Taiwan’s Only Century-Old Christmas Crystal Ball Park Transforms into a Nordic Fairyland

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

The 2017 Pingtung Christmas event was held for the first time this year in Pingtung Park, featuring the latest Nordic-style design with a variety of fantastical and dazzling light installations that turned this over-century-old park into a northern Christmas wonderland. Pingtung’s climate is almost spring-like all year round, and even in winter, many people still wear short sleeves. Visitors are welcome to spend the most festive Christmas in Pingtung.

Opened 115 years ago, Pingtung Park has witnessed the eras of Japanese rule and the Republic of China, standing as a testament to Pingtung’s development. This year, the county government held its first Christmas event in the park, where the century-old history of the park collided with the modern vibe of Christmas, creating a spectacular contrast to the urban Christmas atmosphere. The main light installation of Pingtung Christmas is a nearly 5-meter-tall “Romantic Crystal Ball,” inside which a ballet girl dances gracefully to Christmas music, paired with a falling snow scene that feels like stepping into a fairy tale.

This year, the county government created a kingdom of light in Pingtung Park. The entrance features a pop-style Santa Claus archway that gathers all the joy: Christmas patterns and geometric triangles are pieced together into a romantic Nordic aurora, creating a tunnel of time; the lighted ends of the tree of life are adorned with fruits in different colors, symbolizing different ethnicities and lives; the mirrored water and moon allow people to enjoy the fantastical changes of light and shadow, while deer stroll on the park grass waiting for Santa to claim them, along with oversized versions of homes and various furniture pieces that bring warmth and fun.

In addition to the Christmas lights, this year’s Christmas series features creative activities. Starting from December 2 (Saturday), a cultural and creative market will be held every weekend evening at 5 PM, inviting well-known merchants from nearby Pacific Sogo Department Store and Uni-President Hankyu Department Store to set up shop. There’s also a gift exchange cabin on-site, offering everyone the chance to swap surprises and blessings.

The Pingtung Christmas light displays will remain lit every evening from 6 PM to 11 PM until March 4 of next year. On December 16 (Saturday) and December 23 (Saturday) from 2 PM to 5 PM, there will be a Christmas picnic on the park lawn, featuring live music performances, DIY workshops, outdoor games, and soft music sessions to help everyone unwind. Additionally, during three consecutive Saturdays and Sundays in December, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, Santa Claus flash mobs will take place, with 10 Santas riding LED sleigh bikes randomly appearing around Pingtung City to spread holiday cheer and hand out small gifts.