Where did the year go? December is already here, and Tokyo’s streets glow with beautiful illuminations at night. Check out our Tokyo Winter Illumination Guide for the best spots to see these winter lights, but read our list below of the best events in Tokyo in December 2024. In traditional Japanese, December is called Shiwasu (師走), named after the month’s chaotic energy. The characters 師 (master or monk) and 走 (to run) reflect how even the calmest and collected rush to wrap up the year. Between deadlines, bonenkai (“Forget-the-year”) parties and oosoji (winter deep cleaning), it’s certainly a busy time. But don’t forget to make room for these seasonal events!

Blue Ball Kiki: A Celebration of Ballroom and Queer Community

December 15  

Immerse yourself in the glamour of 1970s New York ballroom culture at the Blue Ball Kiki, a ball celebrating Tokyo’s queer community and allies. With hosts Edgar Telfar and Le Horla 007, this event combines education, lively competition and a strong sense of community. Proceeds and donations go to the Atlanta-based Trans Housing Coalition, supporting Black trans women facing homelessness.

The night promises electrifying dance battles across various categories, judged by leading figures in Tokyo’s ballroom scene. For those new to the culture, a panel discussion will explore ballroom dance history and values.

Adding an artistic touch to complement the evening festivities, @noeuddaout offers unique queer art and jewelry at a pop-up stall.

▼Location
Studio Worcle Okubo, 1-21-5 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku

▼Hours
5:00 pm – 10:30 pm

▼Price
Tickets are ¥1,500 at the door, but transgender and nonbinary attendees are invited to join for free. 

▼More Information
instagram.com/blue.ball.kiki

Tokyo Comic Con 2024

December 6 – December 8

Nerds, geeks and comic freaks rejoice! Comic-Con is the mecca for all things cosplay and fantasy. This year’s line-up of stars includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Jason Momoa, Mads Mikkelsen, Morena Baccarin and more. Grab tickets to test-drive vehicles like the Back to the Future DeLorean, the Jurassic Park van and 007’s swanky sports car from No Time to Die. Stay updated on your favorite films and comics, discover rare props and shop exclusive goods. 

▼Location
1-12-26 Kishicho, Kita-ku

▼Dates
December 31​​ – January 1

▼Hours
11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Last day 10:00 am – 6:00 pm 

▼Price
Adults ¥4,400
U18 ¥1,000
U15 ¥500 

▼More Information
kitsune.tokyo-oji.jp

TRY Ramen Festival

Until December 15

Okubo Park’s ramen festival celebrates 25 years of the TRY Ramen Awards. This is Japan’s oldest and most respected ramen accolade, said to be the highest authority in the ramen industry. The “TRY Ramen Grand Prix & Adult Weekend’s Ultimate Ramen Festival 2024” brings together TRY-award-winning ramen shops and selections from Otona no Shuumatsu, a gourmet magazine renowned for its rigorous undercover reviews. This is a rare chance toenjoy the flavors of famous restaurants recognized by the highest authority all in one place.

▼Location
Shinjuku City Okubo Park, 2-43 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku

▼Hours
11:00 am – 9:00 pm

▼Price
Free admission, ¥1,000 per bowl of ramen 

▼More Information
kanko-shinjuku.jp

Oji Inari-jinja Shrine Fox Parade

December 31 – January 1

The Oji Fox Parade is based on a local legend that says on New Year’s Eve, foxes gather to dorn costumes and head to the Oji Inari Shrine. Since the Edo period, locals of Oji have dressed as foxes and joined in lively processions. Accompanied by traditional music, the parade starts at Shozoku Inari Shrine and makes its way to Oji Inari Shrine, celebrating folklore and community spirit in a vibrant spectacle. If you’d like to be part of the procession as a fox, you can sign up here (Japanese language only). And who knows, the costumed people standing right next to you could be real fox-spirits…

▼Location
1-12-26 Kishicho, Kita-ku

▼Dates
December 31​​ – January 1

▼Hours
10:30 am – 1:30 am (next day)

▼Price
Free to watch, ¥1,000 to join

▼More Information
kitsune.tokyo-oji.jp

Tokyo’s Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks

Various dates between December – March

Below are some of our favorites:

Tokyo Midtown KOSÉ MIDTOWN ICE RINK

Located in Roppongi, Tokyo Midtown is the perfect winter outing with its outdoor skating rink surrounded by holiday lights. After a skate, warm up with a hot drink from the nearby cafes or explore the illuminations on foot. The event runs until February, making it a great way to enjoy the Christmas and winter season in Tokyo.

▼Dates
November 22 – February 24 (Closed on 1 January) 

▼Hours
11:00 am – 9 pm 

▼Price
Weekday ¥1,800, Weekend and Holiday ¥2,000 

Futako Tamagawa Rise Skate Garden

Futako Tamagawa RISE is back with its yearly outdoor ice skating rink, this time with the theme “Blooming Lights”. They will be projecting stunning floral patterns onto a 390㎡ ice skating rink for a magical garden vibe. Located along the Tamagawa River in Setagaya Ward, this vibrant complex also offers skating lessons and features shops, restaurants, a cinema and more.

▼Dates
December 7 – March 2

▼Hours
Weekday 1 pm – 7 pm, Weekend and Holiday 11 am – 7 pm 

▼Price
¥2,200 (including shoe rental)

Minami-Machida Grandberry Park 

Skate into a Snoopy-filled winter wonderland at Japan’s only Peanuts-themed outdoor ice rink. Glide alongside beloved characters, then take in the illuminations at the Minami-Machida complex. A perfect outing for Peanuts fans and winter enthusiasts alike. 

▼Dates
December 7 – February 24

▼Hours
Weekday 1 pm – 8 pm, Weekend and Holiday 11 am – 8 pm 

▼Price
¥2,000 (including shoe rental)