Santa Claus Spotted in Taichung! Finnish Representative Lauri Becomes City Guide, Reveals Taichung’s Hidden Nordic Charm

A Finnish Santa Takes the Spotlight in Taichung Shopping Festival

TAICHUNG, Taiwan –Santa Claus may come from Finland, but this winter, Taichung welcomes its very own “messenger from the Arctic.” Lauri Raunio, Representative of the Finland Trade Center in Taiwan, stars in the latest international promotional video for the 2025 Taichung Shopping Festival, playing the role of an urban explorer who guides viewers through the city’s unexpected Nordic-inspired hidden gems. From handcrafted desserts and Scandinavian furniture to cozy cafés and Nordic cuisine, Lauri is delightfully surprised by the city’s international flair. With a smile, he remarks, “I never imagined Taichung had so much Finnish soul.”

Where the Nordic Journey Begins: Craft Beer Heaven

Finland has ranked as the World’s Happiest Country for seven consecutive years, and Lauri’s Taichung adventure begins in equally joyful spirits at ABV Mediterranean Bistro in Taichung’s West District.—home to more than 700 craft beers from all over the world. Joined by Czech Representative David Steinke, Lauri eagerly scans the towering beer wall in search of brews from their home countries. Their playful competition sparks laughter and warm camaraderie, as blues music hums in the background and European dishes fill the table—officially launching their “Taichung Nordic Diary.”

Aurora on a Plate: A Dessert with a Story

Next stop? The highly beloved dessert shop “Dessert Hyvä.” The walls are lined with souvenirs from the owner’s travels, but what steals the spotlight is a painting of the northern lights swirling above her grandfather becomes the emotional centerpiece, paired with heartfelt stories of her time living in the far north. Inspired, Lauri rolls up his sleeves to craft the shop’s signature aurora-themed dessert, “Sámi Sky.” When he places a chocolate feather on top, he bursts into delight: “This dessert perfectly captures how Taichung imagines Finland.”

Nordic Home Classics Under a Train Station

The journey continues beneath TRA Wuchuan Station at “Husfun Nordic Furniture,” a design lover’s dream filled with vintage Scandinavian pieces. Lauri relaxes into the sofas and tests the chairs with professional familiarity, nodding in approval of someone who knows true Nordic style. “Simplicity is timeless,” he says—echoing the very heart of Nordic design philosophy.

Music, Coffee, and a Dash of Finland

The group then heads to “Vigor Culture Café” in the West District—an eclectic hideout packed with classic Western music records. It’s a perfect blend of international flair and local nostalgia. Here, Lauri leaves his mark—literally—by adding the café’s first-ever Finnish signature to its celebrity autograph wall. A small gesture, but a memorable symbol of international friendship.

A Nordic Feast with the Mayor

Dinner takes place at “Xianmai Nordic Bistro” in Beitun District, where Lauri joins Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen for a festive Nordic-style dinner. From traditional meatballs to salmon dishes, the flavors spark non-stop praise from Lauri. As Shopping Festival coincides with the Christmas season, the scene culminates in a joyful tribute to Lapland, Santa’s hometown—as Lauri and Mayor Lu don Christmas accessories and invite everyone to shop, explore, and join the prize draws in Taichung.

A Festival Bigger, Brighter, and More Global

The international promotional video is now live on the EDB’s YouTube channel. The 2025 Taichung Shopping Festival runs through December 25, offering beloved prizes.

NT$3,000 daily cash prizesNT$100,000 weekly draws

Cars every two weeks

NT$1 million monthly jackpot

Grand Finale: A Luxury Dream Home

And for global reach? Even more surprises.The festival is giving away:Round-trip flights tickets, and three US$10,000 prizes exclusively for foreign participants.

Visitors from Taiwan and abroad are invited to download the Taichung Pass (TCPASS), shop across the city, upload receipts, and join the lucky draw—where shoppers could win one million NT dollars, a luxury car, or even a dream home.

Advertorial by Economic Development Bureau, Taichung City Government.