It's the holiday season in Tokyo! And whatever that means to your family — religious celebrations, gift-giving, quality time with relatives, or all of the above — it's an amazing time to explore and enjoy the city. The cold weather and shorter days may not be ideal for your Vitamin D levels, but they make the perfect setting for winter markets and illuminations.

If you're looking for a family-friendly weekend adventure or special weekday treat, see below for the holiday activities in Tokyo the CareFinder team is looking forward to most!

Winter Illuminations

If you've never experienced the wonder that is winter illuminations in Tokyo, you are in for a treat! Holiday lights are always beautiful, but winter illuminations take the tradition up several notches.

And you can find them everywhere: From Harajuka and Hibiya to Gotanda, Ebisu, Roppongi, and Marunouchi. Find the illuminations closest to your neighborhood or hop on the train and see them all. This roundup from Timeout Tokyo has 16 options — including some in Saitama and Yokohama — for your family to check out. Most run through early 2023, so you'll have time to take it all in!

Holiday Markets

The holidays are, of course, a time of year to gather with loved ones, enjoying one another's company, and observing cherished traditions. But, if we're being honest, they're also often about gift-giving!

Many winter illuminations are set among malls and shopping districts, so consider multitasking. Beginning November 26, head to Roppongi Hills for both twinkling lights and to stock up on authentic German goods at the Stuttgart-themed Christmas Market. Yebisu also doubles as a winter illumination destination and an opportunity to temporarily transport to France at the annual Christmas Marche. And the Tokyo Christmas Market in Hibiya park — one of the largest — where your 1,000yen admission fee comes with a "novelty mug!" Head to Tokyo Sky Tree now through December 25 for, of course, on-theme lighting effects (a candle and a "ChampagneTree") as well as the Town Dream Christmas Market.

Ice Skating

Your family doesn't need to travel to the mountains to enjoy a winter sport! While you may not be able to ski through the streets of Tokyo, you can find fun spots to go ice skating — a perfect opportunity for the whole family or for date night!

Futako Tamagawa Rise is the perfect destination for a little bit of everything — illumination, shopping, performances, and the seasonal ice skating rink set up in the mall's large interior plaza. The Mitsui Fudosan ice rink at Tokyo Midtown also makes for a special experience. This one gets pretty crowded on weekends, so go on a weeknight if you prefer more space to practice your triple axels!

Holiday Performances

There are few better times of year than the holidays to enjoy live music. Something about the season just lends itself to the moving sounds of a full orchestra, or a violin soloist.

Suntory Hall offers a very limited-time-only (December 25) Christmas Concert. The New National Theatre will put on the quintessential Christmas ballet — the Nutcracker — from December 23 to January 3. For jazz lovers, Bunkamura Orchard Hall will host The BEST of Christmas Jazz Night on December 21 and 22.

And if the kids aren't on board with a night of classical music,Tokyo Disney Christmas is always an option! With special parade performances, park-wide decorations, limited-edition menus and a fireworks show, a day at Disney is a great gift for all ages.