Ride the waves, embrace the season and enjoy 4 November events in Taiwan

November in Taiwan brings a change of scenery at every turn. Streets glow with Christmas lights, gardens burst into colorful chrysanthemums, Hakka communities celebrate the harvest, and surfers take on the Pacific’s rolling waves. From the bustling cities of the north to the laid-back coast of the southeast, these four events offer a glimpse of Taiwan’s culture, seasonal traditions and outdoor spirit.

Here are four events to add to your Taiwan itinerary this November.

1. New Taipei Christmasland

Ready for a little Christmas magic? New Taipei Christmasland is back, taking you on a whimsical journey with Kanahei’s Small Animals! From a giant hot-air balloon carrying Usagi and Piske to oversized character installations and seven glowing light corridors, Banqiao will transform into a dreamlike playground for festive photos and holiday fun. 

The excitement continues with an opening celebration on Nov. 13, a family-friendly Children's Carnival on Nov. 14–15, a German Christmas market serving European-style treats from Dec. 4–6, and a star-studded Christmas concert on Dec. 12–13.

Date: Nov. 13 – Dec. 27

Location: Banqiao, New Taipei City

Event highlights:

• Hop aboard a magical balloon: Head to Civic Plaza, where Usagi and Piske embark on a whimsical hot-air balloon adventure. Stick around for the spectacular light show on the north side of New Taipei City Hall, running every hour and half-hour from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Say hello to Usagi and Piske: Snap photos with larger-than-life character displays and adorable travel-themed installations at Banqiao Station Square and the New Taipei City Hall lobby.
• Wander through seven light corridors: Follow the glowing pathways and explore four upgraded themed lighting zones packed with festive photo opportunities.
• Don't miss the festivities: Catch the opening celebration on Nov. 13, a family-friendly Children's Carnival on Nov. 14–15, and a star-studded Christmas concert on Dec. 12–13. From Dec. 4–6, browse the German Christmas market for European-style treats and seasonal goodies.

Travel tips:

• Take the MRT to Banqiao Station for easy access to Civic Plaza, Banqiao Station Square and the main event areas.
• Visit after sunset to see the displays light up. Give yourself plenty of time to wander between installations and capture your favorite moments.

For the latest program and updates, visit the New Taipei Christmasland official website.

2. Liudui Hakka Harvest Festival

As the harvest season arrives, Hakka communities in southern Taiwan come together to give thanks for a year's hard work and celebrate the fruits of the land. Rooted in the traditional rhythm of spring prayers (春祈), summer farming (夏耘), autumn harvest (秋收) and winter storage (冬藏), the Liudui Hakka Harvest Festival brings age-old customs to life through rituals of thanksgiving and community celebrations. 

Centered on Liudui Hakka Cultural Park, the festival connects 12 Hakka townships and districts across the Liudui region, offering visitors a glimpse into the traditions, beliefs and close-knit community spirit that have shaped Hakka life for generations.

Date: Nov. 7 – Dec. 5

Location: Liudui Hakka Cultural Park, Neipu Township, Pingtung County

Event highlights:

• Prayers and thanksgiving: Experience traditional Hakka rituals honoring local deities and celebrating the harvest.
• Hands-on fun: Try making sticky rice cakes or pickling radishes, or join village parades, picnics and fun runs.
• Traditional Hakka Feast: Enjoy a communal banquet celebrating the harvest and Hakka cuisine.
• Family and culture: Discover Hakka traditions through puppet shows, musicals and guided village walks.

Travel tips:

• Take a train to Pingtung or Kaohsiung, then arrange onward transportation to Liudui Hakka Cultural Park in Neipu Township.
• Look out for local Hakka dishes and traditional foods while exploring the area. Food offerings and activities may vary by event date.
• Some activities charge fees or require advance registration. As of Oct. 29, registration for the radish-pickling activity, picnic and several village outings was already full; check the official program for remaining options.

For the latest program and registration details, visit the official Hakka Cultural Development Center website.

3. Shilin Residence Chrysanthemum Show

The Shilin Residence Chrysanthemum Show returns under the theme “Chrysanthemums in Geometric Harmony,” transforming the gardens into a colorful landscape inspired by geometric shapes and the many forms of chrysanthemums. 

Beyond 15 themed display areas filled with floral artistry, this year's show introduces “Make Time for Flowers and Friends,” a series of workshops exploring the beauty of flowers through floral design, fragrance, reading, photography and crafts. Come for the blooms, stay for the hands-on experiences, and take home a little autumn inspiration.

Date: Nov. 27 – Dec. 13

Location:  Shilin Residence Park, Taipei City

Event highlights:

• 15 themed displays: Explore floral landscapes inspired by geometric shapes and the diverse beauty of chrysanthemums.
• Creative workshops: Try flower arranging, fragrance activities, photography and hands-on crafts.
• Flowers meet everyday life: Discover the connections between flowers, art and lifestyle through special classes and cultural activities.

Travel tips:

• Take the MRT to Shilin Station and walk to Shilin Residence Park.
• Visit during daylight to appreciate the colors and details of the floral displays.
• Applications for the workshop series close at noon on Oct. 31, with places allocated by lottery.

Check the official website for event updates and workshop details.

4. Taiwan Open of Surfing

When the northeast monsoon rolls in, Taiwan's east coast becomes a surfer's paradise. Every November, surfers head to Jinzun Harbor in Taitung to ride the powerful Pacific waves, and this year, the Taiwan Open of Surfing returns with world-class competition. 

As one of four stops worldwide on the World Surf League (WSL)'s INTL 6,000 tour, the event will bring elite surfers from all seven continents to compete in the season finale, alongside local longboard, shortboard and junior competitions. Beyond the waves, a beachside sports festival featuring skateboarding, fitness challenges, street dance, photography and an ocean market offers plenty of fun for visitors who prefer to stay on shore.

Date: Nov. 6–8 (domestic competition) and Nov. 14–22 (international competition)
Location: Jinzun Harbor, Donghe Township, Taitung County

Event highlights:

• Action on land: Catch skateboarding, beach fitness challenges and street dance battles on scheduled event days.
• Oceanfront market: Browse local food, creative goods and ocean-inspired products while enjoying the Pacific coastline.
• Surf photography: See photographers capture surfers in action against Taitung's dramatic waves and coastal scenery.

Travel tips:

• Take a train to Taitung Station, then check the free event shuttle schedule or arrange a taxi or other transport to Jinzun Harbor. The venue is outside central Taitung, so plan your transfer ahead.
• Consider renting a scooter or arranging private transport to explore nearby coastal attractions.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat and a light jacket. Coastal weather and sea conditions can change quickly.

For event schedules and updates, visit the Taiwan Open of Surfing official website.