For many living in the West, Christmas is one of the most important days of the year. A time to get together with family and friends, exchange gifts and eat a hearty meal, the occasion has become as much about sharing and giving as it is about observing a religious ceremony. For the Taiwanese, however, Christmas is much ignored. While Christmas carols do find their way onto public transport, and department stores do put up tinsel, people continue to attend work and school during the Christmas period and all shops stay open. Instead, the Taiwan』s major holiday comes later, during the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). At this time, the Taiwanese head home for at least a week long celebration of family and friends.
對於西方人來說，聖誕節就是華人社會裡的農曆新年一樣重要。在這個假期中，親朋友好聚在一起、交換禮物、享用聖誕大餐。但在台灣，自從行憲紀念日不再放假後，除了商人與情侶之外，幾乎沒有人在乎，班照上、書照讀、店照開，沒有什麼慶典活動，頂多是百貨公司前多了幾棵假聖誕樹，跟過年相比，簡直天差地遠。
But for those who have grown up excitedly opening the little pockets on their advent calendar in the lead up to December 25th, the anti-climax of spending Christmas in Asia can be a strange experience. For some, it can even be a time of loneliness and sadness, when special people back home are missed more than usual. So we』ve compiled the following advice for how to make your Christmas in Taiwan really special this year. While some of the ideas below are about recreating a western style Christmas in Asia, other ideas are uniquely Taiwanese. Either way, with our help, you are guaranteed to have a memorable and merry Christmas in Taiwan this year.
對於滿心期待十二月二十五日到來的西方人來說，在台灣度過耶誕節簡直是一年中最低潮的日子，除了寂寞之外，還是只有哀傷，如果你的室友或朋友們剛好又都不在，那真是難耐啊！所以我們特別蒐集了全台聖誕資訊，其中包含一些西方人習慣的過節方式，也有一些在台灣才能獨特體驗的行程，讓你今年不再思鄉愁愁。
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Where to Stay
Where to stay during the Christmas period is one of your most important decisions. Do you choose a European style Christmas? Or would you prefer the best that Taiwanese style architecture has to offer?
想要入住歐式莊園嘛？或者是來點台灣味？總之不住在家裡，就有度假氣氛了！
Europe in Taiwan
For those wanting a European experience for Christmas in Taiwan this year, Sigma Castle is a brilliant choice. Located in Yuanshan, Yilan County, and offering a luxurious fully western style breakfast, this place lends itself to princess-like fairy-tale Christmas. http://www.rtaiwanr.com/yilan/sigma-castle
等不及想要像公主一般住進有如童話故事般的城堡嘛？來到宜蘭的希格瑪花園城堡，不僅裝潢優雅，早餐也特好吃的。
Old England, located on the road up to Cingjing Farm, is one of the most luxurious (and expensive) Bed & Breakfasts in Taiwan. This is an English-style mansion, with sculptures, lanterns and furniture that have been imported from England itself. And because this is one of the only places in Taiwan where it actually snows, this is the perfect backdrop to a Taiwanese 「White Christmas」!
http://www.rtaiwanr.com/cingjing/old-england
從台中開往清境的路上，你不可能錯過這個醒目又優雅的建築 – 老英格蘭，大概是全台灣最昂貴的民宿了。其古典的英式風格，在裡面閒晃，隨處可看到進口的雕塑、吊燈、傢具等，讓你不管在這用餐還是睡覺，就好像身在歐洲一般。
The Best of Taiwanese Hotels
Kenting』s Gloria Manor is a historic gem hidden away in the Kenting Forest Recreation Area. This is the place where Chiang Kai-shek used to stay, and the chairs, bed and tables that he used have all been preserved beautifully. The hotel today is stylish and somehow very Taiwanese, with bamboo domes a feature of the main hall. The outdoor pool reflects the scenery of the distant Dajianshan, and the food is local and high quality. This is a truly special place to relax over Christmas. http://www.rtaiwanr.com/kenting/gloria-manor
位在墾丁的華泰瑞苑，可是一處藏在墾丁森林遊樂區裡鮮少人知的秘密住宿點，其實以前可是蔣介石到屏東御用的行館，以前睡過的床、坐過的椅都還被完整的保留在此。不過經過當代設計師重新整理過，在簡樸的外觀裡注入了全新的感官，大廳由竹條編織而成的圓頂以及中庭面對大尖山的美景，再搭配採用在地食材的精緻晚餐，絕對是情侶到南邊避寒的絕佳地點。
Lishan Guest House in Hehuanshan is the highest palace style hotel in Taiwan, and, like Gloria Manor, is a historic treasure that houses many of the belongings of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife. The view here is famous for its high altitude and changes according to the season. Olive trees and cedar trees line the footpath to the entrance, and the wildlife is tangible. This is another great option for a luxurious Christmas at a more affordable price than other places.
