Illumination Events in Tokyo to Pair With Your Christmas Shopping

In December, Tokyo’s shopping complexes welcome in the season with dazzling illuminations, Christmas events, and charming decorations. Listed below are three popular malls where you can pair your Christmas shopping with a festive night in Tokyo.

Japanese crafts meet Christmas — MIDTOWN YAESU CHRISTMAS

MIDTOWN YAESU CHRISTMAS, held at Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, is an event that uniquely combines Christmas with Japanese crafts. This year, the event’s focal point is kintsugi, which is the traditional Japanese technique of repairing broken ceramics. Since this craft is famous in Ishikawa Prefecture, a major goal of this event is to support the areas affected by the 2024 Noto Earthquake.

In the first floor Galleria, Tokyo Midtown Yaesu has erected a five-meter tall Christmas tree inspired by kintsugi. The tree’s branches are crafted from wood from Noto Peninsula and Tokyo and emblazoned with golden light. The first-floor atrium is also home to a kintsugi exhibition and kintsugi workshops. A portion of the workshops’ proceeds will be donated to Ishikawa’s reconstruction efforts. Additional illuminations include diamond-shaped lights dangling from Galleria’s ceiling and warmly lit trees on the fifth-floor terrace.

An enchanting rooftop forest — OMOHARA Christmas illumination

The OMOHARA Christmas Illumination is held on the rooftop garden of Tokyu Plaza Omotesando “Omokado”. During this event, the green space transforms into an enchanting forest blessed with sparkling shooting stars. The warm glow of approximately 20,000 LEDs coupled with the cute animal and leaf motifs create a cozy outdoor setting that chases away the cold. The public rooftop is open to everyone and serves as a festive place to rest between shops. Purchase a warm beverage from one of the mall’s cafes and relax in the romantic setting. Don’t forget to admire elevated views of Shibuya’s shimmering nightscape as well.

Traditional Christmas vibes in a modern setting — AZABUDAI HILLS CHRISTMAS MARKET

AZABUDAI HILLS CHRISTMAS MARKET brings Christmas energy into the heart of the city. Located in Azabudai Hills’ Central Green area, this picturesque market is home to five retail and 12 food establishments housed in quaint European-esque stalls. Here, you can savor food and beverages under The Cloud’s elegant lighting and even shop at some exclusive stores, such as the world-famous German shop, Käthe Wohlfahrt. At the market’s center stands an eye-catching Christmas tree adorned with five different types of lighting. Santa will also make an appearance on December 25 for meet-and greet sessions.

After indulging in the market’s lively atmosphere, wander to the glittering ambience of Christmas Street. This scenically decorated path between Kamiyacho Station Square and the Tower Plaza is a wonderful place for a leisurely stroll and captures the slower side of the holiday.

All of Azabudai Hills’ stores are also offering original Christmas menus during the event.

MIDTOWN YAESU CHRISTMAS

OMOHARA Christmas illumination

AZABUDAI HILLS CHRISTMAS MARKET

For updated information on opening hours, days closed, prices, and more, please check the official website.