Shibuya December 2025: Complete Guide to 12 Must-Visit Christmas Events, Illuminations & New Year Celebrations
Shibuya is one of Tokyo's premier entertainment districts, known as the center of youth culture. This bustling area attracts countless visitors for shopping and entertainment, with trendy fashion shops and clubs concentrated throughout the district.
In Shibuya and its surrounding areas, December brings Christmas illuminations and traditional New Year events. For example, the fantastical blue light illumination event "Shibuya Ao no Dokutsu" is an extremely popular annual event.
Additionally, Meiji Jingu Shrine, located close to Shibuya, is a famous spot where you can welcome the New Year moment with many other people.
This guide introduces events you can enjoy in December centered around Shibuya in Tokyo. If you're planning to visit Shibuya in December or spend Christmas and New Year in Tokyo, please use this as a reference for your Shibuya Event December 2025 planning.
Table of Contents
-3 Beautiful Light-Up Events to Enjoy in December Shibuya
-Enjoy Tokyo's Beautiful Night Views! Illumination Events Around Shibuya
-Three Recommended Events for Those Spending New Year's in Shibuya
3 Beautiful Light-Up Events to Enjoy in December Shibuya
Shibuya Ao no Dokutsu
Source:Official website
Shibuya Ao no Dokutsu is a popular illumination event held annually in the Shibuya area. The pathway from Shibuya's Koen-dori Street to Yoyogi Park near Harajuku Station is fantastically decorated with blue illuminations.
When I visited last year, the main venue at Yoyogi Park Zelkova Avenue featured zelkova trees and the ground artistically lit with blue electrical decorations and lighting.
You can enjoy a Christmas market selling gourmet food and Christmas goods in the completely blue space, and there were also cute photo spots including snow globe-shaped objects.
What's absolutely must-see at this event is the lighting ceremony that takes place around 5:00 PM daily. When the blue illuminations light up all at once, the everyday park scenery instantly transforms into an extraordinary beautiful sight.
I captured this moment perfectly on video. You can get very beautiful footage, so definitely try to visit Yoyogi Park Zelkova Avenue timed with the lighting ceremony.
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Dates: December 6-25, 2024 (2025 dates TBD)
Access: Get off at JR Line or Subway Shibuya Station → 10 minutes walk via Koen-dori → Yoyogi Park Zelkova Avenue
Admission: Free
Website: https://shibuya-aonodokutsu.jp/
Tokyo Christmas Market 2025 in Jingu Gaien
Source:Official website
Tokyo Christmas Market 2025 in Jingu Gaien is Tokyo's largest-scale Christmas market. In 2024, over 50 shops sold gourmet items like hot wine and cheese dishes, as well as Christmas goods.
When I visited the venue after dark last year, the spacious area was decorated with illuminations and brilliantly shining. German-style hütte stalls lined up, decorated with Santa and reindeer objects, creating an atmosphere like being in a fairy tale world.
The 14-meter-tall "Christmas Pyramid" tower at the venue was loaded with many character objects from Grimm fairy tales and Disney, further enhancing the fairytale-like mood.
This increasingly popular event drew crowds that overflowed the vast venue last year. Please note that the venue gets cold, and you may need to wait in line for several tens of minutes for admission.
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Dates: November 21 - December 25, 2025, 11:00-21:30 (Opening day only: 16:00-21:30) (Last admission: 21:00 / Last order: 21:30)
Access: Get off at Aoyama-itchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line or Oedo Line → 10-minute walk → Meiji Jingu Gaien, in front of the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery and the General Stadium
Admission: [12/5-12/19] Adults (middle school students and above) Weekdays ¥1,000, Weekends and holidays ¥1,500 [12/20-12/25] Adults (middle school students and above) ¥2,000
Website: https://tokyochristmas.net/jingu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyochristmas/
THE ROOF SHIBUYA SKY
Source:Official website
The rooftop of the high-rise building SHIBUYA SKY in Shibuya features the limited-time rooftop bar "THE ROOF SHIBUYA SKY," open until December 25th.
SHIBUYA SKY is a popular observation spot known for its gorgeous night views. Among its offerings, THE ROOF SHIBUYA SKY on the rooftop provides an especially luxurious experience. By making advance reservations and paying the fee, you can use special sofa seats.
