Christmas countdown begins！ Top festive spots in Taipei for 2016 revealed first

▲ Xinyi District has always been the top choice for getting into the Christmas spirit, and every photo taken here feels like a dreamIncomparable. (Photo / provided by a netizen, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)peipeipei33Provided, please do not reproduce or photograph without permission to avoid infringement.

Reporter Peng Huaiyu / Comprehensive report

As the year draws to a close, there's less than a month until Christmas！ Cloud friends who can't get plane tickets or accommodations and can't go abroad for Christmas need not worry. There are many places around Taipei where you can soak up the festive Christmas atmosphere.ETtoday EBC News Cloud has compiled a list of Christmas-themed attractions in Taipei City. If you're still unsure how to celebrate, why not follow the guide and visit them one by one？

▲ The Christmas lights displayed in front of Taipei 101 are dazzling. (Photo / provided by a netizen, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)keepergo68Provided, please do not reproduce or photograph without permission to avoid infringement.

1. Xinyi District
Undoubtedly the most iconic Christmas destination in Taiwan. This year, with the addition of France's century-old Strasbourg Christmas Market, it offers a unique international flavor, drawing unprecedented crowds. Those who don’t want to wait in long queues can explore the nearby Xinyi area to enjoy the free Christmas romance！ As a top shopping district, Xinyi’s department stores compete in extravagance and splendor, with Christmas decorations adorning windows and corridors. Taipei 101, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, BELLAVITA, Uni-President Department Store, ATT4FUN, Les Suites Hotel, and Taipei Plaza have all decked out with themed Christmas trees and exclusive decorations, lighting up the night sky and streets of Xinyi. Perfect for couples, friends, or families—it’s incredibly romantic！

▲ This year, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi has created a sapphire-blue Pandora-themed Christmas tree inspired by "Avatar," which netizens say is even more beautiful than last year’s. (Photo / provided by a netizen, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)keepergo68Provided, please do not reproduce or photograph without permission to avoid infringement.

2. Jiqing Christmas Alley
Originating on the eve of Christmas in 1999, this alley is about to celebrate its 17th year. It was unexpectedly initiated by Pastor Lin Gongzhao of the local "Sanyi Church" community and has since become an unspoken tradition among residents. Around early December, households in the alley begin decorating their homes, balconies, and courtyards with colorful lights. Compared to the glamour of Xinyi, Christmas Alley exudes a warmer, more tranquil vibe. It has even been voted one of the "Top 10 Most Romantic Christmas Spots in Taiwan" by netizens！ The Jiqing Neighborhood Office says decorations are already underway, and the best time to visit for full Christmas atmosphere is after mid-December, with a music evening held on Christmas Eve, December 24. Don’t miss this spot for a heartwarming Christmas experience this year.

▲ The festive splendor of Jiqing Christmas Alley in 2015—this year’s event is also highly anticipated. (Photo / provided by a netizen, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)ariel.tengProvided, please do not reproduce or photograph without permission to avoid infringement.

Address: Lane 15, Section 1, Shiba Road, Beitou District, Taipei City (surrounding area)

3. Fuxing Christmas Park
About a 10-minute walk from Christmas Alley lies the lesser-known Fuxing Christmas Park. This year, its lights are set to officially illuminate at 6:30 PM on December 23, with Shiba MRT Station also lighting up at 7:20 PM. Fuxing Borough Chief Tsai Liu-chi reveals that this year features a massive 15-meter-tall main light display, incorporating the Taipei 2017 Universiade with the appearance of a skating bear. The park’s display will run until just before the Lantern Festival.

Address: Lane 35, Section 2, Zhiyuan 1st Road, Beitou District, Taipei City
Friendly reminder: When visiting "Christmas Alley" and "Fuxing Christmas Park" for photos, please keep noise levels down to avoid disturbing residents！

▲ Gongguan’s Christmas season features floral displays and lights, creating a beautiful atmosphere both day and night (Photo / provided by the Water Source Park).

4. Gongguan Christmas Season
The annual Gongguan Christmas Season kicked off on November 26 and runs until December 31. This year, instead of focusing on extravagant light displays, the theme centers on natural ecology. The Water Source Park is illuminated with dazzling lights, and during the event, the Water Museum is elegantly accentuated by lights reflecting on water surfaces. A striking wall of poinsettias serves as a major photo highlight, while vibrant floral arrangements add a natural touch, reducing the artificial feel of the park. This creates Gongguan’s unique day-and-night charm—though unfortunately, there’s no Christmas tree this year.

The highlight of the event is a grand Christmas concert on December 17, featuring performances by the National Taiwan Normal University Wind Orchestra and the Deca-Tone Ensemble. Lin Jiayi of the Gongguan Water Source Park notes that free admission will be offered on concert day, along with giveaways like hotel vouchers and travel tote bags. Additionally, the concert will support charity, with a limited-time "donate an invoice, get a love cookie" campaign (200 cookies available), where donated invoices will go to charitable organizations.

▲ The Gongguan Christmas Season has quietly begun (Photo / provided by the Water Source Park).

Address: No. 1, Siyuan Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
Operating hours: Closed on Mondays; Tuesdays to Thursdays 09:00–18:00 (ticket sales until 17:00); Fridays to Sundays 09:00–20:00 (ticket sales until 19:00)
Admission: Regular NT$50; Concession NT$25 (students, minors under 18 with valid ID, seniors over 65, children under 12)