The "saltiest" Santa Claus makes his first appearance | Beimen White Christmas to kick off in December

▲ Beimen White Christmas. The photo shows the white Christmas tree and festive decorations made of salt from last year’s event. (Photo / Courtesy ofYunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan, So Much Fun!!! (Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan Coastal Scenic Area) Facebook)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Taiwan’s “saltiest” Santa Claus debuts!! The Tourism Bureau of Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan Coastal Area holds the “White Christmas” event annually. This year, a white Santa Claus made from coarse salt harvested from Beimen Jingzihjiao Salt Fields takes the stage first. The Santa climbs onto the roof of a restaurant, drawing full attention. At the end of December, for the third consecutive year, the event will also feature Taiwan’s saltiest Christmas tree, the “Salty Christmas Wonderland,” and a White Christmas street parade.

▲ The “saltiest” Santa Claus. (Photo / Courtesy of Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan, So Much Fun!!! (Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan Coastal Scenic Area) Facebook)

The Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan Scenic Area Administration stated that in previous years the White Christmas event featured Taiwan’s only salty Christmas tree. This year, they invited an artist to carve Santa Claus out of Styrofoam, with a large sack of gifts on his back, then sprayed with coarse salt from Beimen Jingzihjiao Salt Fields—symbolizing snow—to create the truest “saltiest” Santa Claus. Once completed, the artwork was placed on the roof of a light snack restaurant operated under contract by the administration, quickly attracting many tourists to stop and take photos.

The administration pointed out that the White Christmas tree will be illuminated on December 6, while December 22 will be the highlight — the White Christmas Street Party. This year also marks the debut of the White Christmas Kuso Carnival, where participants dress up with Christmas themes and join in the street parade. Registration for the event closes on the 16th. The first-place winner can receive a cash prize of NT$30,000. For details, please visitthe official website of the Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan Scenic Area Administrationor call (06) 786-1017.

▲ Beimen White Christmas. The “saltiest” white Christmas tree. (Photo / Courtesy of Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan, So Much Fun!!! (Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan Coastal Scenic Area) Facebook)