Christmas in Taiwan: no snow, but plenty of lights
Christmas isn't a traditional holiday in Taiwan, yet every November and December the cities light up with giant trees and illuminations. The biggest and best known is Christmasland in New Taipei City, and together with the Christmas displays in Taipei's Xinyi shopping district, one evening is enough to soak up a real festive atmosphere.
This guide covers the two main light areas, crowd and transport tips, and how to link them in one night with a private charter.
Christmasland in New Taipei (Banqiao)
Held since 2011, Christmasland spreads across New Taipei City Hall Plaza, Wanping Park and the plaza in front of Banqiao Station — one of Taiwan's signature Christmas events.
- 2025: opened November 14 and ran until December 28, with the main light show every half hour from 5:30 pm to 11 pm.
- 2026: the Taiwan Tourism Administration's events calendar lists roughly November 13 to December 27; official dates, lighting hours and concert nights follow New Taipei City Government's announcement.
Christmasland is right next to Banqiao Station (MRT, TRA and HSR), but weekends, Christmas Eve and concert nights are extremely crowded, parking nearby is almost impossible, and traffic control is common on concert days.
Xinyi, Taipei: Christmas trees and light avenues
The department stores in Xinyi put up Christmas displays every year. In 2025, for example, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Xinyi Place had a tree about 20 m tall with a snowfall light show, and the pedestrian avenue was strung with lights; Taipei 101 also had themed installations. Themes and dates change every year, so check each store's official announcements.
After Xinyi, you can head to Raohe Night Market for a late snack or up Elephant Mountain for a Taipei night view.
When to go
- Weekday evenings are the quietest; weekends and Christmas Eve (December 24) are the busiest.
- Friday, December 25, 2026 is Constitution Day, a public holiday that makes a three-day weekend, so local crowds grow too.
- Lights look best after dark (from about 5:30 pm); we suggest Christmasland first, then Xinyi.
- December evenings are chilly and northern Taiwan often drizzles — bring a jacket and rain gear.
Why a charter suits a Christmas night out
Banqiao and Xinyi are on opposite sides of the Tamsui River, and the MRT means a transfer. Evening crowds make it tough with kids or a stroller, while driving yourself means hunting for parking and dealing with road closures. With a charter:
- We plan pickup and drop-off points around the event's traffic-control zone with you in advance;
- One vehicle links Christmasland, Xinyi, a night market and a night view — no queuing for transfers;
- Spend the day in Jiufen, Tamsui or the city, then move on to the lights at night for a full day out;
- Easy with grandparents, children and strollers, and no waiting at the roadside in the cold or rain.
Charter pricing: no Christmas surcharge
- Full-day charter: from NT$6,500 (about 8–9 hours, one vehicle with driver)
- Overtime: NT$600 per hour
- Overnight multi-day trips: plus driver lodging NT$1,000 per night
- Vehicles: KIA Carnival KA4 (8-seater) or Mercedes-Benz Vito V250d, 3–5 years old; child seats on request
- Christmas, New Year's Eve and Lunar New Year are the same price — no holiday surcharge
If you use the car from afternoon until late at night, it may exceed 8–9 hours and include overtime; the exact price depends on your plan. For airport transfers, use the instant online quote on our site.
Christmas through New Year is peak season with limited vehicles, so book early. Send us your date, group size and the light displays you want to see, and we'll reply within 2 hours. Staying for New Year? See our Taipei 101 NYE fireworks charter and Taiwan winter travel guide.