[2025–2026] A roundup of popular winter festivals: Music festivals for the cold season
Until now, when people talked about music festivals, the standard was summer festivals held outdoors.
But lately, winter festivals held during the colder months have also become the norm.
Most winter festivals are indoor events held in large halls or exhibition centers, and even in the cold of winter, the venues are filled with excitement.
In this article, we’ll introduce a whole lineup of these hot winter music festivals!
From Christmas events and countdown events to those held right after the New Year, there’s a full schedule.
- [2025] December Music Festivals: Winter Fests and Countdown Live Roundup
- Rock Festival Calendar for December [2025]
- January Music Festivals [2025]: A roundup of New Year music events, including winter fests and outdoor live shows
- February Music Festivals [2025]: A roundup of music events including winter festivals and outdoor rock festivals
- List of Rock Festivals in January [2025]
- List of Rock Festivals Nationwide [2025]
- Rock Festival Calendar for February [2025]
- Winter Music Festival in Western Japan [2025]
- A must-see for students! Recommended music festivals for winter break
- Recommended indoor fall and winter festivals
- November Music Festivals [2025]: A roundup of music events including autumn festivals and outdoor rock fests
- March Music Festivals [2025]: A roundup of spring festivals, outdoor rock fests, and other music events
- October Music Festivals [2025]: A roundup of fall festivals, outdoor rock fests, and other music events
January
Rock’n’Roll CircusSat 1/10 – Sun 1/11, Hyogo Prefecture
| Schedule | Saturday–Sunday, January 10–11, 2026 |
| place | Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe City, Kobe VARIT. / Chicken George / Starting Over / THE CASTLE / BLUE PORT |
| Website | https://sites.google.com/armtechpublishers.com/rockandrollcircus/home |
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HandMade In Japan Fes’Sat 1/17 – Sun 1/18, Tokyo
Hosted by Creema. Embracing the spirit of the former “Made in Japan” in handmade works, a festival for creators—not just musicians—will be held at Tokyo Big Sight. A colorful array of markets and numerous workshops where you can experience making things will also be featured, offering two creative days to enjoy.
| Schedule | Sat–Sun, Jan 17–18, 2026 |
| place | Tokyo Big Sight, Koto City, Tokyo Metropolis |
| Website | https://hmj-fes.jp |
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Kotobuki Shiriagari presents New Year! (Ltd.) Saru-Hage Rock FestivalSat, Jan 17, Tokyo Metropolis
This is a rock festival organized by manga artist Kotobuki Shiriagari. It began with the idea that, while people might want to go to a rock festival, it seems like a hassle—so why not do it ourselves? It started as an internal event for company associates, and since 2008 it has been held as a rock event that draws an audience. The participating artists are truly eclectic: rock, solo acoustic sets, and uniquely individual performances that defy genre labels. It’s definitely more than just a rock festival—you’re guaranteed an experience unlike anything you’ve had before. I’d love to attend someday.
| Schedule | Saturday, January 17, 2026 |
| place | Shinjuku LOFT, Shinjuku, Tokyo |
| Website | https://sarufes.com/sarufes24 |
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GMO SONICJan 17 (Sat) – 18 (Sun), Chiba Prefecture
This is a large-scale music event organized by internet services company GMO and event planning/production firm Creativeman. It features GMO’s catchphrase, “No.
We will also launch 'No.1 Services' from Japan at this event.
Aiming to become a top-tier music festival, it also boasts an appealing concept. The lineup features buzzworthy artists active across a range of genres, from dance music to rock—not only from Japan but also special guests from overseas. It looks set to be a special time where, while in Japan, you can feel as if you’re at an international event.
| Schedule | Sat–Sun, Jan 17–18, 2026 |
| place | Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture |
| Website | https://sonic.gmo/ |
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Tama Music FestivalSat, Jan 17 — Kanagawa Prefecture
The cozy, community-driven music festival created by Tama Ward residents began in 2011. It’s held to provide a stage for artists active around Tama Ward and to boost local vitality and交流 through music. Participating artists cover a wide range of genres—jazz, brass band, dance, rock, pop—offering programs that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s a wonderful environment where local children can grow up familiar with music and have the chance to perform on stage. We hope you’ll join with your family!
| Schedule | Saturday, January 17, 2026 |
| place | Kawasaki City Tama Civic Hall, Kanagawa Prefecture |
| Website | https://www.ongakunomachi.jp/event/33835/ |
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Kaikyo Fest.Sat 1/17–Sun 1/18, Yamaguchi Prefecture
| Schedule | Sat–Sun, Jan 17–18, 2026 |
| place | Kaikyō Messe Shimonoseki Exhibition and Trade Fair, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture |
| Website | https://kaikyofest.com/ |
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HAKODATE WINTER JAZZ FESTIVALSun, Jan 18 — Hokkaido
| Schedule | Sunday, January 18, 2026 |
| place | Hokkaido, Hakodate City, Hakodate City Art Hall |
| Website | https://www.hakobura.jp/events/208 |





