Taiwan’s Winter Tourism Boom: 2025-2026 Cultural Music Festivals in Taipei, Alishan, Kaohsiung, and More

Published on December 29, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Taiwan is embracing a new chapter in its tourism strategy for the 2025-2026 winter season by promoting cultural music festivals across key cities, positioning the island as a premier year-round destination. According to the Taiwan Tourism Administration (MOTC), the Council of Indigenous Peoples, and municipal officials, this initiative is part of Taiwan’s global tourism brand, “Taiwan – Waves of Wonder,” and aims to stimulate regional tourism growth while showcasing the island’s unique cultural heritage.

What Is Taiwan’s Winter Tourism Strategy?

Taiwan has officially designated the winter season of 2025-2026 as a “Cultural Music Pillar” of its national tourism strategy, focusing on high-profile musical events to attract international visitors. This initiative is designed to reduce the seasonal slump in tourism by promoting Taiwan’s mild winter weather and encouraging visitors to explore not only its well-known urban centers but also regional hubs.

Key festivals and cultural events will take place across Taiwan, with the goal of spreading tourism demand throughout the island. These events are expected to provide a major boost to Taiwan’s tourism industry, aligning with the government’s broader vision of cultivating a trillion-dollar tourism sector by 2030.

Where Are the Major Cultural Music Events?

The most significant cultural music events will be held in cities such as Taipei, Alishan, Kaohsiung, and Taichung, showcasing Taiwan’s diverse cultural scene and natural beauty.

1. 33rd Chiayi City International Band Festival (CCIBF)
   • Dates: December 19, 2025 – January 1, 2026
   • Location: Chiayi City (Main Parade on Zhongshan Road and performances at Kano Baseball Park)
   • This annual event features 55 bands, including seven high-profile international marching groups from Italy and Japan, along with 48 local groups. In 2025, the festival will be enhanced by the “320+1 Chiayi City Expo,” an immersive experience that blends music, local culture, and gastronomy, encouraging visitors to explore the Southern Taiwan region.
2. Pasiwali Festival 2025
   • Dates: December 13–14, 2025
   • Location: Taitung Forest Park, Taitung County
   • Focused on Indigenous music, the Pasiwali Festival serves as an international platform for cultural exchange, featuring 16 global artists. The festival will also highlight the “Orange Economy,” with traditional Indigenous houses and a variety of local handicrafts and food vendors.
3. Taiwan’s National New Year Countdown
   • Dates: December 31, 2025 – January 1, 2026
   • Taiwan will host multiple events across the country to ring in the New Year:
     • Taipei: The iconic Taipei 101 fireworks display and the “Taipei Most High New Year City” at City Hall Square.
     • Alishan: The “Sunrise Impression Concert” at the Zhushan observation deck, featuring orchestral music at an altitude of over 2,400 meters.
     • Kaohsiung: The “Xiong-hai Party at Dream Mall” with extended MRT and Light Rail services for easy access.
     • Sun Moon Lake: A fireworks gala alongside cable car rides and restricted traffic zones to ensure a smooth experience for visitors.

When Do These Events Take Place?

The 2025-2026 winter events are strategically scheduled between December 2025 and January 2026, coinciding with the holiday season to maximize both local and international travel. Some events, like the Chiayi City International Band Festival, will run through the New Year, offering an extended experience for visitors.

Why Are These Events Important for Taiwan?

The focus on cultural music festivals is part of Taiwan’s broader effort to enhance its tourism appeal and promote regional travel across the island. By creating a dynamic winter tourism calendar, the government aims to reduce the “low season” effect, where tourism demand typically dips during Taiwan’s cooler months (15°C–22°C). The festivals, which combine culture, music, and wellness, aim to attract high-value international tourists, especially from North America and Southeast Asia, two key markets.

These events also highlight Taiwan’s unique cultural diversity, offering a mix of Indigenous heritage, contemporary music, and scenic experiences like the sunrise concert in Alishan or the artistic showcase at the Pasiwali Festival in Taitung.

How Are Transportation and Travel Managed for These Events?

In anticipation of the influx of tourists, Taiwan’s transportation network will operate special services during the events to ensure smooth travel for attendees.

• Taipei: Metro services will operate continuously for 42 hours around the New Year’s Eve countdown, with free shuttle buses running to key MRT stations from 10:30 PM on Dec 31 until 6:00 AM on Jan 1.
• Alishan: Special sunrise trains will run on January 1, 2026, offering visitors a unique way to experience the mountain at dawn.
• Kaohsiung: The MRT and light rail will extend their operating hours until 2:00 AM on January 1, with additional shuttle buses for convenient access to the Dream Mall countdown party.
• Sun Moon Lake: Visitors will be encouraged to use the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway, which will operate until 8:30 PM on December 31 to provide scenic views during the New Year festivities.

What’s Next for Taiwan’s Tourism Industry?

The government’s push to transform Taiwan into a premier year-round destination with cultural and music festivals is expected to pay off in the coming years. The integration of wellness tourism, gastronomy, and cultural heritage into the winter season will appeal to diverse traveler interests, helping to establish Taiwan as a go-to destination for international tourists. With the continued development of infrastructure, transportation, and digital solutions for crowd management, Taiwan’s tourism future looks bright.

This winter season’s cultural music festivals, which are set to take center stage in Taiwan’s tourism strategy, will undoubtedly solidify the island’s growing reputation as a cultural hub in Asia.

Conclusion

Taiwan’s 2025-2026 winter tourism season is set to be a transformative period for the island, thanks to the strategic integration of high-profile cultural events, music festivals, and tailored travel experiences. With an emphasis on regional hubs like Chiayi, Taitung, and Alishan, the island is positioning itself to attract year-round visitors and foster long-term economic growth through tourism. The initiatives outlined by the government are set to elevate Taiwan’s cultural tourism offering, creating a dynamic, vibrant, and sustainable travel destination for years to come.