From the sofa seats, you can see Tokyo's night view through glass panels stretched across the rooftop, enjoying the endless sea of neon lights. The sofa usage fee includes champagne and light refreshments, allowing you to relax while using the sofa for 50 minutes.
Even without reserving sofa seats, visitors with admission tickets to SHIBUYA Sky's observation floor can use THE ROOF SHIBUYA SKY's standing bar. Beautiful night views can also be enjoyed from around the bar, so visitors to SHIBUYA SKY should definitely check it out.
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Dates: April 28 - December 25, 2025
Access: Get off at JR Shibuya Station → 1 minute walk from JR Central Gate or JR South Gate towards the East Exit → SHIBUYA SKY
Admission: THE ROOF SEAT & STANDARD SET (sofa seats) ¥7,000~, Shibuya Sky admission ticket (standing bar only) ¥2,700~¥3,400
Website: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/sky/the-roof/
When You Come to Shibuya, Enjoy Bar Hopping with Local Guide Tours!
When visiting Shibuya for fun, participating in a bar hopping tour where you can enjoy drinks, gourmet food, and Shibuya's nightlife is also recommended.
The Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour takes you to three izakayas and pubs with a local guide who knows Shibuya well. Walk through Shibuya's neon-lit alleys and enjoy drinks and dinner at lively establishments.
By participating in the tour, you can spend a lively night in Shibuya with friendly guides and other tour participants. The tour takes you to establishments where people who actually play in Shibuya gather, rather than tourist-oriented shops.
In the casual and lively atmosphere of izakayas, learn about recommended menu items and drinking games from the guide. You can also try communicating with local people with the guide's help.
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Meeting point: In front of the floor to ceiling windows under SHIBUYA TSUTAYA sign/21-6 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Q Front, B2F-8F
Tour area: Shibuya
Start times: 18:00, 19:00
Enjoy Tokyo's Beautiful Night Views! Illumination Events Around Shibuya
Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination
Source:PR TIMES
In December, Tokyo Dome City, which encompasses amusement parks, shopping facilities, and restaurants around Tokyo Dome, offers spectacular illuminations.
Tokyo Dome City holds illuminations across a vast area each year according to themes. In 2024, the theme was "SNOW DOME," with the entire area fantastically decorated with white illuminations representing snow.
A 5-meter-tall large Christmas tree was lit primarily in white with lighting that switched to various colors, creating beauty you could watch endlessly without getting bored. There were also bubble effects every 15 minutes, and snow globe-shaped photo spots were popular.
This year is also expected to feature many elaborate illuminations matching the theme. Extend your trip slightly from Shibuya and definitely visit Tokyo Dome City as part of your Shibuya Event December 2025 itinerary.
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Dates: November 18, 2024 - February 28, 2025 (2025-2026 dates TBD)
Access: Get off at JR Suidobashi Station → 1 minute walk from the west exit → Tokyo Dome City
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/illumination/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyodomecity_official/
Tokyo Midtown Illumination
Source:Official website
Tokyo Midtown Illumination is an extremely popular annual illumination event held in Roppongi. Tokyo Midtown is a sophisticated complex facility that includes hotels, museums, shops, offices, and more.
The garden area within the premises, Midtown Garden, is titled "Path of Light" and is decorated with golden illuminations every year. The beautifully maintained garden sparkles with golden light, making it a recommended spot for evening strolls.
When I visited last year, the sight of illuminations sparkling and reflecting in the beautiful stream flowing through the garden was absolutely stunning. Within Midtown Garden, spots where you can enjoy story-driven illumination shows appear every year and attract significant attention.
If you visit Roppongi in December, be sure to stop by Tokyo Midtown.
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Schedule: November 17 - December 25, 2024 (2025 dates to be determined)
Access: Get off at Roppongi Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line → 1 minute walk through the underground passage → Tokyo Midtown
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/event/xmas/illuminations.html
Marunouchi Street Park 2025
Source:FASHION PRESS
In the Marunouchi area located around Tokyo Station, large-scale illuminations are held every winter, centered around Marunouchi Nakadori Street.
On Marunouchi Nakadori Street, trees are decorated with chic champagne gold illuminations extending approximately 1.2 kilometers. At the plaza called Marunouchi Street Park, shops selling Christmas goods and accessories, as well as food trucks, set up stalls.
Additionally, spectacular illuminations can be seen within the office buildings lining the street. When I visited in 2024, special Super Mario illuminations were displayed at the 37-story "Marunouchi Building."
