Christmas in Japan looks familiar at first: trees in shopping malls, carols in stores and lights along the avenues. But the way people celebrate is very different. Only a small share of people in Japan are Christian, so Christmas is mostly a cheerful seasonal event rather than a religious or family holiday. Fried chicken, strawberry cake and romantic dinners take the place of a big family meal, and December 25 is a normal working day. This guide explains the customs, what to book in advance, and where to enjoy the season in 2026.
Quick answer
- Not a public holiday: December 25, 2026 is a Friday and a normal working day. Shops, trains and attractions run as usual.
- Christmas Eve is the big night: December 24 is a popular date night for couples. Good restaurants are often fully booked weeks ahead.
- The famous meal: fried chicken (especially KFC) and a strawberry-and-cream Christmas cake. Both are usually reserved in advance.
- What to see: winter illuminations and Christmas markets, generally from mid or late November until December 25.
- The next day, it’s New Year: on December 26, Christmas decorations are replaced by New Year decorations almost overnight.
Why Christmas in Japan is different
Christmas spread in Japan after the war mainly as a commercial and cultural celebration. For most people it is a fun event, similar to Halloween or Valentine’s Day, rather than a religious holiday. The family-centered holiday in Japan is New Year: people return to their hometowns, visit shrines and eat traditional food. If you will also be in Japan for that, read our guide to how Japan celebrates New Year.
In practice, this means:
- Christmas Eve is for couples and friends. Restaurants offer special Christmas courses, hotels sell romantic stay plans, and illuminated streets are busiest on the evening of December 24.
- Families with children often celebrate at home with chicken, cake and a present from Santa, but there is no big gift-exchange tradition among adults.
- Church services are held at Catholic and Protestant churches, and many welcome visitors. Check the church’s website for service times and whether English is used.
Why Japan eats fried chicken at Christmas
KFC opened its first store in Japan in 1970, and a national “Kentucky for Christmas” campaign started in 1974. Turkey was hard to find in Japan, and a bucket of chicken became an easy, festive substitute. Today, buying fried chicken for Christmas is a well-known custom, and long lines form outside KFC stores on December 24 and 25.
If you want to try it:
- KFC Japan takes Christmas reservations every year, usually from early November. In 2025, reservations opened on November 4, and pickup ran from December 19 to 25. Check KFC Japan’s official website or app for the 2026 dates, menu and prices.
- The reservation site and app are mainly in Japanese. You can also reserve at the counter of a KFC store.
- Without a reservation, some stores sell chicken on the day, but you may face a long wait or find items sold out. Supermarkets and convenience stores also sell Christmas fried chicken, which is a simple alternative.
The Japanese Christmas cake
The classic Japanese Christmas cake is a light sponge cake covered with whipped cream and topped with fresh strawberries, often decorated with a small Santa or a chocolate plaque. Its red and white colors are considered festive. Bakeries, department-store food halls (depachika), hotels and even convenience stores start taking cake reservations in October or November.
- Reserve early for famous patisseries and hotel cakes; popular designs sell out.
- Pick-up days are usually December 23–25. Bring a cold bag if you have a long trip back to your hotel.
- Small sizes: many shops sell single slices or small cakes, which suit travelers and hotel rooms.
- Allergies: check the allergen labels (卵 egg, 乳 milk, 小麦 wheat). Our food phrases guide has useful allergy expressions.
Christmas lights and markets
Winter illuminations are the main way to enjoy Christmas in Japanese cities. Many start in early or mid-November, and some continue until February. Our Tokyo winter illuminations guide lists dates and walking routes for 2026–27.
German-style Christmas markets with mulled wine, sausages and wooden decorations are also popular. In past years, well-known markets in the Tokyo area have included:
- Roppongi Hills Christmas Market (Roppongi): usually from late November to December 25, free to enter.
- Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market (Yokohama): usually from late November to December 25, with a small entry fee in recent years.
- Tokyo Christmas Market: a large paid-entry market whose venue and dates have changed in recent years.
- Markets at Tokyo Tower, Yebisu Garden Place, Azabudai Hills and Tokyo Skytree Town.
Dates, fees and reservation rules change every year, so check each market’s official website for 2026 before you go. Evenings and weekends near December 24 are the most crowded.
Tips for travelers in December
- Book restaurants early for December 24 and 25, especially in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Many places only offer a set Christmas course on these nights.
- Expect crowds at illuminations on weekend evenings and Christmas Eve. Go on a weekday or arrive soon after the lights come on.
- Gifts: if you visit a Japanese home in December, a small seasonal sweet is a nice gift. See our gift-giving etiquette guide for year-end gifts (oseibo).
- Shopping: from November 1, 2026, tax-free purchases use a refund system at departure. Read our tax-free shopping guide.
- After Christmas: from December 26, stores switch to New Year goods. If you will stay into January, check which attractions close for the New Year holiday.
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas a holiday in Japan?
No. December 25 is not a public holiday, so offices, shops and transport operate normally. The main public holidays of the season are around New Year.
Do Japanese people go to church at Christmas?
Christians do, and some non-Christians also attend a Christmas Eve service or concert out of interest. Many churches welcome visitors, but please follow the church’s guidance on photography and seating.
Do I need to reserve KFC or a cake?
It is strongly recommended if you want a specific set or cake on December 24 or 25. Without a reservation, expect queues and limited choice.
Official references
Information checked October 30, 2026. Reservation periods, prices and market dates for 2026 are set by each business and may change; check official sources before your trip. Photos: Unsplash (see captions).