Tailored trips
Festivals and Holidays in Taiwan
Taiwan celebrates seriously, and its festivals are among the strongest memories travellers take home. Most are set by the lunar calendar, so the Gregorian date shifts from year to year. Check the exact date for your travel year.
The Lantern Festival
The star. At the end of Chinese New Year (usually February), Taiwan fills with lanterns. The peak is at Pingxi, where thousands of paper lanterns are sent into the night sky with written wishes. You can join a Pingxi sky lantern experience (available year-round, not only during the festival) and combine it with the northern day trip, see Jiufen and the north coast.
Chinese New Year
The biggest holiday, usually between late January and February. The streets turn red, families reunite, and temples fill. It’s a magical time, but also the peak of the season.
More through the year
- Dragon Boat Festival (June) — boat races and sticky-rice dumplings (zongzi).
- Hungry Ghost Festival (August) — a month of customs, offerings, and rituals.
- Mid-Autumn Festival (September–October) — mooncakes, family barbecues, and a full moon.
The festivals are a great bonus, but you don’t have to plan around them. Back to the main guide or to trip planning.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Lantern Festival in Taiwan?
The Lantern Festival falls at the end of Chinese New Year, usually in February. The peak of the celebrations is at Pingxi, where thousands of paper lanterns are sent into the sky — an unforgettable sight.
Is it worth flying to Taiwan during Chinese New Year?
The celebrations are spectacular, but it's also the peak period: high prices, lodging fills up, and some businesses close for a few days. If you choose it, book well ahead.
What other festivals are there in Taiwan?
The Dragon Boat Festival (June), the Hungry Ghost Festival (August), and the Mid-Autumn Festival. All come with traditional food and a festive street atmosphere.
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