Christmas Day is not an official holiday in Taiwan. Nevertheless, its predominantly Buddhist and Taoist community celebrates Christmas Day.
This was our first time spending this Christian holiday away from home. Being here in Taipei and Taichung during the Christmas period allowed us to experience how the communities here celebrate this holiday.
Based on an April 2006 report from Taiwan’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) Religious Affairs Section, 35 percent of the population considered themselves Buddhist and 33 percent Taoist. In comparison, only 2.6 percent considered themselves Protestant and 1.3 percent Roman Catholic.
Even though not many people in Taiwan are Christians, there was a festive atmosphere in the air whilst we were there. Most of the tourists attractions we visited had put up Xmas trees and decorations. Christmas themed gifts, cakes and confectioneries were sold in malls and shopping districts.
They had big scale parties too. Initially, Mummy had plans to visit Taipei 101 and New Taipei City Hall for their Christmas celebrations. Taipei 101 for its Strasbourg Christmas Market and New Taipei City Hall for its Christmasland. Unfortunately, my three other footsteps (Dad and the kids) had a strong aversion to big crowds. So Mummy’s plans did not pan out.
The Xmas Trees at Flying Cow Ranch and Miaoli Mingde Lavander Cottage.
Still True Minsu also had a little sweet-looking pink one in its dining hall.
An approximately 4-storey tall Xmas tree created a festive mood in Taipei Main Station.
A thoughtful gesture by Inhouse Boutique Hotel to have cookies and a card placed in our room.
We did not visit any church during our visit but our public bus ride in Taichung took us past one. Christmas Eve service was ongoing and the place was packed with some churchgoers standing around.
Here in the cities of Taipei and Taichung, there was no white Christmas. However, there was definitely a feel of festivities in the air.
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Read more about our trip itinerary and the other places we visited during the trip in Taiwan 2016 – Family Trip Itinerary.