If you're interested in Christmas, Europe is probably your first choice—but this year, you can experience that same magical atmosphere right here in Taipei. The Taipei City Government has planned the “2016 Taipei Colorful Christmas Season” series of events, featuring France’s oldest Christmas market from Strasbourg, which will be held at the Water Dance Plaza of Taipei 101 from December 1 to December 25.
As night falls and the bustling market fills with people, everyone is taking selfies under two towering Christmas trees, standing at 10 and 12 meters high respectively. The scene is completed with dreamy merry-go-rounds, snow-covered green lawns, festive decorations around Taipei 101, and 16 French-style wooden chalets run by vendors—all carefully designed to recreate the charm of the Strasbourg Christmas Market.
At the market, you can shop for classic French treats like mulled wine, sauerkraut and sausage hotpot, and Alsatian meat pie noodles. There are also handmade crafts and interactive games, plus French classic films screened every Friday evening, and artistic performances on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings—don’t miss any of them.
Bonus: Exchange for Limited-Edition Nutcracker Dolls
During the event, visitors who complete the “Taipei Colorful Christmas Season – East-West Treasure Hunt Map” by collecting three or more stamps from participating shops, and present a receipt of NT$200 or more from designated stores on the day, can receive a “limited-edition nutcracker doll” from Taipei Colorful Christmas Season partners or enjoy special offers at designated shops. For more details about participating stores, please check the official website.
If you’re looking for more fun things to do or great photography spots in Taiwan, be sure to check out the recommendations on our Fever Travel Photography Channel as well.