A Christmas Day in Taiwan
Taiwan is a country filled with many beautiful sights. If you are in search of a place to go for Christmas vacation, then Taiwan would be a great choice!
Taiwan’s main religions are Taoism and Buddhism. Christmas only arrived in Taiwan when Christianity entered. Because of this, Christmas is not a national holiday in Taiwan. It is not as celebrated here as it is in other countries. Yet, this does not stop the Taiwanese from getting all festive. You can get an idea of how you can spend a day in Taiwan for Christmas as you continue to read.
Wake up! It is your first day in Taiwan, and I have plans for you. First, wake up and enjoy the view you see in front of you. Remember this view and compare it later because this will be lovely at night.
As you step out of your hotel, the chilly weather will start to make you shiver. You will need something to make you warm. Don’t worry! You are in the right place because Taiwan is a haven for chocolate connoisseurs. Yes, I said chocolate. Go get yourself some hot chocolate. There are many superb cafes with amazing hot chocolate. The Top 1 recommended by Yelp is the Chocoholic cafe. They have the classic hot chocolate with extra richness in flavor. You can choose Italian, Aztec, French, or dark chocolate. In this cafe, you can also start a light breakfast with waffles and fruits.
After you fill yourself up with warmth and food, you can go to a park or a theme park. The number one most visited theme park is the Janfusun Fancy World theme park. There are four parks in the theme park and 28 fun rides to enjoy. You can also enjoy a waterpark because they have one inside Janfusun. There is also a huge Ferris wheel, allowing you to appreciate the beautiful city view.
Theme parks may not be your type, but it’s okay. If you want to, buy your loved one a Christmas gift from Taiwan. You can give them Oolong tea because Taiwan is known for their special tea. Another gift idea would be pineapple cakes. Back then, pineapple cakes were gifts from an emperor. They believed those who would eat this cake would be fortunate. These cakes are similar to mini sky lanterns in Taiwan. These lanterns have different colors to choose from. Each color represents what ‘luck’ a person who receives your gift will have. You can also go shopping for yourself in the malls in Taiwan. The number one and largest mall in Taiwan is the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Mall.
While the sky turns dark, you should put more food in your stomach. The perfect way to do that is through Taiwan street food or their Christmas desserts. Taiwan street food is a must-try. They have taro balls, peanut ice cream rolls, fried taro balls, Ba wan, Aiyu jelly, and many more. Taro balls are a traditional dessert in Taiwan. They are served in chipped ice or as warm soup. The peanut ice cream rolls are special because it is served with 2 scoops of taro ice cream, mixed with grounded peanuts made from the waters of Yilan, and sprigs of cilantro. The ingredients give these ice cream rolls a contrasting but balanced taste. Fried taro balls are deep-fried taro balls that are crispy. Ba wan is a Taiwanese version of meatballs that are fried and served in a pool of gravy and chili sauce. Aiyu Jelly is a wobbly crystalline jelly made from the seed of a creeping fig.
For Christmas desserts, you can go to the 1789 cafe, Yellow Lemon, Grand Hyatt Taipei, Merci Creme, etc. The places mentioned are known for their special Christmas-themed desserts. They have candies, gingerbread men, cupcakes, cakes, and mini miniature Christmas tree tartes!
After your food adventure, It is probably dark out. As you go outdoors, you will see a magnificent view. I told you it would be beautiful at night. A must-visit place would be Christmasland in Taipei City. Christmasland is a shopping mall, but during Christmas, it is filled with beautiful lights and gorgeous decorations. The surrounding buildings also light up the city brightly and colorfully. The view is breathtaking. Sometimes they have themes. Last year Disney helped the mall, and it was a Disney- themed Christmas light show.
For a city that does not really celebrate Christmas, Taiwan is still a must-visit country. Hot Chocolates, beautiful views, lots of food, Christmas dessert, and Christmas lights are not the only things Taiwan can offer. Their people are affectionate and respectful. In Taiwan, you are not only surrounded by beautiful sights but also loving people. A country where you can be in the right amount of cold, be cozy, with not too much chaos, great people, and amazing food is a yes for me!
