New Taipei City has officially launched Christmasland in New Taipei City 2026, a 45-day winter festival running from November 13 to December 27, which this year partners with the globally beloved Japanese character brand "Kanahei's Small animals." The announcement, made at a press conference attended by New Taipei City Mayor Yu-ih Hou, positions the event as a major tourism draw for the region, leveraging the popularity of characters Piske, Usagi, and Zombie Neko to attract visitors of all ages.
The collaboration with Kanahei's Small animals is a strategic move to enhance the city's international appeal, particularly among fans of Japanese pop culture. By integrating these characters into the festival's "Travel" theme, the event aims to create a unique, family-friendly experience that differentiates New Taipei City from other winter destinations in Asia. The 45-day duration extends the typical holiday season, potentially increasing visitor spending and extending tourism into the post-Christmas period.
Central to the festival are four main themed lighting zones, each designed to offer immersive experiences. At New Taipei City Plaza, "A Magical Hot-Air Balloon Journey" features a giant hot-air balloon centerpiece with synchronized lights and music. Banqiao Station Square hosts "The Pink Fantasy Harbor" with an eight-meter cruise ship, while Wanping Metropolitan Park's "The Enchanted Forest Adventure" and Fuzhong Plaza's "The Christmas Travel Wonderland" offer distinct thematic draws. These zones are intended to disperse visitor traffic across the city, benefiting local businesses in each area.
The expansion to seven satellite lighting zones—Sanchong Anxin Center, New Taipei City Art Museum in Yingge, Zhonggang Main Drainage Plaza in Xinzhuang, Wugu Environmental Art Park, Tamsui Old Street Plaza, Yes!Life Mall in Xindian, and Zhonghe No. 4 Park—further extends the festival's footprint. Through real-time connections and synchronized lighting, the celebration transcends geographical boundaries, illuminating New Taipei City simultaneously. This approach not only promotes lesser-known districts but also encourages visitors to explore beyond the central venues, distributing economic benefits more widely.
Interactive elements like the Christmasland Passport, which allows visitors to collect stamps at designated checkpoints for a chance to win limited-edition gold jewelry, are designed to increase engagement and encourage repeat visits. Additionally, a Korean "color analysis and makeup experience" from November 13 to 15, with free reservations via ACCUPASS, taps into the beauty tourism trend, appealing to a demographic that might otherwise skip a Christmas festival.
The event lineup includes the Christmasland Opening Event on November 13, a Children's Circus Carnival from November 14 to 15, a German Christmas Market from December 4 to 6, and the Superstar Christmas Concert on December 12 and 13. Notably, the concert will feature a first-ever collaboration between virtual and real worlds, with VPOP virtual characters making surprise appearances, signaling the city's embrace of digital entertainment to attract younger audiences.
For visitors planning to attend, the Tourism and Travel Department encourages the use of public transportation to mitigate traffic congestion. The latest event information is available on the New Taipei City Travel website at https://newtaipei.travel, as well as on social media channels. The festival's comprehensive approach—combining IP collaboration, technology, and widespread venues—underscores New Taipei City's ambition to establish itself as a premier winter tourism destination, with potential long-term benefits for the local economy and international profile.
