Santa’s helpers (aka Loci Amica staff) are almost done with your guides to celebrating the Holiday season in Taiwan. We’ve covered Christmas “things to do” in Taipei (view here), Kaohsiung (view here), and Taichung (view here). We now move on to the oldest city in Taiwan, one that was once the capital during imperial times – Tainan. Tainan may be best known for its temples, historical buildings, and amazing food (doesn’t that describe most of Taiwan?) but with each passing year it is becoming a hot spot for Holiday season fun. Let’s narrow down the top three that you need to experience when staying on this southern side of the island.
Top 3 Things to Do in Tainan to Celebrate Christmas and the Holiday Season
Christmas Light Festival
Tainan’s wealth of historical sites has allowed the city to embrace the Holiday season by creating a decorative festival that pulls together the most significant among them. The event encourages visitors not only to stop by and enjoy the lights and installations, but to learn more about Tainan’s rich history. Each of the following destinations is included in the Christmas Light Festival:
- National Museum of Taiwan Literature
- Xinying Culture Center, Star Diamond Canal Park
- Tainan Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage
- Tainan Culture & Creative Park
- Hai An Road
- Zheng Xing Street
Connect to a local Tainan guide via the Loci Amica app, and create a custom tour that takes you to each of the destinations included in this year’s Christmas Light Festival.
Christmas at Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel
Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel in the Eastern District in Tainan City is considered by many to be the epicenter of Holiday dining festivities through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On December 24th and 25th, visitors can enjoy a traditional Christmas menu at any one of the hotel’s eateries which include Café at Far Eastern, Shanghai Pavilion, and THE MEZZ Steak and Lobster. Christmas carols will be performed by Tainan’s Bethlehem Foundation on Christmas Eve within the Shangri-La, so even if you can’t score tickets to Christmas dinner at any one of the above establishments you can certainly stop by the hotel to enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of the Holiday season on Christmas Eve and Day. Due to the popularity of this two-day dining event you are encouraged to make reservations by December 16 (for 2019) which you can do here.
Christmas at Chimei Museum
For the past three years Chimei Museum in the Rende District of Tainan City has put on a series of Christmas events in the middle of December. With each event so far being deemed a grand success you can expect the new tradition to continue. No matter when you find this list you can count on Chimei Museum to deliver Holiday season fun that you and your party are looking for. In 2019, the theme is “Masked Ball”. Attendees will enjoy a classical European Royal Ball where guests are encouraged to dress up to enjoy dining, drinks, and dance. In addition to festive decorations, musical performances, and a traditional feast, there is an on-site Christmas market and Christmas-themed exhibits. Visit chimeimuseum.org for more information.
Looking for something more adventurous to do in Tainan during the Holiday season? Connect to a local guide to help you navigate the city (and beyond) during the Holidays. It all begins by book the tour today.
