Visit Taipei Christmas Town to do good deeds and make a wish

Written/Compiled and Reported by Wei Ruyu

Now at Sogo Shinjuku Xinyi New World’s Champs-Élysées and Champs Square, you can not only take photos with beautiful Christmas installations and creative eco-friendly Christmas trees, but also explore a European-style Christmas cultural and creative market where your purchases support charity; there are also various exciting performances at the main stage area every day.

The “2011 Taipei Christmas Town” event, jointly organized by the Taipei City Government Tourism and Communications Bureau and the Swiss Trade Office, features a European-style Christmas cultural and creative market along the northern section of Champs Square (near the Songzhi entrance) from 11:00 to 22:00 daily during the event period (December 16–25). Part of the proceeds from the market will go to charity. While shopping for Christmas gifts or tree decorations here, the public can also show care for the underprivileged. The main stage will host many wonderful programs during the event period, and on the afternoon of December 24, a carol singing parade and mini concert will be held to bring the Christmas spirit to a climax.

The star of Christmas Town, the Christmas tree, is located in the southern section of Champs Square (at the intersection with Songshou Road), where it is lit up daily from 18:00 to 22:00. Designed by renowned designer No2good, the tree is made from scrap metal and crafted with rich creativity to create an environmentally friendly yet design-forward Christmas tree that expresses deep care for the Earth. In addition, the organizers provide free wish cards at the event site, allowing the public to write down their Christmas wishes and hang them on one of the three wishing Christmas trees in the southern section of Champs Square.

Additionally, many meaningful charity activities have been arranged this year. On the afternoon of December 21, Santa Claus will visit NTU Children’s Hospital to sing carols and accompany the young patients in celebrating Christmas joyfully. Also, 15 licensed orphanages in Taipei and New Taipei City will receive loving Christmas meals and gifts on December 24, ensuring that underprivileged children have a happy Christmas.