http://www.rtaiwanr.com/hehuanshan/lishan-guest-house
位在梨山的梨山賓館，是全台灣最高的宮廷式飯店，就如同墾丁賓館（華泰瑞苑）一樣，都是以前蔣介石居住的行館。因為在高山上，一年四季的風景都很不同，無論是紅色的楓葉還是粉色的波斯菊，都讓許多都市人嚮往。當然，也適合你跟著家人一起在耶誕節時來這度假。
The Grand Hotel in Taipei is an imposing traditional Taiwanese building perched on a hillside. Today a treasured icon of the Taipei skyline, Christmas here will make you feel like a celebrity. Indeed, a wander down the hotel』s Wall of Fame, and you will find yourself in the company of Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela and Grace Kelly. Come here for a star-struck Christmas!
http://www.rtaiwanr.com/taipei-city/the-grand-hotel
如果要在台北市裡挑一間最有台灣味道的飯店，我想圓山飯店當之無愧，除了其中式的外觀與裝潢外，也是早年招待各國政要的地方，包括美國總統柯林頓、南非人權鬥士曼德拉、奧斯卡影后葛麗絲·凱莉都曾是座上賓。
The Lalu overlooking Sun Moon Lake is a luxury hotel experience with views that make its hefty price-tag absolutely worth it. Widely agreed to be the best place to view one of Taiwan』s most famous tourist attractions, the lake is also visible from the rooms. The interior style here is Zen-inspired, so expect a meditative Christmas at The Lalu. http://www.rtaiwanr.com/sun-moon-lake/the-lalu
如果提到日月潭，要在地人推薦一輩子一定要住一次的飯店，那十個裡面有九個會提涵碧樓，雖然單價高、房間少，但是絕佳的湖景、禪風的裝潢、貼心的服務，讓遊客能有一晚非常中式的聖誕節。
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Where to Go
How to make Christmas Day special is something many ask themselves every year. In Taiwan you can choose between a White Christmas, a Summer Hemisphere Christmas or even celebrate Christmas by participating in Taiwan』s Aboriginal culture!
每一年總是有無數的人問我們，該如何籌備一個難忘的耶誕節。除了像歐洲美國那樣適合下雪場景的方式外，或者感受澳洲人在南半球的慶祝方式，又或來到台灣原住民部落體驗我們的方式。
Hehuanshan is a great choice if you are looking for a White Christmas this year. A pilgrimage for Taiwanese wanting to experience snow, it really does look a lot like Christmas here! http://www.rtaiwanr.com/hehuanshan/above-the-clouds
在好萊塢的電影裡，耶誕節就等於下雪，但在熱帶國家基本上是沒有這樣的機會，不過在台灣，只要開車三小時，就能到三千公尺高的合歡山，感受白雪靄靄的氣氛。
King Garden, located in Nantou County, could almost be Santa』s elf factory in the North Pole! A great place to wander around, there are many quirks up for discovery here, such as a fantastical chess board, a colourful train and Cinderella like carriages. The unexpectedness of this place somehow gives it the atmosphere of Christmas. (This is also a great stop on the way to Sun Moon Lake!)
http://www.rtaiwanr.com/sun-moon-lake/king-garden
元首館對許多遊客來說，就是前往日月潭中途休息的地方，但是城堡造型的外觀、大型西洋棋的裝飾、類似灰姑娘的南瓜馬車等，多少營造出大家對耶誕節的一些幻想。
If Christmas is all about parties for you, then the Tamsui Ferry may be a good option. Contact us about renting the entire boat for you and your friends for a Christmas to remember. Otherwise, if you are content to just enjoy the water views, the ferry is also a great option for sitting back and enjoying the scenery. If you are willing to fork out a little more, go for the Great River Queen cruise, a TWD150 million cruise ship which lights up the Tamsui River by night.
