Things to do in Kyoto in December 2024

December in Kyoto is when the city’s charm takes on a magical spin. As autumn colors fade, Kyoto transforms into a winter wonderland rich with cultural and festive events that showcase the city’s unique blend of tradition and modern celebration. Kyoto’s December calendar is packed with experiences to enjoy, whether you’re a local or a visitor, from dazzling illuminations to heartwarming rituals. This holiday season, embrace Kyoto’s serene beauty with everything from enchanting light displays to the warmth of traditional New Year’s prayers. Here are some of the best events to experience in Kyoto this December!

Senbon Shakado’s Daikon Boiling Festival

Senbon Shakado, formerly known as Daihoonji Temple, hosts a unique event known as Daikon Daki (Daikon Boiling). This tradition dates back to the Kamakura period when the monk Zesan inscribed Sanskrit characters on sliced daikon radishes as a form of protection against evil. Even today, daikon radishes inscribed with these sacred characters are blessed, sliced, and boiled. It is believed that eating this blessed radish wards off illness and warms you from the inside out, which is perfect for the chilly December weather!

Dates: December 7 (Saturday) and 8 (Sunday), 2024

Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Admission: Free for General entrance; ¥1,000 Yen for Daikon Boiling

Location: 1034 Mizomaecho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-8319

New Year’s Eve Bell Ringing (Joya no Kane) at Chion-in

On New Year’s Eve, the tolling of the bell at Chion-in Temple is a tradition to cleanse oneself of the year’s worldly desires and welcome the New Year with a pure heart. Starting around 10:40 P.M., the temple’s bell is struck 108 times to symbolize the cleansing of human passions. Cast in 1636, this copper bell is one of Japan’s three great temple bells. Seventeen monks work together, chanting “Ei hitotsu” and “Sore!” in unison, producing a powerful, resonant sound that reverberates through the area.

Date: December 31 (Tuesday), 2024

Admission: Free

Location: 400 Rinkacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-8686

NAKED Meets Nijo Castle: Autumn Harvest Festival 2024

Experience a unique, immersive art installation at Nijo Castle—Kyoto’s only castle, and a UNESCO World Heritage site–during the “NAKED Meets Nijo Castle: Autumn Harvest Festival 2024.” Running from October 25 to December 8, this festival celebrates Japan’s bountiful autumn harvest through a sensory blend of technology, fragrance, food, and music. The vibrant, interactive art displays invite visitors to explore Nijo Castle’s illuminated grounds while savoring dishes inspired by the castle’s history and Kyoto’s autumnal essence. For those who prefer to enjoy the art on its own, admission tickets without food and drink options are also available! This event lasts until the beginning of December, so be sure to visit this amazing illumination festival while you still have time!

Dates: October 25 (Friday) – December 8 (Sunday), 2024

Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last entry at 9:00 PM)

Location: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301

Tickets and Official Website: https://event.naked.works/nijojo/autumn/en/

Snowy! White Christmas Afternoon Tea

Celebrate the festive season with a winter wonderland-inspired afternoon tea at The Thousand Kyoto. Running from November 8 to December 25, this limited-time tea service evokes the magic of a white Christmas, with desserts shaped like reindeer, sleighs, Christmas trees, and candles, all in a charming palette of red and white. Seven festive-themed sweets are paired with three savory items, including roasted chicken. Enjoy over 20 unique drinks, including original Japanese black tea crafted from tea leaves grown in Kyoto’s Wazuka Town, alongside various flavored teas and café lattes.

Dates: November 8 (Friday) – December 25 (Wednesday), 2024

Time Slots: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Three seating times)

Location: 570 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216

Official Website: https://www.keihanhotels-resorts.co.jp/the-thousand-kyoto/plan/restaurant/white-christmas-aft.html

World Press Photo Exhibition 2024 Kyoto

Want a meaningful experience this December in Kyoto? The renowned World Press Photo Exhibition returns this holiday season, showcasing some of the most impactful images from one of the world’s most prestigious photo contests. In its 67th edition, this global exhibition features works by about 30 award-winning photographers selected from nearly 60,000 entries by 4,000 participants across 30 countries and regions. Held at the former printing press of the Kyoto Shimbun Building, once home to daily newspaper production, the exhibition provides a powerful opportunity to reflect on global events and the essential role of photojournalism.

