TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kaohsiung said its annual Christmas festival on Dec. 20-23 attracted 360,000 visitors, bringing more than NT$10 million (US$306,000) in economic value for nearby businesses.
The event at Central Park featured an outdoor market, holiday decorations and lighting, and performances from well-known artists such as Ai Yi-liang (艾怡良), Waa Wei (魏如萱), and Enno Cheng (鄭宜農). A dozen food stalls under the name B-1 Grand Prix served authentic Japanese food, per CNA.
Kaohsiung's economic development bureau said this year’s Christmas activities expanded dramatically compared to 2023. Crowds came from nearby Liouhe Night Market and surrounding business districts.
Wang Wen-hsiung (王文雄), chair of Kaohsiung Marketplace, said the municipal government has supported the Christmas-themed event for two consecutive years. In addition to promoting local business districts, the event featured local delicacies that sold out quickly.
A jewelry store in Shinkuchan Business District said that during the event, visitors and overall turnover increased by 50%. The business owner said he had not experienced such crowds for a long time.
A local clothing store also experienced a sharp increase in business, with visitors doubling and sales increasing. It hopes that Christmas-themed events continue, drawing more visitors to the business district.
Su Cheng-wei (蘇振威), manager of Kaohsiung’s Hotel Indigo, said that the four-day event brought significant economic benefits and prosperity to the business district and surrounding stores. After the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, the hotel approached full occupancy.
Kaohsiung City Government said the Christmas market will continue throughout the weekend (Dec. 27-29), with activities such as children’s yoga, games, and other parent-child activities.
