The pattern of holidays and celebrations in Taiwan is very different to that in the United States. Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa mean nothing to ordinary Taiwanese people and, with the exception of the one in twenty who attends a Christian church, Christmas usually passes unobserved.
The slightly strange history of Christmas in Taiwan
This year, however, things are a bit different. December 25 is Taiwan’s Constitution Day, commemorating the ratification of the fundamental governing document back in 1946 (at which point in history the Republic of China — to use the country’s official name — still ruled the Chinese mainland). Until the 1990s, December 25 was a public holiday; everyone, Christian or not, had the day off. When the authorities legislated a five-day workweek, however, it became a regular working day. Earlier this year, to the delight of salaried employees and the annoyance of many business owners, politicians decided to reinstate it as a national public holiday. Schools, banks, and government offices will be closed. Restaurants, department stores, and other places where people spend their leisure time will be open, and travellers passing through can expect to see a good bit more festivity than around Christmas last year.
Glorious blue skies are typical in southern Taiwan during the winter
The largest event, dubbed Christmasland, has turned Banqiao (just outside Taipei) into a massive, multi-zone holiday wonderland that’ll last through early January. Visitors can expect lots of family-friendly fun, including a light show, large inflatable installations of popular characters, a giant Christmas Tree in the square outside Banqiao Station (which is served by high-speed and conventional trains, as well as the Taipei Metro), and various themed zones. Many of the facilities and entertainments are free.
The best time of year to visit?
We’re sometimes asked if Christmas/New Year is a good time to visit Taiwan. Our answer is emphatic: Yes it surely is! Facilities and businesses are open as usual, and if you dislike hot, humid conditions you’ll love the weather at this time of year. It sometimes rains in the north but in the south you’ll get a delightful combination of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Because it’s generally dry, it’s a great time to explore the high mountains and do some hiking.
Whether you prefer to see Taiwan with one of our experienced driver-guides helping you at every point of your journey, or you want to self-guide for a few days in and around Taipei before joining us and hitting the hills, contact Life of Taiwan today so we can begin putting together a custom-made private Taiwan tour itinerary for you. We’re just a click away!