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Chiayi Christmas Forest Town suits visitors who enjoy park walks, small gifts and music rather than travelling solely for a giant landmark tree. It adds a festive afternoon and evening to a Chiayi city trip. If your group only wants a meal and a few photographs, keep the market portion short rather than waiting through a full programme.
Where the 2025 market took place
The 2025 market took place on 20–21 December, 14:00–20:00, in Chiayi Park at No. 264, Qiming Road, East District. It combined curated shopping, music, workshops and light installations. This is the 2025 programme. For a later visit, check that edition’s dates, vendors and workshops rather than carrying the 2025 programme forward.
| Main interest | Suggested approach | Plan separately |
|---|---|---|
| Gifts and design products | Browse during the afternoon | How to carry larger purchases |
| A family park outing | Walk first, then have a snack | A proper meal and rest |
| Music and evening photographs | Arrive before the evening portion | Specific programme times |
A two-day event does not mean the same stalls are present throughout December. General access to a park is also different from market trading hours, particularly if you arrive late.
Chiayi City and the HSR connection
The event venue is Chiayi Park in Chiayi City. An HSR arrival still needs a city transfer; reaching a station named Chiayi is not the same as reaching the park. Use the HSR-to-Chiayi-station guide and city transport guide for the two stages.
From conventional Chiayi railway station, a simple last-mile option is a taxi to the park entrance at No. 264, Qiming Road, then following the event signs on foot. HSR arrivals can also consider the BRT connection to Chiayi Park; check the operating-day timetable rather than relying on an old last bus. If you stay in the city, leave luggage first. Browsing design products with large bags is awkward, especially if you also intend to buy food souvenirs later. Agree on a specific park entrance or landmark when meeting friends rather than a vague location “in the forest”.
Give dinner its own space
Initially allow two to three hours for walking, shopping and some music. This is a suggested pace. Daylight makes colours and materials easier to compare; return to a favourite setting later for photographs. If a workshop interests you, check whether it needs registration or a numbered place before treating it as a guaranteed drop-in activity.
With children, agree on a shopping budget and let them choose a gift or snack. A park event is not permission to run through every area: stall circulation and photography queues still need attention. In poor weather, shorten the market and keep the seated meal rather than trying to spend the whole afternoon outside.
Day trip or overnight stay?
A city overnight can spread the market and food stops across two days, but there is no need to choose a hotel inconvenient for the rest of the trip. The Chiayi accommodation comparison helps weigh the station area, food districts and family-room needs. If the following day involves Alishan, arrange the onward mountain journey before the festive evening, not after it.
FAQ
Is Christmas Forest Town in Alishan?
No. The 2025 venue was Chiayi Park in the city’s East District, a different travel area from Alishan.
Can I find the market throughout December?
Do not assume so. The historical edition lasted two days; use the new organiser calendar when choosing a future visit.
Can I combine workshops with a walk?
That is a reasonable plan, but workshop capacity and entry arrangements are separate. Check the participation rules before fixing your walk around one.