for every 30 minute increment. Please keep in mind that only cash is accepted for payment.
Note: For event updates and more details (including information on participating vendors), visit the official event Instagram.
– Kim Bergström, Japan travel
Osaka Christmas Market
Festive fun at Tennoji Park
Christmas markets are a highlight of the winter season, and they come filled with delicious eats, drinks, and trinkets to purchase. The Osaka Christmas Market is one such event, and it takes place at Tennoji Park’s Tenshiba area.
The market aims to emulate the atmosphere you’d expect from traditional German Christmas markets, and there will be vendors selling everything from mulled wine and hot cocoa to toys and ornaments imported from Seiffen, a village in Germany known for their woodturning and toy making.
There will also be fun areas with giant Christmas trees set up, making the perfect backdrop for festive photo opportunities. Admission to the event itself is free, but bring yen if you plan on making purchases.
Dates: Until Dec. 25
Cost: Free entry
Location: Tennoji Park
Address: 5-55 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0063
Website
Getting there:
Tenshiba at Tennoji Park can be accessed in just two minutes on foot from Tennoji Station, which is served by numerous lines including the JR Osaka Loop Line and the Osaka Metro’s Midōsuji Line and Tanimachi Line to name a few.
– Kim Bergström, Japan travel
Tenjin Christmas Market
Enjoy a taste of Europe at Christmas in Fukuoka
The Tenjin Christmas Market in Fukuoka brings a taste of Christmastime in Europe to the city. The event will have a range of food and drinks on offer (including the always popular mulled wine!) and vendors selling Christmas decorations and other goods.
With an array of twinkling lights illuminating the area after the sun goes down, it’s the perfect spot to embrace the joy and cheer that comes with the festive season.
Admission to the event is free, but do bring some yen if you plan to make a purchase. The hours of the market also differ on weekdays and weekends. The weekday hours of operation are from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m., and on weekends and holidays that extends out to 12 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Dates: Until Dec. 25
Hours: 5 – 11 p.m.
Cost: Free entry
Location: Fukuoka City Hall West Side Fureai Plaza
Address: 1 Chome-8-1 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001
Website
Getting there:
The Tenjin Christmas Market takes place at the Fukuoka City Hall West Side Fureai Plaza. The venue is located just four minutes on foot from Tenjin Station, served by the Fukuoka City Subway’s Kuko Line.
Phone: +81927345462
– Kim Bergström, Japan travel
Yamagata Christmas Market
A market reminiscent of Germany waiting for you
Every year, Yamagata Prefecture becomes a snow globe for winter sports, festivals, and heartwarming delicacies. Before the winter wonderland goes into full effect, kick off the holiday season with Yamagata’s first Christmas market!
The Yamagata Christmas Market will take place just a one minute walk from Yamagata Station. The festive market is inspired by German traditions, featuring gourmet food, mulled wine, locally made crafts, and other treats that people of all ages can enjoy.
Admission is free, so take a stroll with a warm drink in hand and celebrate the magic of Christmas!
Dates: Dec. 12 – 25
Hours: 4 – 9 p.m.
Address: 1 Chome-2-38 Futabacho, Yamagata, 990-0828
Website
Getting there:
Yamagin Prefectural Hall Event Square is a one minute walk from Yamagata Station on the West Exit.
– Tiffany Aguilar, Japan Travel
Tokyo Christmas Market
A taste of Europe in Tokyo
Christmas is a season for family, and especially lovers in Japan. The Tokyo Christmas Market is one of the most extravagant ones in Japan. Supported by the German Tourism and German Embassy, visitors will definitely get a taste of Europe.
The Christmas Pyramid is a known symbol of Christmas in Europe, which will also be showcased here, along with stellar illuminations. Hibiya will turn into a cozy Christmas town, with a 14-meter tall Christmas tree shipped from Germany!
Stalls and shops like those in Zeifen village will open; from handmade holiday ornaments to hot chocolate, beer and Christmas workshops, this market is perfect for the holiday season. There will also be live performances.
If you plan on attending, please note that ticket prices differ from weekdays to weekends/holidays (¥1000 and ¥1500 for adults respectively). This increases to ¥2,000 during the period from December 23rd through 25th.
The first evening of the event starts at 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., but all other days run from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (last orders at 9 p.m. for all days).
Dates: Until Dec. 25
Hours: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Costs: 1,000 JPY – 2,000 JPY (Ticket prices)
Location: Meiji Jingu Gaien, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Website
Website Meiji Jingu Gaien
Getting there:
Meiji Jingu Gaien can be accessed in under 5 minutes on foot from Gaienmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza line.
– Jessica Lin, Japan Travel
Shibuya Christmas Market
A fusion of European charm and Hawaiian warmth
This winter, Shibuya will host its first-ever official Christmas market event, bringing a mix of European charm and Hawaiian warmth to the heart of Tokyo. The event will take place from December 1st to 25th across three locations: Miyashita Park, Kitaya Park, and the Yoyogi Park BE STAGE.
Unlike traditional markets found in other cities, this one will feature two distinct themes. At Miyashita Park, the European zone intends to capture the atmosphere of a traditional German Christmas market, while Yoyogi Park will transform with a tropical atmosphere bringing a touch of warmth to winter. It’s the first time Japan has seen a multi-location market with such contrasting holiday vibes.
Visitors can enjoy festive food stalls, crafts, live performances, and even a lighting ceremony on December 1st featuring a special guest performance. Admission is free, though on select days, limited-entry tickets with commemorative mugs will be available for 1,500 JPY.
For more details and specific operating hours for each venue within the event window, please visit the official site.
Dates: Until Dec. 25
Cost: Free entry
Location: Miyashita Park, Kitaya Park, and the Yoyogi Park BE STAGE
Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052
Website
Getting there:
All of the event venues are walkable within 10 minutes or less from Shibuya Station.
– Kim Bergström, Japan travel
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