Dates: November 30 (Saturday) – December 29 (Sunday), 2024

Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Location: 604-0873, Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Shoshoicho, 239

Official X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/wpp2024kyoto

Flame and Light Christmas BBQ Festa

Welcome to an exhilarating Christmas Festa filled with fire, lights, and a festive spirit! Held near Kyoto Central Market at BBQ Court 339, the Flame and Light Christmas BBQ Festa debuts as a limited event. On three exclusive dates, it features captivating performances by a professional taiko drumming ensemble and local university performance groups. A towering 3-meter Christmas tree will also be displayed, setting a magical holiday scene. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and Kyoto vegetables sourced from the nearby Kyoto Central Market, along with a variety of renowned Kyoto sake available for purchase.

Dates: November 30 (Saturday), December 7 (Saturday), and December 14 (Saturday), 2024

Time: Two sessions daily – (1) 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, (2) 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: 600-8846, Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Sujakuhozocho, 74

Official Website: https://bbq.339.co.jp/

Nidec Kyoto Tower Christmas 2024

Enjoy a romantic Christmas illumination at Nidec Kyoto Tower, located right in the center of Kyoto City near the JR Kyoto Station! From December 1 to December 25, 2024, the tower’s observation deck will be adorned with festive lights, creating a magical holiday atmosphere. Admission to the observation deck is required. On December 24 and 25, from sunset until midnight, the entire tower will be illuminated in Christmas colors, adding an extra touch of holiday spirit to Kyoto’s skyline.

Illumination Dates: December 1 (Sunday) – December 25 (Wednesday), 2024

Special Christmas Color Light-up: December 24 (Tuesday) & December 25 (Wednesday), from sunset to midnight

Location: 600-8216 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashishiokojicho, 721-1

The Place of North Christmas Event 2024

Experience a refined holiday celebration at The Place of North in Kyoto’s Sakyo Ward, where an elegant 300-meter “virgin road” glows with festive lights. Centered around the Kitayama Le Ange Church and the Kyoto Northern Church, this special event on December 24 and 25 invites visitors to capture beautiful moments in candlelit churches and enjoy a memorable evening with a specially curated dinner course at the party venue. Additional food vendors will also be available, adding to the festive ambiance.

Dates: December 24 (Tuesday) & December 25 (Wednesday), 2024

Location: 5 Matsugasaki Rokunotsubocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0915

Official Website: https://www.northern-church.gr.jp/

Heian Shrine New Year’s Visit (Hatsumode)

Finally, let’s start the New Year with a visit to Heian Shrine, where the gates remain open throughout the night on New Year’s Eve! All lanterns on the grounds will be lit, creating a beautiful, welcoming atmosphere. During the New Year period, additional stations for charms and amulets will be set up to accommodate visitors. Celebrate the New Year with family by paying respects to the guardian deity of Kyoto, and praying for peace and happiness in the year ahead.

Dates: December 31 (Tuesday), 2024 – January 1 (Wednesday), 2025

Hours: Open all night on New Year’s Eve until 7:00 PM on January 1

Admission: Free for general entrance to the shrine; garden admission requires a fee

Location: 97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341

Official Website: https://www.heianjingu.or.jp/

December in Kyoto offers an unforgettable journey through its festive lights, ancient traditions, and serene moments to close the year. Whether you’re savoring seasonal treats, taking in the magic of holiday illuminations, or welcoming the New Year with a peaceful shrine visit, Kyoto’s winter charm will surely leave you with wonderful memories. So, bundle up, enjoy the enchanting festivities, and let Kyoto’s winter magic be the perfect end to your year!

Feature photo credit: Steven Su

If you’re coming to Kyoto to check any of these events out, why not join a culinary tour and discover the city as a local?