Like everywhere else in the world, December is truly a magical time in Taiwan. There are so many things to do in Taiwan in December, and best of all, December is when the winter season really starts to set in.
Back in high school, my (American) history teacher used to joke that there was no winter in Taiwan. Just Spring, Summer 1, Summer 2 (autumn), and pre-spring (winter). He wasn’t entirely wrong, but we definitely do see a short period of (fluctuating) winter every year from the months of December to February.
SO, what is so special about Taiwan in December? Well, today I’ll be guiding you through everything there is to see and eat in Taiwan during this very magical time of the year. (*fairy wand sound effect*)
Table of Contents
Taiwan in December: A Winter Adventure Awaits
Photo Session at a Cypress Forest
The winter cypress forests are actually what inspired this post. From December to January, there you’ll find beautiful cypress forests all over Taiwan. Locals love visiting these cypress forests as well because they are super romantic date destinations and they’re great photo spots as well. One particular cypress forest that I’ve been revisiting is the one in Tai’an, Taichung.
Spot Cute Christmas Trees
We may not have the most magical and breathtaking Christmas trees in Taiwan, but we definitely have the most creative ones. You’ll find Christmas trees of all sorts in Taiwan- from Frozen themed Olaf trees to Monster Inc Sully trees, nothing is impossible here. If you want a magical winter wonderland Christmas, then you should probably head over to Europe. But if you’re looking for a light-hearted, warm Christmas with friends and family, Taiwan is definitely the place for you!
Soak Yourself in Hot Springs
If you’re in Taiwan in December, you have to experience the hot springs during the colder days. I mean, how could you resist? All I want to do during the winter is soak myself in hot baths. In the north, you have the Beitou and Wulai hot springs. In Taichung, guguan hot springs is a very hot destination.
Embrace Taiwanese Winter Solstice Tradition
Taiwan has rich and meaningful traditions surrounding the Winter Solstice. The most iconic tradition involves eating tangyuan, or glutinous rice balls served in sweet soup. These round rice balls symbolize unity and family reunion. Families often gather to make tangyuan together, fostering a sense of togetherness and celebrating the idea of “growing a year older”.
If you happen to be in Taiwan around the time of the winter solstice, be sure to get some tangyuan with your friends and family!
Countdown with Fireworks at Taipei 101
In Taiwan, we have a word for New Year’s Eve called “跨年” （kua-nian), which basically means “crossing the year”. It’s a huge event in Taiwan and we take it very seriously. We have different firework shows across almost every city and invite big artists to perform. Last year I saw Hwasa at the Taipei 101 countdown show (for free!) and it was one of the best new years experiences of my life.
Counting down for the new year with fireworks at Taipei 101 should be on everyone’s bucket list, fight me if you don’t agree.
Taiwan in December: Foods to Eat
Everyone who’s been to Taiwan knows Taiwan is basically food heaven for all our foodies out there, and that title remains very much true even during the cold winters. Today I’ll be making a quick list (because I’ll probably make a separate post some other time) of all the foods you can’t miss in Taiwan in December:
- Hot pot
- Ginger duck stew
- Mutton hot pot
- Sesame oil chicken stew
- Wine cooked chicken soup
- Steamed stinky tofu
Desserts:
- Tangyuan
- Almond tea with youtiao (fried dough)
- Hot sweet grass jelly soup
What are your favorite winter activities to do in Taiwan in December? Let me know!
Until next time,
Emi
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