The carousel lights up the fun as the Wanjin Christmas Carnival kicks off every weekend.

Written/Compiled and Reported by Li Xinyi, MOOK Travel Life Network Scenic Spots Home

 

The Wanjin Christmas season is illuminated—the magical carousel Christmas tree in front of the Wanjin Basilica has been activated, while festive lights on surrounding streets also come alive, kicking off nearly a month of Christmas joy. The Pingtung County Government has also invited the Chimei Mandolin Orchestra to perform, with their melodious tunes echoing through the basilica, accompanying visitors as they stroll under the beautiful starry night sky. The most popular attraction, the carousel Christmas tree, will be open for free rides from 5–6 PM every Saturday and Sunday.

Catholicism has been practiced in Wanjin Village, Wanluan Township, for over 150 years. Come December, the once quiet village springs to life, with nearly every household decorating their homes with Christmas lights to celebrate the season, adding to the festive atmosphere. This year, the county’s Tourism and Communications Department commissioned the Wanjin Community Development Association to expand the scope of the Christmas light displays—from the area around the Wanjin Basilica and main village streets, out to Chishan Village, Wugou Village, and the Ulaljuc Tribe in Taiwu Township. Even the temporary parking lot at the entrance of Wanjin Village features a Christmas light tree, making the Wanjin night scenery even more “worth seeing.”

The Tourism and Communications Department stated that this year’s Wanjin Christmas season runs from December 1 to December 25. Not only can visitors enjoy the warm glow of festive Christmas lights at night, but there are also activities almost every Saturday and Sunday: On December 9, the Wanjin Basilica celebrates the 151st anniversary of its founding as the patron church feast day, featuring a grand procession of the Virgin Mary; December 15, 16, 22, and 23 host the Christmas Carnival events; December 22 to 25 feature a four-day Christmas market, selling Christmas-themed cultural and creative goods as well as local agricultural specialties, with a Christmas evening party on the evening of the 24th. On December 15 and 22, there will also be a Starlight Coffee Concert at the Ulaljuc Tribe in Taiwu Township, while December 24 offers an Indigenous Marketplace, Coffee Expo, and Christmas Eve Party, delivering a unique Indigenous Christmas vibe. For details, please visit the event website at www.2012wjxmas.tw.