The 2025 Taipei Lantern Festival kicked off with a grand opening ceremony in Ximending on the evening of 2 February to mark the start of this year’s celebrations.
Spanning four themed zones, the festival showcases a fusion of diverse artistic expressions and local cultural heritage. The festival runs until 16 and is illuminated daily from 5pm to 10pm. Visitors can enjoy an immersive festive atmosphere created by the spectacular main lantern show, creative light installations, captivating stage performances, and dynamic street acts.
Mayor Chiang Wan-an said that this year’s festival is bigger and better than ever. The main lantern features two oversized, endearing eyes and even a sticking-out tongue, both adding a playful touch and symbolizing boundless vitality. He also encouraged everyone to explore the various beautifully crafted lantern displays across the festival grounds.
Despite light rain during the opening ceremony, Mayor Chiang remarked that “water brings prosperity” and that it promises to be a thriving year filled with success, fortune, and prosperity. He expressed his delight in unveiling the festival alongside distinguished guests and festivalgoers, wishing everyone a Happy Lunar New Year and prosperity in all endeavors. He closed his remarks with Everything is good, a playful pun on the four animals Snake, Horse, Dragon, and Crane.
Following the opening ceremony, Mayor Chiang toured the Zhonghua Road exhibition area, where he explored crossover music-themed lantern installations, including Taipei Gramophone by Lim Giong and The Tree Awaiting Harvest by TERU, both internationally recognized musicians, as well as lantern displays from Taipei’s international partner cities.
The city’s government calls on festivalgoers to use the public transportation for a hassle-free experience as the grounds are conveniently located near Metro Taipei’s Beimen Station, Ximen Station, and Taipei Main Station as well as Metro Taoyuan’s A1 Station.