Many people gathered for these illuminations and were taking photos. When strolling along the illuminated tree-lined street, be sure to enter various buildings and enjoy the special decorations.
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Schedule: November 14, 2024 - February 16, 2025, 16:00-23:00 (2025-2026 dates to be determined)
December 1-31: 16:00-24:00
Access: Get off at JR/Subway "Tokyo Station" → 1 minute walk from the South Exit → Marunouchi Nakadori
Admission: Free
Website: https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/app/event/detail/743
Three Recommended Events for Those Spending New Year's in Shibuya
For those who want to experience a traditional Japanese New Year around Shibuya, visit Meiji Jingu Shrine in Harajuku. For those who want to join parties and celebrate the New Year in a lively atmosphere, participating in countdown events at Shibuya's nightclubs is recommended. These exciting Shibuya Event December 2025 celebrations offer unforgettable experiences for tourists.
New Year's at Meiji Jingu Shrine
If you want to experience a traditional Japanese New Year, try welcoming January 1st at 0:00 at a shrine. Meiji Jingu Shrine in Harajuku is accessible on foot from the Shibuya area.
In Japan, the first shrine visit of the New Year is called "Hatsumoude." Meiji Jingu Shrine is famous as the shrine visited by the most people in Japan for Hatsumoude.
At Meiji Jingu Shrine, the gates are specially opened from the morning of December 31st until 6:00 PM on January 1st for New Year's and Hatsumoude. Every year, many people begin gathering from late afternoon on December 31st, and by near midnight, long lines form at the main shrine due to the crowds.
People welcome January 1st at 0:00 and pray for health and happiness in the coming year at the shrine. I have visited several times for New Year's, and being close to Shibuya and Harajuku, known as youth districts, I was impressed that many young people visit for Hatsumoude.
Since it gets cold, those visiting on the night of the 31st should dress warmly.
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Schedule: December 31 - around January 5
Access: JR Harajuku Station, Subway Chiyoda Line, Fukutoshin Line, Meiji-Jingumae Station → 1 minute walk → Meiji Jingu Shrine
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/hatsumoude/
SHIBUYA SKY First Shrine Visit (Collaboration Event with Konno Hachiman Shrine)
Source:Official website
Special New Year events are also held on the rooftop of SHIBUYA SKY, the high-rise building in Shibuya mentioned earlier. On January 1st, a special altar from Konno Hachiman Shrine, which has been worshipped in this area since ancient times, is set up on the rooftop of SHIBUYA SKY.
Those who purchase tickets in advance can enter SHIBUYA SKY from 5:30 AM on January 1st. Then, wait for the sunrise while viewing Tokyo's night scenery from the rooftop 229 meters above ground.
After watching the first sunrise of the year, which is considered very sacred in Japan, you can participate in New Year ceremonies conducted by priests from Konno Hachiman Shrine.
From SHIBUYA SKY, which overlooks all of Tokyo, you should be able to see the most beautiful first sunrise of the year in Tokyo. For those wanting to spend New Year's in Shibuya, especially those who want to see a beautiful sunrise, be sure to purchase tickets in advance and participate in the event.
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Schedule: January 1, 2026, Entry begins 5:30 AM (Last entry 6:30 AM)
Access: Shibuya Scramble Square SHIBUYA SKY 1F elevator → 14F → Rooftop
Admission: ¥7,000
Website: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/sky/sunrise/
Shibuya Countdown Night Festival
Source:Tabelog
The Shibuya Countdown Night Festival is an event held at multiple bars and nightclubs in Shibuya on December 31st. After checking in and receiving a wristband, you can freely enter and exit participating venues and enjoy countdown events at many establishments.
Shibuya, also famous as a district where nightclubs gather, has a lively atmosphere all night long on December 31st with countdown events at many venues. Using this event, you can affordably enter multiple popular clubs.
Enjoy parties by visiting many popular clubs like BRAND SHIBUYA, where you can enjoy house music.
You can use the event to play at clubs until morning, or when tired, take a break at 24-hour Izakaya. After welcoming the New Year, visiting shrines that are open at night for Hatsumoude is also recommended. This Shibuya Event December 2025 season promises incredible nightlife experiences for tourists.
