Daily Operating Hours for 2026

The market typically opens in late November 2026. Most days, the festivities begin at 11:00 AM. This early start is great for families with children. You can enjoy the stalls before the evening rush begins.

The standard closing time is 9:00 PM every night. However, the last entry usually happens thirty minutes before closing. Do not arrive at 8:50 PM expecting to enter. Security will stop new visitors at the main gates.

During the final week, hours often extend until 10:00 PM. This allows more people to enjoy the holiday spirit. Check the Yokohama Christmas Market 2026 guide for specific calendar updates. Official times are also posted by the Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau online.

Food stalls follow these same general operating hours. Some smaller craft vendors may close slightly earlier than food booths. Plan your shopping for the afternoon to ensure full access. This ensures you see every vendor before they pack up.

Peak Times and Crowd Management

Weekends are the busiest times at the Red Brick Warehouse. Saturday and Sunday afternoons see the highest visitor numbers. Lines for popular German snacks can take over an hour. We recommend visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday if possible.

The crowd usually swells around 4:30 PM each day. This is when the sun sets and lights turn on. Most visitors want to see the giant Christmas tree glowing. Arriving at 3:00 PM gives you a head start.

Lunchtime is surprisingly manageable on most weekdays. You can find a seat at the wooden tables easily. Use these tips for avoiding crowds at Yokohama Christmas Market for a better trip. It makes the experience much more relaxing for everyone.

Rainy days often see much smaller crowds in Yokohama. The market stays open during light rain or snow. If you bring an umbrella, you can enjoy shorter lines. The wet pavement also creates beautiful reflections for your photos.

Ticket Windows and Entry Deadlines

Entry to the market usually requires a small fee. In 2026, expect to pay around 500 yen per person. The ticket booths open at 10:45 AM daily. You can buy tickets on-site using cash or transit cards.

Priority entry is often given to those with online bookings. These digital tickets have specific time slots for entry. You must arrive within your assigned thirty-minute window. This system helps the staff manage the flow of people.

Check the yokohama christmas market 2026 ticket booking prices before you go. Prices might increase slightly during the peak holiday weekend. Children under elementary school age usually enter the market for free. Always keep your digital ticket ready on your phone.

Re-entry is generally not allowed once you leave the area. If you leave to see the nearby mall, you must pay again. Make sure you have seen everything before exiting the gates. This includes the waterfront views behind the Red Brick Warehouse.

Evening Illumination and Special Schedules

The illumination is the main draw for many visitors. The lights usually turn on at 4:00 PM sharp. The central Christmas tree is the star of the show. It features thousands of LED lights and festive ornaments.

Special light shows occur every hour on the half-hour. These shows last about five minutes and include music. The area around the tree gets very crowded during these times. Stand near the warehouse walls for a better view.

The lights stay on until the market officially closes. You can enjoy the festive glow until 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. The nearby Minato Mirai skyline adds to the beautiful atmosphere. It is one of the best photo spots in Japan.

• Tree lighting: 4:00 PM daily
• Main light show: Every 60 minutes
• Skyline illumination: Sunset until midnight
• Last photo op: 10 minutes before close

Holiday Hours for Christmas Eve and Day

Christmas Eve is the most popular day of the season. The market often opens earlier at 10:00 AM on December 24th. It also stays open much later, sometimes until 11:00 PM. Expect very high energy and very large crowds.

Christmas Day follows a similar schedule to the weekends. Most people visit in the early evening for a final celebration. You should try the best food to eat at Yokohama Christmas Market then. Hot chocolate and sausages are perfect for the cold air.

Be aware that some stalls may run out of items early. Popular ornaments often sell out by Christmas Eve afternoon. If you want specific souvenirs, visit earlier in December. The selection is much better during the first two weeks.

The market officially ends on the night of December 25th. Workers begin taking down the stalls almost immediately after closing. There are no holiday events held here on December 26th. Plan your trip accordingly to avoid missing the fun.