The long-awaited Central Taiwan Lantern Festival will, for the first time, be held during the Lunar New Year this year. It is set to take place from February 15 to March 3 at Taichung Central Park, running for 16 days and closing only on Lunar New Year’s Eve. Mayor Lu Shiow-yen noted that the exhibition area at Central Park spans an impressive 15 hectares, making it the largest local lantern festival held at a single site in Taiwan. She suggested that visitors consider staying in Taichung for two nights to leisurely enjoy the lantern displays, while also exploring nearby attractions such as the Taichung Green Museumbrary, Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center, Fengjia Night Market, and the Moomin-themed photo spots across the city, for a deeper experience of Taichung’s charm. Mayor Lu invited the public nationwide to plan their Lunar New Year trips in advance and come to Taichung “to see the aurora and find happiness!”
Mayor Lu Shiow-yen noted that this year’s Lantern Festival features a special collaboration with the classic 80th-anniversary IP The Moomins, under Rights and Brands Asia (RBA). Finland, long recognized as one of the world’s happiest countries, aligns closely with Taichung’s goal of building a happy city. In addition, the name “MOOMIN” phonetically resembles “MOVING ON,” symbolizing the forward-moving, courageous energy of the Year of the Horse.
According to Tourism and Travel Bureau Director Chen Mei-xiu, the 2026 Central Taiwan Lantern Festival represents a comprehensive upgrade in both scale and format. For the first time, the festival partners with the internationally renowned IP The Moomins and innovatively opens on the Little New Year’s Eve. The main lantern design sets a nationwide record, featuring a 60-meter-wide giant fairy-tale scene depicting “Moominvalley under the Aurora.” This is combined with Taiwan’s first dynamic mechanical inflatable puppets, performing arts, and immersive audiovisual effects. The exhibition creates a panoramic environmental theater centered on the theme of “home,” generating a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a premier destination for Lunar New Year lantern viewing.
The Tourism and Travel Bureau explained that, to facilitate lantern viewing, shuttle buses will operate from Taichung MRT City Hall Station and Songzhu Station (TRA Songzhu Station) directly to the festival site on all holidays during the event period (February 15, February 17–22, and February 27–March 1). Visitors from across the country are encouraged to use these services and can begin enjoying the lanterns immediately upon arrival! In addition, this year’s festival introduces the citywide IP exhibition for the first time. Prior to the opening of the main exhibition area at Central Park, large-scale puppets and installations will be set up at key locations including Taichung Civic Square, Taichung Park, Taichung Station, and the HSR Taichung Station, transforming the festival from a single-site event into a celebration that benefits the entire city.
Director Chen emphasized that the Central Taiwan Lantern Festival has long impressed the world as a cultural celebration. Last year, it not only received 13 international design awards but was also the only lantern festival in Taiwan to be honored with the Taiwan Event Excellence Award. This year, the festival spans seven major exhibition zones organized across five city government departments. The Tourism and Travel Bureau uses IP-themed puppets to create areas such as “Moominvalley under the Aurora,” “Riverside Adventure,” and “Camping Time.” Meanwhile, the “Awakening of Insects” by the Construction Bureau, the “Children’s Fun Valley” by the Education Bureau, the “Happiness Wishing Village” by the Civil Affairs Bureau, and the “Animal Dream World” by the Agriculture Bureau continue the traditional artistry of lantern making while combining diverse cultural elements, resulting in a new-generation festival that celebrates both tradition and innovation. Visitors from across the country are invited to enjoy the lanterns during the Lunar New Year, make wishes under the aurora, and discover their own “Happy Year of the Horse”!
The Central Taiwan Lantern Festival has generated excitement even before its official opening. The Tourism and Travel Bureau added that the charming and seasonally themed “Mini Moomin Lanterns” have quickly become a hot topic. On February 7, the second phase of the “Snap a Moomin, Get a Moomin” event will take place at Taichung Central Park, with 1,000 small lanterns distributed for free—those eager to get one are encouraged not to miss the opportunity! In addition, festival-themed merchandise such as “Moomin Keychains” is also available for collection. From now until the event, visitors can take photos with Moomin at partner shopping districts (Fengjia Shopping District and Art Museum Parkway), share the photo and check-in screenshot in a designated post on the Tourism and Travel Bureau’s Facebook page, and then visit Information Desk No. 2 during the festival to enter a lucky draw. Celebrate the New Year by trying your luck and bringing home an adorable Moomin keychain! For the latest festival news and more travel information, please visit the Taichung Tourism website (https://travel.taichung.gov.tw/zh-tw/event/activitydetail/9975).