Christmas in Japan is not a religious holiday, but more of a commercial and cultural occasion to create a romantic, cozy atmosphere. Although there are few Christians in Japan, the holiday is very popular, especially on the evening of December 24th.
1. 🎆 Magic of Lights
Christmas in Japan is a real light show. City streets, parks and shopping malls are illuminated with thousands of lights, creating a fabulous festive atmosphere. Such magic of lights especially attracts couples - Christmas Eve in Japan is often considered very romantic.
2. 💑 Romantic evening for couples
Christmas Eve in Japan is often seen as a romantic occasion. Young people spend the evening in restaurants, hotels or simply exchange gifts. It's like Japan's "Valentine's Day" - an evening dedicated to joy and special moments.
3. 🍗 KFC tradition
Surprisingly, many people in Japan eat fried chicken from KFC on Christmas. This tradition began in the 1970s and has become very popular - many Japanese order the festive dishes in advance, and long lines form at restaurants.
4. 🎂 Christmas cake
Another tradition is the light, fluffy Christmas cake , often topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. It is an elegant and festive dessert that symbolizes joy and purity.
5. 🎁 Gifts
Unlike in Western countries, Christmas in Japan is not a family celebration. Gifts are more often exchanged between couples or close friends, rather than for the entire family. It is usually a symbolic, festive moment of enjoyment.
6. 🕯 Christmas markets and parties
Shopping malls and city spaces host Christmas markets, decorations, and parties. European-style Christmas markets are popular, where you can sample festive sweets, hot drinks, and buy gifts.
7. 🔄 After Christmas – preparing for the New Year
Christmas in Japan quickly transitions into preparations for the New Year. After the holiday, the decorations change, and traditional New Year's accents appear, symbolizing a new beginning. New Year in Japan is a much more important holiday than Christmas, so the end of December is more symbolic and commercial.
8.❌ What Japanese people don't have/do for Christmas
- Christmas dinner for the family
- Religious mass or ceremony
- Big family gifts
- Traditional Christmas tree at home
- Community parties
- Official holiday (most work as usual)