Here are the five major highlights of the week:
The Taipei 101 Christmas concert brings warmth to the season; holiday medical services become more convenient with new Urgent Care Centers; the government launches a major renovation subsidy for aging homes; Alishan prepares to welcome the New Year with its iconic sunrise concert; and nutrition experts share tips on how to enjoy winter meals without gaining weight.
Let's take a closer look at the week's key stories.
【Taipei 101 Christmas “Dream Stage” Brings City and Rural Children Together】
Taipei 101 has kicked off its annual “Dream Stage Christmas Concert,” held every weekend afternoon through December 28 on the 4th-floor Urban Plaza. This year's event features 27 youth performance groups and more than 500 children from both urban schools and rural Indigenous communities.
A highlight of this year's program is the cross-school and cross-cultural collaboration. For example, the recorder ensemble from Tianmu Elementary School performs alongside the Paiwan youth choir, bringing together children from very different backgrounds on the same stage.
The event also includes a “Share the Love” gift-exchange activity, encouraging children to exchange small presents and cards to spread warmth and holiday cheer.
【No More Rushing to the ER on Holidays-Urgent Care Centers Now Available】
Feeling unwell on a holiday no longer means rushing to a crowded hospital. Thirteen Urgent Care Centers-known as UCCs-have opened across Taiwan's six major cities. They operate every Sunday and on national holidays, from 8 a.m. to midnight.
These centers can handle common mild conditions such as fever, cough, stomach issues, or minor pediatric emergencies. Basic tests like X-rays and blood or urine exams are also available.
The fee is the same as at community clinics-150 NT dollars-saving patients at least 600 dollars compared to medical center ERs. The goal is to ease emergency room congestion and make holiday medical care much more accessible.
【Living in an Old Building? New Government Subsidy Helps Extend Its Life】
The Ministry of the Interior has launched a new subsidy program for aging homes-specifically, legal apartments and townhouses more than 30 years old.
Residents can apply through the end of 2027. For apartment buildings, completing three required upgrades in common areas can qualify for up to 9.6 million NT dollars in subsidies. Townhouses need to complete at least one item to apply.
After common-area improvements, households may apply for interior renovation subsidies as well-up to 200,000 NT dollars for general applicants, and up to 300,000 for senior or vulnerable residents.
Properties already undergoing urban renewal or demolition, or buildings under single ownership, are not eligible for the program.
【Welcoming the New Year Above the Clouds-Alishan Sunrise Concert Returns】
The Alishan “Sunrise Impression Concert” will once again welcome the New Year at dawn on January 1, 2026. Known for combining music with Alishan's breathtaking scenery-forest railways, cloud seas, cherry blossoms, and sunrise-this annual event has become a beloved tradition for many travelers.
This year's lineup includes Skyline, the Chairman Band, and the Orquesta de la Primavera, which will perform during the sunrise moment.
To handle the holiday crowds, the first Zhushan sunrise train will depart at 2:50 a.m. Group reservations open on December 10, while individual online booking begins on December 18. Travelers planning to greet the first sunrise of the year in Alishan are encouraged to arrange their trip early.
【Winter Hot Pots Don't Have to Lead to Weight Gain-Nutritionist Shares Tips】
As temperatures drop, many people crave winter warm-ups like ginger duck, lamb hot pot, or sesame oil chicken. But these comforting meals often come with hidden calories.
According to nutritionists, the problem isn't the dishes themselves-it's the oily broth, heavy seasoning, and processed hot-pot items that add excessive calories and sodium.
To enjoy winter meals without the weight gain, experts suggest adding more vegetables and mushrooms, limiting alcoholic seasonings, drinking less broth, and choosing lighter condiments.
Using ingredients like scallions, garlic, or chili with just a bit of soy sauce or vinegar can help avoid high-calorie sauces such as satay or sesame oil. With a few smart choices, winter meals can be warm, satisfying, and healthy.
Thank you for watching This Week's Top Stories.
The Global News Network for New Residents is here to keep you informed, connected, and engaged with Taiwan and the world.
