Note: The order of appearance of the following festivals and events is according to the time of the year when they usually occur. Dates can change however over time. We try to update the info frequently, but some of it might be outdated. The year in the bracket […] indicates when the info was posted. Dates of the current year will be shown in RED.
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DECEMBER
[2018] December / Pingtung CountyPingtung Wanjin Christmas Festival
屏東萬金聖誕季
Located in the deep countryside of Pingtung County in southern Taiwan, Wanchin Church would not look out of place in a Mexican village. The first edition was built in 1863 by monks of the Dominican Order, and it was rebuilt in 1870 in Spanish fortress architectural style after the original structure was destroyed in an earthquake. In the days leading up to Christmas each year, the church is colorfully illuminated and the street and plaza in front of it beautifully decorated, attracting large numbers of visitors in search of a unique Christmas atmosphere. When visiting the township where the church is located, be sure to try the famous Wanluan pig trotters, a specialty of the area.
Pingtung County Government
[2023] December 17~January 1
[2022] December 3 ~ January 2/ New Taipei CityChristmasland in New Taipei City
新北市歡樂耶誕城
Where can you experience a happy big dose of Christmas spirit in Taipei come December? While in Western countries Christmas is for many the most important festival of the year, in Taiwan, where followers of the Christian faith make up only about 4.5% of the population, it is naturally of lesser importance. There is, however, one big-time Christmas-themed event, Christmasland in New Taipei City’s Banqiao District. The center of attention each year is a giant artificial Christmas tree, illuminated with a sophisticated light and imagery show. Each year, the façade of the New Taipei City government building serves as a gigantic canvas for an entertaining animation show.
Website: newtaipei.travel (New Taipei City Travel)
[2023] December 2~4
[2018] December 5 / Taipei CityQingshan King Festival
青山王祭
[2023] December 15 ~ January 1 / Chiayi City
[2022] December 16 ~ January 1 / Chiayi CityChiayi City International Band Festival
嘉義市國際管樂節
After more than three decades of effective management and great performances, the Chiayi City International Band Festival has become the most time-honored city carnival in Taiwan. It not only highlights and builds upon Chiayi’s rich cultural heritage, but it also provides a platform upon which the city can demonstrate its unique charm to the world. The arts adorn the seasons in Chiayi City, filling the municipality with enchantment, joy and beautiful music. In addition to the festival, local schools have been active in developing many band music classes and clubs. They have increasingly engaged in exchanges with leading foreign bands and symphonies, helping to further promote musical culture in Chiayi. This has helped transform the city into a premier destination for music enthusiasts, as well as a marvelous place to enjoy a wonderful cultural atmosphere.
Website: www.chiayiband.com.tw
[2023] December 17 / Taipei City
[2022] December 18 / Taipei CityTaipei Marathon
臺北馬拉松
Just a few days before Christmas, which in Taipei means mild temperatures that are perfect for road running, the Taipei Marathon takes place in the heart of the capital. This is for many local athletes the highlight of the annual race calendar, and entry slots can be hard to come by, with the number of participants in the full marathon limited to 9,000 runners; 19,000 are allowed to run the half-marathon. The races start and end at Taipei City Hall, with the route following along some of the city’s main thoroughfares.
Website: www.travel.taipei (Taipei City Travel)
[2023] December 31 / Taipei City
[2022] December 31 / Taipei CityTaipei New Year’s Eve Party
臺北最HIGH 新年城- 跨年晚會
Around the world, the New Year’s Eve end of the year is celebrated with a countdown and fireworks, and Taiwan is no exception. The most spectacular of these pyrotechnic shows on the island is without a doubt the one that makes the sky-reaching Taipei 101 tower erupt in a sea of sparkling and exploding lights. The fireworks display is accompanied by a high-tech LED display on one of the giant faces of the city’s towering landmark. Throughout the evening lead-up to the spectacular, the crowds are entertained by some of the best-known and most popular local music artists.
Website: www.travel.taipei (Taipei City Travel)
