The 2024 European Christmas Market opened Thursday in Taipei, bringing cheer and specialty goods to the heart of Taipei for the 5th year in a row. The opening was attended by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), who commented on not only on the warm spirit, but how the yearly event highlights the drawing closeness of Taiwanese and European cultures.

The European Christmas Market, organized in part by the Association des Français de Taiwan, has been heralded as one of Taiwan’s “most authentic” experiences. Minister Lin said via Facebook he had already felt the Christmas spirit during his European trip last week. At the market, he tried a taro croissant called “Ku’s Dream”, and a glass of mulled wine.

Lin also noted during his trip that the famous market has only gotten bigger over the past five years. Not only does it allow Taiwanese people to better understand European cultures, but also displays the closeness of the two peoples, Lin said. Taiwan and Europe share many ideological similarities with valuing freedom and democracy. The two also cooperate closely across various fields– not to mention the history of productive parliamentary exchanges. Lin closed by encouraging people to visit the market, and said he looks forward to even more fruitful cooperation between Taiwan and Europe in the future.

The European Christmas Market runs from Thursday to Sunday, and offers a plethora of specialty goods from many countries, including Lithuanian tree cakes, belgian muffins, mulled wine and more. Local food is also available along with concerts, dances, and other performances.