Christmas in Taiwan

The holiday season in Taiwan may not be the snowy winter wonderland that some expats and digital nomads are accustomed to, but it offers its own unique festive atmosphere. For those spending their first Christmas and New Year's in Taiwan, the experience is a delightful blend of Taiwanese traditions and some Western influences, creating a holiday period that is both familiar and new.

Christmas and New Year's in Taiwan

In Taiwan, Christmas is not a public holiday, but it has been embraced with a commercial and festive spirit, especially in the cities. You'll find malls and department stores adorned with Christmas trees, lights, and decorations. While the holiday is not celebrated with the same fervor as in Western countries, there is still a palpable sense of cheer in the air. New Year's, on the other hand, is a significant event with fireworks and public celebrations, particularly the famous countdown and fireworks display at Taipei 101.

Celebrating the Holidays

Taiwanese people often celebrate the holidays by going out to enjoy the festive decorations and partaking in holiday sales. Christmas is seen as a romantic holiday, similar to Valentine's Day, so couples might exchange gifts and go on special dates. As for New Year's, it's a time for family and friends to gather, with many attending countdown parties or watching the fireworks together.

Events Leading Up to the Holidays

In the lead-up to Christmas, various events such as Christmas markets, concerts, and charity events are common, particularly in larger cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. These markets often feature handmade crafts, holiday treats, and sometimes performances by local artists.

Santa Claus in Taiwan

While Santa Claus is not a traditional figure in Taiwanese culture, he has become a symbol of the holiday season in commercial spaces. Children may see Santa in shopping malls, and it's not uncommon for stores to have employees dressed up as Santa to add to the festive atmosphere.

Gift-Giving Traditions

Gift-giving is less prevalent than in Western countries, but it is still practiced among friends and family, particularly those with young children or those influenced by Western customs. When gifts are exchanged, they tend to be modest and often include practical items or red envelopes with money, which are more traditional for the Lunar New Year.

Traditional Foods and Desserts

Christmas-specific foods are not traditional in Taiwan, but some Western holiday treats like Christmas cakes and cookies can be found in bakeries and stores. For New Year's, it's customary to eat tangyuan, sweet glutinous rice balls symbolizing family unity, and to have a family reunion dinner with multiple dishes that represent good fortune and prosperity.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Christmas Eve is sometimes celebrated with a meal or party, but it's not as significant as Lunar New Year's Eve. Christmas Day is typically a regular working day in Taiwan, so celebrations are more subdued. However, some international churches hold services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, which expats and locals who observe the holiday may attend.

Church Attendance

Most Taiwanese people are not Christian, so church attendance is not widespread during the holidays. However, for the Christian minority and interested expats, there are church services available, often with special Christmas programs.

Festive Hotspots

Taipei is well-known for its Christmas decorations, particularly around the Xinyi shopping district where Taipei 101 is located. The city of Banqiao in New Taipei City also hosts a spectacular Christmasland event, with elaborate light displays and installations that draw visitors from all over the island. In these areas, the holiday spirit is most palpable, with Christmas markets and festive activities that offer a slice of holiday joy.

While Christmas and New Year's in Taiwan may differ from what some expats and digital nomads are used to, the island offers its own charming version of the holidays. From the glittering lights of Taipei to the warmth of a family New Year's meal, Taiwan provides a unique and memorable experience for those celebrating away from their home countries.