PHOTO ESSAY/Taiwan gears up for Christmas with festive events

12/22/2024 08:28 PM

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Members of the general public take pictures of a giant Christmas tree erected by Taishin Financial Holding in front of its main building. CNA photo Dec. 6, 2024

Taipei, Dec. 22 (CNA) With Christmas just around the corner, events have been taking place across Taiwan to help people get into the festive spirit.

Many celebrations began in early December to give the public lots of time to enjoy the Yuletide celebrations.

North

Taipei is leading the way in the north of the country, with festivities revolving around the "Taipei Christmas Tree" installed in the middle of the Taipei 101 shopping district.

The tree is 20 meters tall and features copious amounts of artificial snow.

The "Taipei Christmas Tree" brings a winter ambience to the shopping district of Taipei 101. CNA photo Dec. 15, 2024

This year, there are also multiple Christmas markets in the city, including one in the Taipei 101 mall, which resembles a traditional northern European village.

Craft markets are being held in Zhongshan Station as well as Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in the city. Here, shoppers can find more traditional western Christmas items such as advent calendars.

The capital's Four Four South Village is also holding an artistic light show that began on Dec. 9 and will run until the end of the year.

A giant tree in Taipei Main Station also brings a festive feel to those traveling for work or fun.

The giant Christmas tree in Taipei Main Station. CNA photo Dec. 22, 2024

New Taipei, meanwhile, continues its tradition of holding the most lavish Christmas event in the country.

The 2024 New Taipei Christmasland presents its spotlight light show. CNA photo Dec. 6, 2024

Attendees of the 2024 New Taipei Christmasland enjoy the light arts on the opening day of the festival. CNA photo Nov. 15, 2024

The 2024 Christmasland began on Nov. 15 this year in the city and will run until Jan. 1. This year, a collaboration with Nintendo has led to "Super Mario Bros" themed decorations.

Central

From Dec. 13 until Jan. 1, residents of central Taiwan have the chance to head to the 2024 Taichung Christmas Carnival.

Working with Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, the carnival features elements from Pixar's "Monsters, Inc." franchise.

Sulley, Mike Wazowski and Boo from Pixar's "Monsters, Inc." serve as the main theme of Taichung's Christmas. Photo courtesy of the Taichung City Government

The main tree of the Taichung Christmas Carnival features Mike Wazowski and Boo from Pixar's "Monsters, Inc." Photo courtesy of the Taichung City Government

Meanwhile, the Lishan Guguan Light Art Festival is being held between Nov. 28 and Jan. 12.

Over 500 people visit the Lishan Guguan Light Art Festival on Dec. 21. Photo courtesy of Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area Headquarters

The Lishan Guguan Light Art Festival lights up its two staple Christmas trees on Dec. 28. Photo courtesy of Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area Headquarters

Starting on Dec. 21, the festival will feature Christmas celebrations with lights and music -- to spread joy and happiness around.

South

In the south, Tainan has launched what it called the "most youthful" of Taiwan's Christmas celebrations starting Dec. 21.

Musicians across the nation have held various performances, including a kids' concert on Sunday.

The Tainan City Government gear up to initiate a Christmas kids concert on Sunday. Photo courtesy of Tainan City Government

In Kaohsiung, the Christmas Lifestyle Festival will last until Dec. 29.

Kaohsiung's flagship Christmas tree illuminates the southern port city's Central Park on Nov. 30. Photo courtesy of Kaohsiung City Government

As well as music, the main event was the B-1 Grand Prix -- a Japanese food festival -- over the Dec. 21-22 weekend.

The "Christmas Fairy Tale House" is one of the main attractions at the Pingtung Christmas Festival, taking place in Pingtung Park until Jan. 1.