Santa Claus Light and Music Show Debuts – 12-Meter Christmas Tree Lights Up Wanjin Christmas Season

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

The Wanjin Christmas Season in Pingtung, filled with festive cheer, is back again this year. In addition to replacing the church light sculpture show with a dazzling light and music performance, this year’s event also combines illuminated street scenes, picnic activities, and various competitions—just as exciting as ever. A towering 12-meter painted Christmas tree is a major highlight of the festivities.

▲ The 2016 Pingtung Wanjin Christmas Season held a trial run on the 13th. (Video provided by Pingtung County Government)

▲ The 2016 Pingtung Wanjin Christmas Season features Santa Claus playing the piano as the scene, with the school building surrounded by aqua blue LED lights symbolizing blessings. (Photo provided by Pingtung County Government)

Wanjin Village in Pingtung is home to a centuries-old Catholic church. Since 2011, the Pingtung County Government has collaborated with the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, Wanjin, to host a Christmas season event that combines local culture, attracting numerous worshippers and tourists every year. However, this year, to allow the church to return to its serene and solemn atmosphere—and due to trees in front of the church obstructing the full display of the light sculpture—the light show has been moved to Taiwu Elementary School, with a series of activities extending to nearby Chishan Village and the Wulaluzu Indigenous community, bringing the glow of the holy star to Highway 185 along the mountainous road.

This inaugural light and music show, inspired by the culture of the local indigenous tribes, features a scene where animals from the Da-Wu Mountain forests surround and listen to Santa Claus playing the piano, with the school building encircled by aqua blue LED lights. This setup symbolizes the sacred valley of the Paiwan people—Mysterious Valley Wulus Creek—a place of life and mystique. Paired with indigenous songs and classic Christmas music, the event offers visitors a heartwarming festive experience.

▲ The Pingtung County Government held a trial lighting press conference on the 13th. (Photo captured fromiPingtung ~ Love Pingtungfan page)

Additionally, students from Chishan Elementary School and Taiwu Elementary School were invited to draw Christmas and indigenous-themed images with crayons, which were then redesigned by designer Li Mingdao to create a Christmas tree that displays a painted style during the day and transforms into a magical, colorful spectacle at night, standing 12 meters tall. Moreover, the streets in Wanjin and Chishan areas will be decorated with lights themed around biblical stories. Combined with the main light installation and the music and light show zones, these decorations promise even more romantic surprises for visitors.

This year’s Wanjin Christmas Season lighting ceremony will kick off on December 15, while the music and light shows will take place on December 17, 18, and 24. Shows start at 6 p.m. every half hour, continuing until 10 p.m. on the 17th and 18th.On the evening of the 24th, a special 9 p.m. performance will feature the Golden Melody Award-winning Taiwu Elementary School Traditional Songs Choir singing live, accompanied by the music and light show. Additionally, an “Amazing Grace” prayer evening will be held on the 24th at Chishan Elementary School, featuring a finale performance by Luye voice artist “Leah Liang” (Lin Wen-Yin).

As with previous years, shuttle buses will be available this year. For shuttle information, please checkthe 2016 Wanjin Christmas Season official website.Event details can also be found on thePingtung County Government official websiteor theiPingtung ∼ Love PingtungFacebook fan page. Everyone is welcome to take advantage of these resources.

▲ This year, the light and music show has moved to Taiwu Elementary School, and it’s just as exciting as ever. (Photo provided by Pingtung County Government)