With 2021 coming to an end, people are getting ready for the holidays. starting on the 10th of December, the authentic German “Tokyo Christmas Market”, which is one of Tokyo’s winter highlights, is back for another round! In this article, we introduce the market, show you all the highlights and tell you everything you need to know before visiting Hibiya Park!
(*All photos and our videos were taken last year in 2020.)
Christmas markets in Germany have a long history and are highly popular even today. The markets light up the darkest season of the year and it is said that 80% of the German population visit a Christmas market at least once every season. So you could even say, that they are more part of daily life than being just an event. If you are curious about the atmosphere of a German Christmas market, “Tokyo Christmas Market” is the place to go, since it is an authentic reproduction of a genuine German Christmas market!
When entering the venue which is located at Hibiya Park, you have to sanitize your hands and measure your body temperature at the entrance. Also, wearing a mask is a MUST. This year, every visitor of the market has to purchase an admission ticket and make an online reservation for a time slot. The ticket includes a Christmas market mug! You may stay up to two hours at the market.
On the grounds of the venue, the beautifully decorated stalls sell Christmas decorations and handmade goods – just like in Germany. In Germany, many people buy their Christmas gifts for family and friends at Christmas markets. Maybe you find something, too?
Besides doing some Christmas shopping, the most fun way to spend time at a Christmas market is – of course – is trying the snacks and sipping a hot drink.
In addition to mulled wine, hot cocoa, beer and sausages, which are German Christmas market staples, the Japanese version of the market has also some original treats, such as roasted sweet potato latte and German pretzel burger.
Inside the big tent at the venue, you can watch live performances during your meal. This year, over 20 groups are going to perform live!
Also, don’t miss the light show in which the big fountain in the center of the venue is lit up. It’s a must-see!
With a heights of 14 meters, the huge Christmas pyramid is not only one of the world’s largest wooden Christmas pyramids but also the absolute highlight of the Christmas market! This is the gigantic version of a classic German Christmas decoration. Wooden dolls with various motifs are spinning around overlooking the market. So cute!
There are many ways to spend the holiday season, but if you are looking for a memorable way to spend time with friends and family, you have to visit the traditional “Tokyo Christmas Market”?
Tokyo Christmas Market 2021 (Hibiya Park)
HP: https://tokyochristmas.net/ (Japanese only)
Date and time: December 10th (Friday) to 25th (Saturday), 2021
Time: 11:00 – 22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
Admission: Adults (junior high school students and above) 1,000 yen (The ticket includes an original mug as a special gift)
Children (elementary school students) 500 yen (A small gift included)
Location: 1-2 Hibiya Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Big Fountain Square inside Hibiya Park)
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/yyqjBxLEi594mNNk9
Nearest stations: Hibiya Station, Kasumigaseki Station, Uchisaiwaicho Station, Yurakucho Station
* On the first day (10th of December), the market starts at 16:00 December.
* For the schedule of live performances, please check the official website.
* Alcoholic beverages are served until 21:00 (last order for food and non-alcoholic drinks is 21:30).
* The market takes place during rainy weather but might get canceled during stormy weather. If the market gets canceled, you will receive a full refund.)
* The ticket allows you to stay up to 120 minutes at the market.
* Please acquire an online ticket and make an advance reservation.
