Christmas in Japan: Traditions & Fun Things To Do

If you plan to celebrate Christmas in Japan, prepare yourself for a huge culture shock. You will not find roast turkey or quiet family gatherings here. The holiday season in Tokyo looks more like a romantic festival than a religious event.

The streets glow with millions of lights. Couples fill the fancy restaurants. Locals swap ham for buckets of fried chicken. It feels energetic, commercial, and incredibly fun. This guide covers everything you need to know about the unique traditions that define this winter season.

5 Fun Facts About Christmas in Japan

• Christmas is for lovers, not families
• It is a normal workday
• Fried chicken replaces turkey
• You must eat your Christmas cake on or before the 25th
• Beethoven Is the Soundtrack

Do They Celebrate Christmas in Japan?

The short answer is a resounding yes. Japan really gets into the holiday spirit! You'll spot massive, decorated trees lighting up the shopping malls. Get ready to hear some Mariah Carey pumping out of the convenience stores, all while enjoying the absolutely gorgeous street illuminations.

However, the celebration looks very different from what you might expect in the West.

Since less than 1% of the population in Japan is Christian, Christmas is not a religious holiday. You won't find many people attending midnight mass or setting up nativity scenes. Instead, Japan has adopted the holiday as a secular season focused on happiness, romance, and commerce. Locals view it as a fun festival rather than a holy event.

Just so you know, December 25th is not a public holiday in Japan.

Banks, post offices, and companies remain open. Trains run on their regular schedules. If December 25th falls on a weekday, everyone goes to work just like normal. Most schools are often just starting their winter break, but for the working population, it is business as usual. You celebrate the evening of the 24th, sleep, and then head to the office the next morning.

>>> You may be interested in: A Guide to the Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

How is Christmas Celebrated in Japan?

If you expect a quiet family gathering around a turkey, you will be surprised. The social dynamics here completely flip the script on Western traditions.

Christmas Eve is for Couples

The biggest difference is the focus on romance. Japanese culture treats Christmas Eve exactly like Valentine’s Day. It serves as the ultimate date night for young couples.

Restaurants create special romantic menus for the occasion. Luxury hotels sell out months in advance. You will see countless couples walking hand-in-hand to look at the winter lights. If you are single, spending Christmas Eve alone can actually feel a bit lonely here.

Families and "Santa-san"

Families with young children still take part in the festivities. "Santa-san" visits homes to leave gifts for the little ones. Parents usually throw a small party with the traditional cake and fried chicken.

However, this changes as the children grow up. Teenagers typically prefer to go out with their friends or dates rather than stay home with their parents.

The Rules of Gift Giving

You do not need to buy presents for your entire extended family. Gift exchanges follow a specific hierarchy here. Parents give to young children. Romantic partners give to each other. That is usually it. Friends rarely swap gifts unless they are hosting a specific party together.

KFC on Christmas in Japan

This tradition often confuses travelers the most. Why would anyone eat fast food for a special holiday dinner?

The answer lies in a brilliant marketing campaign from 1974. KFC launched a promotion called Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii (Kentucky for Christmas). Since Japan has no turkey tradition, KFC pitched fried chicken as the perfect substitute. The idea worked perfectly. Today, millions of Japanese people associate the Colonel with Christmas just as much as Santa Claus.

The experience goes far beyond a standard bucket of drumsticks. Families typically order the "Party Barrel." This massive holiday set includes the signature fried chicken, a shrimp gratin or salad, and a whole Christmas cake. It serves as a complete feast in a single box.
 

You also cannot just walk in and grab one on Christmas Eve. The demand is simply too high. Smart locals preorder their meals weeks or even months in advance. If you try to buy it on the day without a reservation, you will likely stand in line for hours in the cold.

Other Christmas Traditions in Japan

KFC and romance might grab the headlines, but the holiday season here offers plenty of other unique customs.

Christmas Cake (Strawberry Shortcake)

Most Western countries enjoy rich fruitcakes or yule logs. Japan prefers something much lighter. The standard "Christmas Cake" here refers to a circular sponge cake covered in whipped cream and topped with fresh strawberries.

This specific design holds a special meaning. The white cream and red strawberries mirror the colors of the Japanese flag. You will see these cakes everywhere, from high-end department stores to the corner 7-Eleven. Just remember that people almost strictly eat this cake on or before December 25th.

