TOKYO - Tokyo's Ueno Park has been transformed into a festive Christmas destination with the opening of Tokyo Christmas Advent, an event featuring illuminated decorations, around 100 Santa Claus figures, seasonal food and drinks, live performances, and outdoor entertainment that will continue through December 25.
The event, which opened on Friday, November 6, has already attracted large crowds, with weekends proving particularly busy as visitors gather to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere in one of the capital's most popular public parks.
Wooden stalls decorated in traditional European Christmas market style line the park's pathways, offering seasonal specialties, hot drinks, and festive treats. One of the event's main attractions is a collection of approximately 100 Santa Claus figures scattered throughout the grounds, giving visitors opportunities to discover their favorites and take photographs.
The Christmas illuminations begin lighting up the park before sunset, creating an increasingly colorful display as darkness falls. The combination of decorative lighting, food stalls, and seasonal music has made the venue particularly popular with couples, families, and groups of friends.
Visitors can enjoy their purchases at designated outdoor dining areas equipped with tables and chairs, allowing them to experience the festive atmosphere while sampling traditional Christmas market food.
Among the popular offerings are grilled sausages priced at 1,400 yen, hot chocolate served in decorative Christmas mugs, and desserts topped with edible Santa Claus decorations made from sugar. Churros are also available, while mulled red wine has become a particularly popular choice as temperatures fall.
Live musical performances add to the atmosphere, with instrumentalists and singers entertaining visitors throughout the event.
Organizers are also preparing to expand the festival beyond its current location. From November 18, the event will extend toward Shinobazu Pond, significantly increasing the area covered by the Christmas attractions and giving visitors more space to explore.
The expansion is expected to enhance the festival's appeal as the Christmas season approaches, with additional attractions complementing the existing illuminations, food stalls, and entertainment.
Tokyo Christmas Advent will remain open through Christmas Day on December 25, offering visitors a chance to experience a European-style Christmas market in central Tokyo while enjoying the seasonal sights, sounds, and flavors of winter.
Source: KTV NEWS
