If you're spending your first December in Taiwan, you're in for a holiday experience unlike anywhere else. Forget the snow and the traditional week-long vacation; here, Christmas is a magical, commercial, and social event that exists entirely separate from the workplace.
The biggest difference is simple: Taiwan is not a traditionally Christian country. The percentage of Christians in Taiwan is approximately 4% to 6.4% .Most people don't celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, and historically, December 25th has been a regular workday if it falls on a weekday even though you will see all the light-up , Christmas trees and decorations all over the country.
However, in 2025, the script is changing!
So if you are coming from a traditionally western country you would be shocked to learn that the Christmas period is not a big holiday , in fact even before this year there weren't any holidays at all so you would be thinking on the 25th that we would have a holiday at least. During my first year here it was such a shock to learn that Christmas is not the big holiday period like in the west. In my country we had at least 2 weeks of vacation. The reason is not just Taiwan but Asian countries in general are not majority christian region so they never developed the need for the holiday. In a unique turn of events however, December 25th has been officially reinstated as a Statutory Public Holiday in Taiwan starting in 2025. This date coincides with Constitution Day (行憲紀念日), which was originally a holiday but had been abolished.But be assured most people will treat it like a Christmas day.
What this means for you: For the first time in years, you and your classmates/colleagues will likely get the day off! This is a massive change that means more time for festive gatherings and travel.Expect to see so many Christmas parties and events posted on social media for you to join.
The Vibe: This day off is for the Constitution, but you can bet everyone—locals and foreigners alike—will use it to celebrate Christmas, Taiwanese-style!
While Christmas isn't a national tradition, it is a huge commercial and aesthetic event. Taipei treats Christmas like a massive, beautiful winter festival, perfect for going out with friends.
Christmas-land (New Taipei City): This is the ultimate destination. The area around Banqiao station transforms into an enormous, over-the-top Christmas village with massive light displays, music, markets, and a spectacular light projection show on the city hall. It is a must-see!
Xinyi District: Department stores and malls around Taipei 101, such as Shin Kong Mitsukoshi and Breeze Center, compete fiercely with dazzling light displays, pop-up markets, and elaborate decorations that make the city feel incredibly festive. Is is hard to describe how extensive this area is the entire area around Xinyi has Christmas decoration going around many blocks and it would be fun to just to try to glimpse all of it.
The Music: Since Asia never developed Christmas as their own tradition they never had any reason to create jingles .Expect to hear Mariah Carey and carols playing non-stop in every convenience store, department store, and cafe for the entire month of December. Expect to be going through many malls, plazas and hear all the classical Christmas music and including the christian Christmas jingles through the mall speakers.
If you are a Christian or simply miss the solemn, traditional feel of a Western Christmas, you can absolutely find it. Even thought the percentage of Taiwan that are christian is less than 10% as a percentage of a country of 23 million it is still a lot. You can find many branches of churches in Taiwan, maybe your friend has invited you.
The Churches: Taiwan's Christian community is small but active, and many churches host special services, masses, and concerts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This is the best place to find a traditional Christmas feeling.Just like how all western countries usually has Christmas day mass and performances you would find it and feel at home. Don't worry about your Chinese , since many churches in Taipei have huge congregation of foreigners they tend to do bilingual services as a gesture to foreign audience. Recommendation: Look up churches in the areas around Taipei’s major universities or expat communities for services that may be offered in English or include foreign attendees.
Aboriginal Villages: Many of Taiwan’s Indigenous communities are Christian, and Christmas celebrations in these villages (especially in places like Pingtung or along the East Coast) are often deeply meaningful, powerful, and traditional.
The key difference for your Christmas planning is the shift in focus:
Friends, Not Family: Since the big family holiday is Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year), Christmas is reserved for friends. It’s the busiest night of the year for group dinners, office parties, and gift exchanges between friends.But since Taiwan has adopted a lot of the traditions of Christmas many friends do Christmas theme events weekly leading up to Christmas.Many companies have year end parties that blend the festivity with big Chinese style banquets and give out gifts etc.
Booking is Mandatory: If you want a traditional Christmas dinner (turkey, roast beef, etc.) at a Western restaurant or a major hotel, you must book well in advance (often by early December). Many locals also celebrate by booking a fancy dinner—often steak or hot pot!
Christmas Gift Exchange: This one depends on you since there is so many events during this month long festivity. There would be publicly listed parties where you can join and be expected to do secret Santa or can win gifts. Expect to be invited to gift-giving events among friends and colleagues, often following the Secret Santa model. Don't be surprised if your Taiwanese friends open their gift later—it's polite custom not to open a present in front of the giver. Recommendation: If you don't have much friends in Taiwan yet , you can start looking around online in events group about Christmas events since there will be many, you can ask in foreigner group chats for locations or even recommend one. If you want the traditional church experience you can find churches around since they have events and will usually have a Christmas feast.
This December 25th is a milestone year. You get the best of both worlds: the beautiful, bright commercial festival of lights, and a full day off work to celebrate with your new community!
Need a great place to host your share house Christmas dinner? Our common spaces are perfect for hosting holiday potlucks and gift exchanges!
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