New Taipei’s Christmas Has a Hot-Air Balloon and an 8-Metre Cruise Ship

New Taipei City switched on its annual Christmasland festival on November 13, and this year’s edition leans into a theme that suits a travel audience: travel itself. The event runs for 45 days, through Sunday, December 27, and is built around characters from Kanahei’s Small Animals, the Japanese illustrator’s cast that includes Piske, Usagi and Zombie Neko. Mayor Yu-ih Hou presided over the official launch press conference back on October 22.

The festival is spread across four main lighting zones. New Taipei City Plaza is anchored by a giant hot-air balloon, Banqiao Station Square has an eight-metre cruise ship, Wanping Metropolitan Park adds its own installation, and Fuzhong Plaza hosts a Santa sleigh snow show. Seven satellite lighting zones extend the celebration to other districts, including Tamsui Old Street Plaza, the Yingge art museum area, Xindian’s Yes!Life Mall and Zhonghe No. 4 Park.

A run of events fills the calendar. A Korean colour-analysis and makeup experience takes place from November 13 to 15, with free reservations through the ACCUPASS ticketing platform, and a Children’s Circus Carnival runs November 14 and 15. A German Christmas Market follows from December 4 to 6, and the Superstar Christmas Concert is scheduled for December 12 and 13.

The main Banqiao zones are an easy trip from central Taipei, since Banqiao Station is served by the MRT, Taiwan Railway and the high-speed rail. Go on a weekday evening if you can, because weekend crowds around the plaza can be heavy, and check the official Christmasland site and the New Taipei tourism bureau for lighting hours and any event changes before you head out.

Sources: Vietnam Investment Review, New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Department