Taichung is aglow this December! Building on the success of the “Sweet Taichung” Christmas Carnival in recent years, the Taichung City Government has chosen Disney Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. as this year’s theme. The highlight is Taiwan’s only 16-meter-tall “fuzziest and quirkiest” Christmas tree, beloved by both kids and adults. Across the city, various departments have also added festive flair to landmarks with creative Christmas displays, lighting up Taichung’s nights. Don’t miss out—make your way to Taichung this December!

The Civil Affairs Bureau’s 2024 Taichung Wonderful Christmas event, under the theme “Taichung Lights Up” takes place from December 22 to 24 at Civic Square in West District. The event features a 9-meter-tall dreamlike Christmas light installation called the “Tree of Star Wishes,” along with a starlight market, a family-friendly lawn bowling competition, an inflatable castle, and a peace and blessing prayer station. Evening highlights on December 22 and 24 include vibrant music and dance performances, and there will also be 1,004 Christmas Santas on December 24 spreading cheer through caroling, creating an unparalleled festive atmosphere. For those looking to enjoy dazzling light displays, the 2024 Shigang Floral Art Lantern Festival is a must-visit. Running from December 14 to February 12, this 61-day event coincides with New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, and Lantern Festival. With the theme “Romantic Love and Music,” the festival lights up the Zero Egg Platform, Luliu Plaza, DongFeng Bikeway, Magpie Bridge, S.Long Coffee Plaza, Lover Wood Bridge, and Shishuikeng River Leisure Farm, combining artistic light installations with the charm of the local landscape. In addition, the Taiping District Office will hold its sixth annual Christmas lighting ceremony, featuring a 3-meter-tall Christmas tree. The event will take place at the office’s plaza on December 20 at 5 PM, offering a joyful way for residents to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit!

The Water Resources Bureau’s Christmas decorations extend beyond Taichung Station, Lyuchuan Canal, and Liuchuan Canal to include four beautifully adorned locations in Fengyuan: Yangming Building, the Ruanpizai River area, Huludun Canal, and the National Chung Hsing University section of Liuchuan Canal. These displays include creative designs like lucky gourds, big snowmen, and Santa Claus leaping out of a gift box, offering a visual feast for both locals and visitors. The festive lights will be showcased from December 13 to February 17, with the following schedules: Yangming Building Plaza and Huludun Canal: Daily from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM; Ruanpizai River: 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, extended to 10:30 PM on Friday and weekends; National Chung Hsing University Section of Lyuchuan Canal: Daily from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM.

The Construction Bureau’s light installation at the Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center, located in the core of the Shuinan Trade and Economic Park, draws inspiration from the concept of the “Tree Gate.” This design seamlessly blends the imagery of a market with the building's exterior, complementing the adjacent 6.7-hectare Central Park. It evokes the charm of a tree swaying gracefully on a lawn, embodying the distinctive “Tree Gate” image. To highlight the building’s nighttime appeal, the bureau has installed carefully designed lighting, using layers of light and shadow to create a captivating visual experience. Starting December 13, in tandem with the Taichung Christmas Carnival, the light installation at the exhibition center will light up nightly from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, standing out brilliantly under the night sky.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau has set up a cute gingerbread man figurine at the lobby of the Taichung City Dadun Cultural Center to celebrate Christmas. Visitors can snap memorable photos with the gingerbread man for a cute Christmas keepsake. Outdoors, the small stage area sparkles with enchanting Christmas lights, including glowing halos and running water lights, bringing warmth to all who pass by in the winter chill. From now until December 25, the Taichung City Dadun Cultural Center’s outdoor plaza will light up every evening from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

To celebrate Christmas, one of the most anticipated year-end celebrations, the Transportation Bureau has transformed everyday parking spaces and transfer stations into charming holiday venues. Locations such as the Civic Park underground parking lot in the 7th Redevelopment Zone, the Fengyuan Transfer Station, and the Dali Dong Rong Parking are now adorned with heartwarming Christmas lights and decorations. There are cheerful Santas spreading blessings, creatively styled Christmas trees, and vibrant light displays that exude a cozy holiday vibe. These festive setups offer travelers the chance to pause and take memorable photos during their journeys.

The Environmental Protection Bureau noted that the Xitun District Cleaning Team has created a 3-meter-tall eco-friendly Christmas tree in Qingjing Park. Created using bamboo brooms and decorated with recycled materials like green PET bottles, second-hand dolls, and gift boxes made from discarded sofa leather, the tree also features solar-powered LED lights for energy-efficient illumination. This creative display adds a festive touch to the park. The tree will be on display from December 13, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Bureau shared additional details about eco-friendly Christmas decorations across districts. In Fengyuan, the Cleaning Team has built a 3-meter-tall black Christmas tree from discarded tires at the nighttime collection area of a parking lot, adorned with second-hand dolls, recycled materials, and festive lights. In North District, an existing cinnamon tree in front of the Cleaning Team’s office in Qingjing Park has been turned into a 2-meter-tall eco-friendly Christmas tree. At the Beitun District Cleaning Team’s office, an eco-friendly tree, with a structure made from discarded mattress frames, has been made, coupled with reindeer created from broken metal chairs and fans. At the Nantun District Cleaning Team’s office, the decorations include a 3-meter-tall recycled Christmas tree with lights valued at over NT$10,000, snowmen made from recycled tires, and a Santa Claus figure fashioned from children’s drawing boards. These displays will be available from December 13 to December 31. Everyone is invited to join in the Christmas celebrations!