As the clock moves from 2025 to 2026, Taiwan lights up with one of Asia’s most exciting New Year countdown scenes. From the famous Taipei 101 fireworks to beachside celebrations in the east, the island offers many ways to welcome the new year.
If you are an OFW, traveler, or first time visitor, this guide walks you through the confirmed New Year Countdown Events in Taiwan for 2026, plus what to expect in other major cities.
Taipei New Year’s Eve Party 2026
Location: Taipei City Hall Square, Xinyi District
Date: December 31, 2025 to January 1, 2026
The Taipei New Year’s Eve Party, also called 台北最High新年城, is the biggest and most famous countdown event in Taiwan.
What makes it special
- One of Asia’s largest public New Year celebrations
- Six hours of live music and performances
- The iconic midnight fireworks from Taipei 101
- Hundreds of thousands of people gather every year
You do not need tickets. Entry is free, but crowds start building by early evening. If you want a good spot, arrive before 6 PM.
Taipei 101 Fireworks and Xinyi District Street Party
Not everyone stays in the main concert area. During New Year’s Eve, the whole Xinyi District turns into a giant street party.
What you will see
- Outdoor screens showing the countdown
- Pop up performances
- Food stalls and convenience stores packed with people
Best places to watch the fireworks
- Elephant Mountain hiking trail
- City Hall MRT area
- Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
This option is great if you want the fireworks experience without staying in one spot all night.
Klook VIP Rock Zone and Shifen Lantern Tour [Sold Out]
Organizer: Klook
Type: Paid experience
For those who want comfort and structure, Klook offers special New Year packages.
What is included
- VIP Rock Zone access at the Taipei New Year’s Eve Party
- Shifen sky lantern release or pineapple cake DIY experience
- Transportation and guided schedule
This is ideal for visitors who want less stress and clearer plans on a very busy night.
Other Major Cities in Taiwan
Official 2026 pages are still pending, but these cities hold countdown events every year and are expected to celebrate again.
Taichung
- Lihpao Resort countdown party
- Outdoor concerts
- Theme park rides open late
- Fireworks at midnight
Kaohsiung
- Dream Mall and Love River area
- Fireworks over the harbor
- Large concerts with known artists
- Drone shows in recent years
Tainan
- High Speed Rail area celebrations
- Family friendly concerts
- Food markets and fireworks
Hualien and Taitung
- Beachside countdown events
- Indigenous cultural performances
- Fireworks by the sea
These cities are good options if you want fewer crowds than Taipei.
Events to Watch in January 2026
If you are staying after New Year, Taiwan stays busy through January.
Popular January activities
- Cherry blossom festivals in Lohas Park and Lishan
- Winter sales in major malls
- Concerts and cultural shows across cities
January is also cooler, making it comfortable for travel and sightseeing.
Practical Tips for New Year’s Eve in Taiwan
- Use MRT trains early. Some stations close temporarily due to crowd control
- Bring water and snacks. Lines can be long
- Dress warm. Nights can be cold, especially in Taipei
- Expect phone signals to slow down near midnight
FAQ: New Year Countdown in Taiwan 2026
Is the Taipei New Year countdown free?
Yes. The main event at Taipei City Hall Square is free and open to the public.
Do I need tickets to see Taipei 101 fireworks?
No tickets are needed. You can view the fireworks from many public areas.
What time should I arrive?
For Taipei City Hall, arriving before 6 PM is recommended. Viewing spots like Elephant Mountain may need even earlier arrival.
Are countdown events family friendly?
Yes. Most events, especially in Tainan and Taichung, are suitable for families.
How OFWs Spend New Year in Taiwan
For many Overseas Filipino Workers, New Year in Taiwan is quieter than back home, but it still carries meaning.
Some OFWs head straight to the big countdown events, especially in Taipei. Groups of friends plan ahead, meet after work, and stay together through midnight. Sharing street food, watching fireworks, and taking photos become simple ways to mark the moment.
Others choose a calmer way to celebrate.
Many caregivers and factory workers have limited time off, so New Year often means:
- Video calls with family before midnight
- A shared meal in dorms or boarding houses
- Small countdowns using phones or livestreams
In some areas, Filipino communities organize informal gatherings. These are not large concerts, but potluck dinners, prayer moments, or simple countdowns where people check on each other and welcome the year together.
There are also OFWs who prefer to work through the night. Extra pay, lighter workloads, or personal goals sometimes take priority. For them, New Year is less about fireworks and more about starting the year strong.
No matter the setting, the common thread is connection. Even far from home, OFWs find ways to make the moment feel personal.
Conclusion
New Year in Taiwan offers many choices. You can join one of Asia’s biggest countdown parties, watch fireworks from a quiet hillside, or celebrate softly with friends and family online.
For visitors, it is a chance to experience Taiwan at its most alive. For OFWs, it is often a mix of adjustment, resilience, and hope.
However you spend it, the transition from 2025 to 2026 is not just about where you are standing at midnight. It is about how you carry the year forward.
If you are in Taiwan this New Year, choose what fits your energy, your schedule, and your heart. The countdown lasts only a moment, but the meaning stays longer.