http://www.rtaiwanr.com/danshui/danshui-ferry
如果耶誕節對你來說就只是啪踢的話，何不到淡水租一艘船？帶上自己的酒瓶、放上自己的音樂，在淡水河上與朋友狂歡！
If you are interested in learning about indigenous culture in Taiwan, the Puyuma Monkey Hunting Festival, held around the period between Christmas and New Year, is a great option. This festival has a long history. Originally, real monkeys used to be hunted as a rite of passage for young people. By hunting monkeys courage would be nurtured and the rich history and culture of the tribe would be experienced. Nowadays, hunting real monkeys is illegal, so grass monkeys are hunted instead.
是否好奇過原住民是怎麼渡過耶誕節的？卑南族的獵猴祭在每年的耶誕至新年間舉行，這個擁有悠久歷史的習俗，是以前族人的成年禮之一。不過獵殺野生動物是違法的，現在到現場參與，只能看到用草編織的假猴做替代。
If you think the most important part of Christmas is snuggling up with your lover (as many of the Taiwanese do!), why not choose a beautiful view to admire the Christmas Eve night-scape together? As the lights of the city spread out before you, it is just like being at a Christmas lights show. We recommend Kaohsiung』s Martyr』s Shrine for a beautiful view over the city, Mitaka 3e Café night-viewing café for Taichung
, and Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) , or Yangmingshan for Taipei
但如果認為耶誕節就是一定要跟情人過的話，吃完一頓浪飯的燭光晚餐後，再到城市裡的山丘上，美麗的夜景能為你倆畫下完美的句點。
其中，我們推薦高雄的忠烈祠、台中的Mitaka 3e Café、台北的象山步道、以及陽明山的草山夜未眠。
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Where to Worship
If you would like to engage with the religious meaning of Christmas and worship in a church, there are many beautiful options to choose from all over Taiwan. And even if you are religious, you might like to visit some of them to sing some Christmas carols or appreciate the Christmas lights at the many events held around this time of year.
不論你是一位虔誠的基督徒或者只是想去湊熱鬧的，其實在台灣還是有不少宗教活動與慶典可以參加，跟著一起唱聖歌、點蠟燭，也是挺有氣氛的。
Designed by I. M. Pei, the designer of the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, Tunghai University』s Luce Memorial Chapel is an excellent choice for those who would like to attend a carol service and hear the Christmas bells ring on Christmas Eve.
http://www.rtaiwanr.com/taichung-city/tunghai-university
中部最有名的教堂，當屬大建築師貝聿銘在東海大學裡設計的路思義教堂，到了耶誕夜時，許多人會來到校園裡，聚集在鐘塔下唱詩歌呢。
The Kaohsiung Holy Rosary Cathedral Minor Basilica is a beautiful place to worship in southern Taiwan. This cathedral also holds many events to honor the religious meaning of Christmas.
http://www.rtaiwanr.com/kaohsiung-city/holy-rosary-cathedral-minor-basilica
在高雄，玫瑰聖母聖殿主教座堂是個不錯的地點。
Wanjing Catholic Church in Pingtung County is Taiwan』s oldest church, having been established by a Philippine priest during the Qing dynasty. Every year, a huge Christmas tree and festive crowds make this a worthwhile Christmas pilgrimage for locals and tourists alike. Festive activities from early December until Christmas Day are particularly abundant and varied here.
http://www.rtaiwanr.com/kenting/wanjin-catholic-church
但如果提到台灣歷史最悠久的教堂，應該就是屏東的萬金聖母聖殿，當初是由一位菲律賓的牧師在清朝時所創立的， 每年在此都會舉辦盛大的慶祝活動，甚至許多遊客都慕名而來。
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Where to go for Christmas spirit
The lights and decorations is half the fun at Christmastime. Never fear, Taiwan has some wonderful locations perfect for experiencing the festive cheer.
