Taipei – Taiwan will observe Christmas as a public holiday for the first time in 25 years, following the passage of legislation restoring five public holidays.
Taiwan Restores Christmas as Public Holiday
The change, enacted earlier in 2025 by opposition parties, adds or restores five public holidays, including one on December 25th, which is Constitution Day in Taiwan.
The Republic of China’s constitution was adopted on December 25, 1947, when the Kuomintang (KMT) governed from Nanjing. The KMT, now an opposition party in Taiwan, stated the holidays would help “commemorate the history of national development,” emphasizing its historical links to China.
The date was originally chosen by Chiang Kai-shek, the former ruler of Taiwan for over two decades, who was a baptised Christian. His mausoleum is decorated with a cross.
In a radio address shortly before the constitution took effect, Chiang Kai-shek said, “The Christmas of 1947, marking the birth of Jesus, will be the day that ushers in a new beginning for the Republic of China and all its people – one of unity, independence, equality and freedom.”
Unofficially, people in Taiwan had previously celebrated Christmas on Constitution Day until the move towards a five-day working week in 2001 led to the removal of some public holidays.
Christmas is a popular cultural and commercial event in Taiwan, with celebrations and festive displays in Taipei malls. The additional five days off per year have also been welcomed by workers.
Taiwanese workers averaged 2,030 working hours in 2024, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor – the fourth-highest among 37 major economies.
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