How Does Japan Celebrate Christmas?
Christmas is celebrated all over the world, and Japan is no exception. Instead of a religious family gathering, Christmas in Japan is a light-hearted season for couples, friends, dazzling illuminations, and—of course—iconic festive foods.
Discover how these uniquely Japanese traditions turn 24–25 December into a delicious, romantic, and distinctly modern celebration.
In fact, some of the ways Japan celebrates Christmas might just surprise you!
Eating fried chicken on Christmas, to illuminated light shows… Let's take a look.
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Japanese Christmas Traditions at a Glance
- KFC “party barrels” that sell out weeks in advance
- Light-up “illuminations” in Tokyo, Osaka, and beyond
- Strawberry-topped Christmas sponge cakes shared with friends
- Boutique Christmas markets serving mulled wine and local crafts
- Date-night dinners for couples on Christmas Eve
- Gift-giving focused on small, thoughtful presents rather than big family exchanges
What's Christmas like in Japan?
A winter wonderland, Japan is often covered in snow around the Christmas period. In the north of the country, at least. In fact, Aomori City gets the most snow in the world over the winter period. So, it's safe to say that Japan has its share of Christmas spirit.
As well as that, Tokyo and many other Japanese cities around the country will be filled top-to-bottom with Christmas lights and cheer. There's nothing quite as magical as walking through the light shows in Tokyo. And that's without going to the Christmas-themed wonders of Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. There, you can get a joyful mixture of Japanese and American celebrations.
And what makes all this even more exciting is the food!
What do Japanese people eat on Christmas?
You may expect Japanese people to eat a traditional Christmas roast dinner. Or perhaps you're thinking that they have their own traditional Japanese meals to celebrate the festive season?
Well, the real answer to Christmas dinner in Japan is…
Kentucky Fried Chicken!
Yes, you heard it right - it's probably one of the most fascinating Japanese food facts.
Why is KFC the traditional Japanese Christmas meal?
Kentucky Fried Chicken is the undisputed Christmas dinner of choice in Japan. Thanks to the 1974 ‘Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii!’ (“Kentucky for Christmas!”) campaign, families and friends now place pre-orders as early as October to secure their party barrels. Demand is so high that queues can stretch out the door on Christmas Eve.
But what started the tradition of KFC in Japan?
Japanese people like to embrace the Western idea of Christmas. In response to this, KFC came out with a wicked marketing campaign that absolutely toppled the Christmas market in Japan: "At Christmas, you eat chicken."
And since 1974, Japanese people have flocked to KFC for Christmas.
Christmas Cake in Japan
Another trend that we think should make its way over the ocean is Christmas cake. And we're not talking Christmas pudding.
In Japan, they eat assortments of Christmas cakes decorated to emphasise the Christmas spirit. Although originally inspired by British cake and usually in the style of a creamy Victoria sponge cake, you can also find Christmas cakes in other flavours and styles.
The cakes themselves are light, fluffy and dangerous - it's too easy to find yourself on the last piece. Thankfully, you're supposed to share them with a group of close friends.
Christmas Wagashi
Wagashi is a traditional Japanese sweet, usually decorated in line with the seasons. So, it's unsurprising that you can find all sorts of adorable Christmas Wagashi in Japan.
From Santa to snowmen and Christmas trees, there aren't many variations of Christmas symbols you won't find Wagashi shaped into. And trust us, they're definitely worth the try. We recommend you try them with a hot cup of green tea.
Pizza for Christmas
If KFC surprised you, then let us introduce you to pizza for Christmas.
As Christmas is originally a Western tradition, Japanese people consider the holiday an excuse to indulge. Pizza is one of those indulgences. Pizza chains in Japan work hard to advertise over Christmas and will create interesting festive flavours just for the holiday season! You'll find combinations such as chicken and vegetables, roast beef, and lots more!
Although not a Christmas staple like KFC, pizza for Christmas is absolutely a close second.
How do they celebrate Christmas in Japan?
Japan goes all-out for Christmas. From light shows to Christmas events and the opportunity to go Christmas shopping just about everywhere, it's an absolute treat to spend the holiday period there.
Festive and cheerful, it's all you want and more!
Practical Tips for Experiencing Christmas in Japan
- Weather watch: Northern regions like Aomori can see heavy snowfall, while Tokyo tends to be crisp and dry—pack layers and waterproof shoes.
- Reserve early: Pre-order KFC “Christmas Barrel” sets or restaurant dinners by mid-November to avoid sell-outs.
- Illumination timings: Major displays such as Roppongi’s 'Keyakizaka Illumination' run from mid-November to late December, typically 5 p.m.–11 p.m.
- Shopping hours: Department stores stay open late (often until 10 p.m.) in the week before Christmas, perfect for last-minute gifts.
- Souvenir snacks: Pick up limited-edition KitKats and festive wagashi—if you’re in the UK, you can recreate the experience with our Japanese sweets and snacks.
Japanese Christmas Markets
Christmas markets are dotted all around big cities in Japan. They're not that far off what you'd expect from a European (or specifically German) Christmas market and definitely harbour a similar vibe.
That said, the food at these Christmas markets, and the lovely handmade gifts, are a definite highlight. And with the attention and care the cities put into making the streets shine, it's like walking into a winter wonderland. Especially if you get lucky enough to go in the snow!
Although these Christmas markets are often a bit smaller than their European counterparts, they can be found all around Tokyo and other larger cities - complete with the customary mulled wine (though you'll struggle to find British mulled cider).
A Time for Couples and Friends!
While Christmas is traditionally seen as a family holiday here, in Japan, it's a completely different story.
In fact, Japanese people will often spend Christmas with their significant other rather than their family. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, couples will often go out for a romantic night out. These nights out will typically include a light show or "illumination", which are found in cities across Japan. They're quite the spectacle too!
And it's not just couples - people will often prioritise making time for friends over the Christmas season too.
That's not to say that family isn't also important, but it doesn't take the front-and-centre role that you might have expected.
Final Word
Japanese Christmas is a joy to experience—brimming with lights, music, and mouth-watering treats. Until you can stroll through a Tokyo illumination yourself, let Morueats bring the flavour home. Explore our curated range of festive Japanese snacks, sauces, and baking essentials and turn your UK Christmas into a delicious cultural celebration.
