December at Tokyo Disney Resort

Christmas is still on until December 25, 2017, at both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. The weather is colder, the crowds are manageable, and all the cute merchandise and snacks are available. After December 25, the decorations come down and the Christmas merchandise goes away. The park begins to get ready for its New Years event (starts January 1, until January 5, 2018) and New Years Party!

This month we’ll see the start of the limited time Star Wars Event “Feel the Force”, which begins on December 15, 2017.

Here’s what to expect from crowds, weather, closures, merchandise, food, and events for the month of December. Consult our guide to Christmas for more tips, recommendations, and advice!

Food & Merchandise
Crowds
Weather
Closures
Today Guide

Food & Merchandise

Christmas merchandise is still available. Keep in mind, if items begin to sell out they may not come back in stock closer to December 25 (end of the Christmas event). New Years 2018 merchandise was released mid-November. Check out our top 10 Christmas Snacks for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea to make deciding on what to eat easier.

Read our updated list of Tokyo Disney Resort merchandise and how to buy it online. Another way to browse merchandise is the latest edition of the “Disney Fan” magazine. Even though it’s only in Japanese, the pictures are easy to follow and a great way to see what merchandise is available.

The magazines are always available for the next month, which means for December the January issue is out. It still has relevant photos for Christmas.

Crowds

In December, you’ll see lighter crowds mid-week at the beginning of the month (except weekends). The general rule of thumb is to visit during the week between Tuesday and Friday. After December 23, you’ll see high crowds due to a national holiday, afterward, Japan begins their holidays into the New Years. Which is one of the busiest times (outside Golden Week) at Tokyo Disney Resort.

Emperor’s Birthday (December 23): The Emperor’s Birthday falls on a Saturday this year, which means crowds begin to pick up on Friday the 22nd. The crowds continue right into the New Year (January 5, 2018). After which, the park enters its low season.

Here are the best days to visit to avoid predicted crowds in December:

December 5-7, 12-14, and 19-21

Buy your tickets in advance to avoid long lines. Consult the Tokyo Disneyland crowd calendar for the latest predictions. Also, read our guide to know the best and worst times to visit Tokyo Disney Resort.

Weather

The average temperature for December is 8°C (46°F). The days are cold (warm in the sun) and the evenings may chill to the bone in the wind. The best advice is to layer and wear mittens and scarves. Follow my tips on how to stay warm in the winter at Tokyo Disneyland.

Check our packing list, which covers items to bring with you for the weather.

Closures

Here are the closures and refurbishments for the month of December. Keep in mind that they stick to the schedule in most cases and things do not open early or late unless noted. For the most up-to-date list, consult the official website.

Read our update on the construction happening in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland for the Beauty and the Beast expansion.

Tokyo Disneyland

“it’s a small world” (re-opens April 15, 2018, for the Tokyo Disney Resort 35th Anniversary “Happiest Celebration!”)
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey: December 2, 2017 – December 13, 2017
Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters: December 12, 2017 – December 22, 2017
Country Bear Theater: December 29, 2017 (re-opens December 30)

Tokyo DisneySea

Mermaid Lagoon Theater: November 16, 2017 – December 6, 2017
Raging Spirits: December 7, 2017 – December 26, 2017
Scuttle’s Scooters: December 11, 2017 – December 22, 2017

Today Guide

The “Today Guide” is a useful fold-out informational guide for the latest entertainment, merchandise, food, and general information for both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Which changes on a monthly basis with new and updated information (and a cute collectible design). The only problem is, it’s offered only in Japanese.

There is an English guide map (along with other languages) but it only has general information and entertainment schedule. You miss out on crucial information that’s useful when you are in the park.

Each month we create a video that explains the latest Today Guide to help you plan our trip better. Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel to never miss the latest.

Start planning your trip to Tokyo Disneyland with our Ultimate Guide to Tokyo Disney Resort. It covers everything from tickets, hotels, and how to score discounts!

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TDR Explorer

What’s Happening at Tokyo Disney Resort – December 2017

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