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Schedule: December 31, 2025 - January 1, 2026
Access: Get off at JR Shibuya Station → 5 minutes walk from Hachiko Exit → LUXURY LOUNGE MILAS Shibuya (reception)
Admission: Men: ¥3,000 Women: ¥2,000 (tentative)
Website: https://eventsearch.jp/special/shibuya-countdown-night-fes
##12月に渋谷を訪れる人におすすめのさまざまなジャンルのイベント（？）
Whisky Festival 2025 in Tokyo
Source:Official website
Whisky Festival 2025 in Tokyo is a popular gourmet event regularly held in Tokyo and Osaka. At the venue, whisky manufacturers, distilleries, and liquor stores from around the world set up booths, allowing visitors to sample hundreds of different types of whisky.
In the paid-admission venue, each booth offers both free whisky tastings and premium paid tastings. World-famous whisky manufacturers and Japanese beverage companies like Suntory also exhibit at booths.
I participated during the previous event, and what I particularly enjoyed was being able to try many whiskies at the Japanese whisky distillery booths. All tastings were free, and I could thoroughly compare the taste differences.
The event takes place in Takadanobaba, accessible by about 25 minutes by train from Shibuya. For those who want to try whiskies from Japan and around the world, why not visit and explore?
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Date: December 6-7, 2025, 10:00-13:30/14:30-18:00
Access: Get off at JR Yamanote Line "Takadanobaba" station → 4 minutes walk from Toyama exit → Bellesalle Takadanobaba Event Hall
Admission: ¥5,000
Website: https://whiskyfestival.jp/tokyo2025/
30th Anniversary Exhibition "ALL OF EVANGELION"
Source:Mori Building
"ALL OF EVANGELION" is an anniversary event commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Japanese anime "Neon Genesis Evangelion" that aired in the 1990s. The Roppongi venue displays precious production materials, and an Evangelion Unit-01 figure is also installed against Tokyo's beautiful night view.
What fans will be delighted about is the exhibition of vast amounts of production materials actually used during anime production. Precious production materials from the 1990s, when digital technology had not yet been introduced, and beautiful original artwork from the movie version are also scheduled to be displayed.
By viewing 30 years' worth of vast and precious materials, you should understand that the world of Evangelion was created through the accumulation of meticulous details.
Not only Evangelion fans, but also those interested in animation production sites should definitely visit.
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Date: November 14, 2025 - January 12, 2026, 10:00-22:00 (last admission 21:00)
Access: Get off at Roppongi Station on the Hibiya Line → 0 minutes walk from Exit 1C → Tokyo City View (Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 52nd floor)
Admission: TBD
Website: https://ao-eva.exhibit.jp/
X: https://x.com/ao_eva30exhibit
Van Gogh Exhibition: The Painter's Dream Connected by Family
Source:PR TIMES
In December, a special exhibition of Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh is being held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno Park. Approximately 30 works and handwritten letters from the collection owned by Gogh's family are displayed.
This exhibition features Gogh's creative activities supported by his family. After seeing this exhibition, I learned for the first time that Gogh became the world-famous painter he is today thanks to the efforts of his family, including his brother.
The works are displayed chronologically, making it very interesting to see Gogh's color usage changes at a glance. The influence from Japanese ukiyo-e was also impressive.
Ueno Park is accessible from Shibuya in about 30 minutes by train. For Gogh lovers, why not visit this exhibition of Gogh from a Japanese perspective?
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Date: September 12 - December 21, 2025
Access: Get off at JR Ueno Station → 7 minutes walk from the park ticket gate → Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
Admission: General admission: ¥2,300 (advance tickets: ¥2,100)
Website: https://gogh2025-26.jp/
If You Want to Taste Exquisite Food in Tokyo, Try Visiting Shops Loved by Locals!
When visiting Shibuya or Tokyo, enjoying exquisite food is one of the great pleasures, in addition to participating in fun events during your Shibuya Event December 2025 experience.
If you want to find delicious gourmet food in Tokyo, getting restaurant recommendations from locals is the most efficient method. By using Magical Trip's local tours, local guides can take you to popular restaurants that local people actually use.
Local guides thoroughly explain how to choose delicious menu items and Japanese food culture, so you can enjoy a deeper Tokyo gourmet experience than searching for restaurants alone.
Local tours are conducted not only in the Shibuya tours introduced in this article, but also throughout various Tokyo areas such as Shinjuku and Ginza. Please join a tour in a neighborhood that interests you and discover exquisite food in Tokyo.