如果聖誕節少了星光閃閃的聖誕樹，就是少了那一味。
Taipei 101 features a beautifully lit up four storey high Christmas tree every year. The names of major world cities are written on the floor, making it a great photo opportunity to pose next to your hometown! http://www.rtaiwanr.com/taipei-city/taipei-101
台北101前的廣場，每年都會擺上四層樓高的聖誕樹，既然是台北的地標，當然來此照相的人就不會少囉。
Wander around the Xinyi District』s department stores to experience the lights and decorations that make Christmas so special back home. http://www.rtaiwanr.com/taipei-city/xinyi-commercial-district
離101不遠處的信義百貨商圈，當然也有許多聖誕樹妝點。
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Go to Zhongshan MRT (中山捷運) station』s Mitsukoshi (新光三越) to see a giant Santa Claus climbing the chimney!
如果今年在到中山捷運站，一出來就會看到巨大的聖誕老公公爬上建築物上。
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From November 20th 2015 to January 3rd 2016, the only 360 degrees 3D projector light show is coming to Taipei for Christmas. Visit Banqiao Station every day from 5.30pm to 10.30pm to experience an avenue of Christmas lights, or on the 21st November and 22nd November between 1pm to 8pm for a festive carnival.
從11月20號至明年的1月3號，都可以在板橋車站前看到3D投影的耶誕場景，只要入夜之後到10點半之前都看的到喔！
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Where to eat
If you are looking for a traditional western style Christmas roast dinner then Shangri-La』s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel Taipei, Sheraton Hotel Taipei or the Grand Formosa Regent Taipei are all hotels to consider. But they』re the obvious choices. Check out our list of the Top 10 western style restaurants in Taiwan. Or what about something a little more out of the way altogether….?
如果沒有吃到正統的西式餐點，就好像沒有過到聖誕節的話，那或許你可以考慮各大飯店，像是香格里拉、喜來登或者晶華酒店，都是不錯的選擇，當然我們精選的全台十大西餐也是值得考慮的。不過有些漏掉的，還想再這裡補充補充…
If you』re used to a southern-hemisphere Christmas, head to B&Q and buy a BBQ for a traditional (winter) summer cook-up. We recommend Hualien』s Shitiping as a great spot for some serious barbecuing. Best of all, it is also one of the best and most affordable campsites in Taiwan. http://www.rtaiwanr.com/east-coast/shitiping
南半球的耶誕節可不是在白雪中渡過的，澳洲人習慣圍爐BBQ，如果你就是要吃烤肉，花蓮的石梯坪可是有場地讓你搭帳棚與烤肉的。
If you want to experience a BBQ Christmas but can』t be bothered doing it yourself, why not head over to Hualien』s Salt Lick? Selling the best ribs in Taiwan, the western owner of this joint observes important calendar dates to a tee. Expect a great Christmas atmosphere here. http://www.rtaiwanr.com/hualien-city/salt-lick
但如果你懶得自己烤，花蓮舊火車站附近的火車頭烤肉屋就是絕佳的選擇，由老外親自料理全台最讚的豬肋排。
If you agree with us that one of Taiwan』s biggest attractions is its food, then why not go for some Taiwanese fare this Christmas. Night markets are a great option for those who can』t choose between all the yummy options on offer because you can wander and eat as you go. Check out our 「Top 10 Night Markets in Taipei」 for some inspiration. A Christmas at a night market makes for an unforgettable one!
說台灣是美食天堂絕對不為過，而今年如果不想在吃牛排或比薩的，何不找個夜市大啖一場？我們精選的台北十大夜市，絕對能讓你找到滿意的。
Otherwise, check out our 「Top 10 Taiwanese Style Restaurants in Taiwan」 for some inspiration about where in Taiwan the local food is definitely up to Christmas standard.
如果你懶著人擠人，不然從我們挑選的十大台灣餐館選一個，但最好還是提前訂個位。
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Where to Drink
Taiwan more than makes up for its lack of mulled wine by having the best whiskey in the world, made at its first and only distillery, the Kavalan Whiskey Distillery. Located in Yilan County, this distillery has been winning awards for years. But its 2015 World Whiskies Award is surely the jewel in its crown.
http://www.rtaiwanr.com/yilan/kavalan-whisky-distillery
有吃有喝才算耶誕夜，不過西方習慣喝的耶誕酒在台灣可是沒有的，但如果威士忌可以當做替代品的話，那絕對不能錯過今年獲頒世界第一的金車酒廠。
