December 9#: Taipei Christmas Tree

2 min read

1 year ago Ivan

From its Puritan roots to complaints of rampant commercialism, Christmas around the world is been filled with traditions, old and new. Some date back to 16th-century Germany or even ancient Greek times, while others have caught on only in modern times.

And, among them, Christmas trees are one of the most popular, now all over the world.
Their tradition is long and rich, and has resulted in some modern trees that run the gamut from breathtakingly beautiful, encapsulating everything that Christmas stands for, to something simply weird.
Thus, If you need a little help to get into the holiday spirit this year, get yourself a winter drink with some holiday treats and a tour of the world’s best or most unusual Christmas trees. These towering pines (or sand or bottle piles, in some cases) are decked to the nines and shine brightly for holiday season, from Florida, Brazil, Mexico all the way to Lithuania.

Welcome to our Advent Calendar 2021!
But, if this isn’t enough, don’t forget previous versions!
– Advent Calendar 2018
– Advent Calendar 2019
– Advent Calendar 2020

__________________________

We are in Taiwan.
Despite Christmas isn’t an official holiday there, locals are generally up for any excuse to engage in festivities, so it hardly comes as a surprise that this western holidays has caught on somewhat on this predominantly Buddhist/Taoist/Tribal island nation.
Signs of holiday festivities abound, from piped-in Christmas carols in most supermarkets to holiday decorations hung casually in coffee shop windows, as well as bus drivers in Santa suits, and Baristas in antlers.

Although Christmas isn’t technically celebrated in Taiwan (it’s not a day off, though most companies will have deck the halls themed party a few days before the actual holiday), non-technical celebrations are done pretty spectacularly in some spots.
Including much of Banqiao area of New Taipei City, that has been transformed into the aptly named Christmasland, with everything from New Taipei City Plaza, Banqiao Central Park and the area around the Banqiao train station filled with Christmas themed cuisine, entertainment, and shopping amenities.
And also the tallest open-air Christmas tree in Taiwan.