Text by MOOK Scenic Spots’ Wei Ke | Photos by MOOK Scenic Spots’ Street Photography Team
Christmas light displays attract numerous tourists and photography enthusiasts every year, who rush to capture and collect them all. Among the densest concentrations of festive lights across Taiwan, Taipei’s Xinyi District stands out. In addition to the New York-style scenes from Nanbei Ai Sharing, collaborations between Taiwan’s Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department stores (featuring characters like Huldu Animals, Hello Kitty, and Chibi Maruko-chan) and SOGO Department Store (with Disney characters), as well as anime stars, draw crowds. Popular events such as the bustling New Taipei Christmas Town, Tainan Christmas Carnival, and Pingtung Christmas Season also attract many visitors. Here we round up five dreamy must-photograph spots—make sure to experience the warm festive atmosphere this holiday and year-end season.
A massive golden cake at the entrance of Mandarin Oriental Hotel creates a dreamy and romantic shape that inspires every guest and passerby to take photos.
1. Mandarin Oriental Taipei
The hotel’s giant golden cake, adorned with falling snowflakes, compels everyone—regardless of gender—to pull out their phones or cameras for a snapshot. The blue-lit street scene creates a dreamy backdrop.
There’s even a snowfall period between the two Christmas trees, adding to the romantic ambiance.
The twin Christmas trees in the hotel’s interior courtyard are another hot spot for visitors. The European-style decor and artificial snowfall heighten the festive spirit to the max.
2. Bellavita Boutique Mall
Bellavita’s European-style Christmas town offers multiple photo backdrops, complemented by the central plaza fountain and soaring, hanging light displays that recreate 19th-century London’s nostalgic romance under the theme “Christmas Tales of Old London.”
Both the Christmas tree and the British street scenes are done in vintage style. You can walk inside and even climb onto vehicles to take photos. The interior includes detailed scene setups—perfect for snapping pictures as you stroll.
3. Frozen Town Ice Crystal Christmas Tree Light Show
The Frozen Town special exhibition held at Taipei 101’s Water Dance Plaza has drawn enthusiastic participation from visitors of all ages since its opening. The ice crystal Christmas tree—an uncommon blue-tinted version—stands 12 meters tall and captures a cool, snowy beauty whether viewed in daylight or at night.
This rare blue Christmas tree presents different charms when seen in daylight or at night.
4. Taichung Liuchuan Christmas Carnival
Dubbed Taiwan’s only underwater Christmas tree, it instantly became a photo hotspot. The ever-changing light show and waterscape design create a romantic scene, especially with reflections on the water. The Christmas tree remains lit until the evening of December 26, while surrounding illuminated activities continue until March 4, 2018.
Taiwan’s first underwater Christmas tree has once again put Taichung’s Liuchuan riverside area in the spotlight. (Taipei Irrigation Office)