PHOTO ESSAY/Taiwan gears up for Christmas with festive events

Taipei, Dec. 22 (CNA) With Christmas just around the corner, events have been taking place across Taiwan to help people get into the festive spirit.

Many celebrations began in early December to give the public lots of time to enjoy the Yuletide celebrations.

North

Taipei is leading the way in the north of the country, with festivities revolving around the "Taipei Christmas Tree" installed in the middle of the Taipei 101 shopping district.

The tree is 20 meters tall and features copious amounts of artificial snow.

This year, there are also multiple Christmas markets in the city, including one in the Taipei 101 mall, which resembles a traditional northern European village.

Craft markets are being held in Zhongshan Station as well as Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in the city. Here, shoppers can find more traditional western Christmas items such as advent calendars.

The capital's Four Four South Village is also holding an artistic light show that began on Dec. 9 and will run until the end of the year.

A giant tree in Taipei Main Station also brings a festive feel to those traveling for work or fun. 

New Taipei, meanwhile, continues its tradition of holding the most lavish Christmas event in the country.

The 2024 Christmasland began on Nov. 15 this year in the city and will run until Jan. 1. This year, a collaboration with Nintendo has led to "Super Mario Bros" themed decorations.

Central

From Dec. 13 until Jan. 1, residents of central Taiwan have the chance to head to the 2024 Taichung Christmas Carnival.

Working with Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, the carnival features elements from Pixar's "Monsters, Inc." franchise.

Meanwhile, the Lishan Guguan Light Art Festival is being held between Nov. 28 and Jan. 12.

Starting on Dec. 21, the festival will feature Christmas celebrations with lights and music -- to spread joy and happiness around.

South

In the south, Tainan has launched what it called the "most youthful" of Taiwan's Christmas celebrations starting Dec. 21.

Musicians across the nation have held various performances, including a kids' concert on Sunday.

In Kaohsiung, the Christmas Lifestyle Festival will last until Dec. 29.

As well as music, the main event was the B-1 Grand Prix -- a Japanese food festival -- over the Dec. 21-22 weekend.

The "Christmas Fairy Tale House" is one of the main attractions at the Pingtung Christmas Festival, taking place in Pingtung Park until Jan. 1.

In addition, the 2010 winner of Holland's Got Talent Martin Hurkens serenaded Pingtung residents with Christmas carols from Dec. 20-22.

East

People of Taichung will get to indulge in Christmas festivities from Dec. 21-25 at the 2024 Christmas Musical Fair.