Winter Illuminations

Japan treats light displays as a serious art form. Cities across the country compete to create the most spectacular views.

You will find millions of LED lights covering trees, buildings, and entire parks. Some of the most famous spots include the blue lights at the Shibuya "Blue Cave" or the massive displays at Nabana no Sato near Nagoya. These illuminations usually start in November and run until Valentine's Day, so you have plenty of time to see them.

Christmas Markets

You might feel surprised to find authentic German Christmas markets in Tokyo. The Japanese love the festive atmosphere of European traditions.

Popular spots like the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse or Hibiya Park set up wooden stalls selling ornaments, sausages, and hot wine. These markets offer a great way to feel a traditional holiday vibe if you start missing home.

Disney Christmas

Tokyo Disney Resort takes the holidays very seriously. Both Disneyland and DisneySea launch massive parades and sell exclusive seasonal merchandise. The parks attract huge crowds during December, but the festive decorations make the chaos worth it for many fans.

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is just as impressive. It famously displays one of the most illuminated Christmas trees in the world. Just be ready for heavy crowds. You must book your tickets weeks in advance.

Christmas Things to Do in Japan

You might wonder how to fill your schedule if you are not visiting family. Fortunately, Japan offers incredible events during December that go far beyond a simple dinner.

Go Ice Skating Outdoors

Winter in Japan brings plenty of temporary outdoor rinks. If you're looking for a local favorite, check out The Art Rink at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse! You can skate while looking out at the ocean and the city lights.

Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi also opens a large rink behind the shopping complex. It sits right in the middle of a garden filled with illuminations, making it a perfect spot for a romantic evening.

Shop for "Fukubukuro" Lucky Bags

While the actual sales start on January 1st, the excitement begins in December. You will see stores displaying "Fukubukuro" (lucky bags) at the end of the month. These are sealed bags containing random items sold at a massive discount.

You usually cannot open them until you buy them, which adds to the thrill. Many people line up early on New Year's Day, but you can often browse the options and prepare your strategy during the Christmas week.

Book a Festive Afternoon Tea

Luxury hotels in Tokyo and Osaka treat Christmas like a high-fashion event. Places like the Ritz-Carlton, Peninsula, and Grand Hyatt offer "Festive Afternoon Tea" sets.

You get tiered stands filled with Santa-shaped pastries, reindeer chocolates, and premium teas. It is incredibly popular with Japanese women and couples. You must book these weeks in advance, as they sell out quickly.

See the "Snow Monsters" at Zao

For a truly wild winter view, head north to Yamagata Prefecture. The Zao Onsen Ski Resort is famous for its "Juhyo" or Ice Monsters.

Heavy snow coats the pine trees until they look like giant, frozen creatures. In December and January, the resort lights them up at night. You can ride a ropeway over the top for a surreal, ghostly view that you cannot find anywhere else in the world.

Listen to Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

In most countries, you hear "Silent Night" on repeat. In Japan, the sound of December is Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

The Daiku, as it's called locally, is a massive musical piece that Japanese choirs perform all over the country. It's a huge, serious tradition that really signals the end of the year. You can usually catch the most famous performances at Suntory Hall in Tokyo and Osaka Festival Hall.

Visit Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki

If you are traveling in Kyushu, you must visit Huis Ten Bosch. It is a theme park built to look exactly like a Dutch town.

They host the "Kingdom of Lights," which is often voted the number one illumination display in Japan. With over 13 million lights, European canals, and fireworks shows on Christmas Eve, it feels like a step into a fairy tale.

Go Early Season Skiing

While January and February are the peak months for powder snow (Japow), the season kicks off in December. Major resorts like Niseko in Hokkaido and Hakuba in Nagano usually open their lifts by Christmas.

Spending Christmas Day on the slopes is a bucket-list experience for many. The resorts often have Santa skiing down the mountain and fireworks in the evening.
 

>>> Read more: Sapporo Snow Festival: Guide to Japan's Winter Wonderland

Japan's holiday season is super unique! It combines some quirky traditions with seriously stunning sights that you won't find anywhere else. Sure, you might skip the classic turkey dinner, but the fantastic lights and lively atmosphere totally make up for it.
Go grab a bucket of fried chicken. Visit a German market in Tokyo. Take a walk through the blue illuminations. Just remember to embrace the romance, eat the strawberry cake, and enjoy the unique magic of Christmas in Japan.