TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei 101 is extending this year’s New Year celebration with a five-day countdown starting Dec. 27, featuring daily Disney-themed projection shows and culminating in a six-minute fireworks display set to original music by young Taiwanese creators.
At a press conference for the Spark 101 celebration series, Taipei 101 Chair Chia Yung-chieh (賈永婕) said the major change this year is stretching the festive countdown over five days. The fireworks will feature low-smoke shells imported from Italy, and she recommended watching from the north or east side of the tower.
Chia revealed that each day of the countdown will showcase a different projection, including Disney and “Toy Story” characters. All animations are custom-designed for Taipei 101, building toward a “cute star-studded finale.”
On New Year’s Eve, Taipei 101 will present a three-minute projection themed “Taiwan’s Invisible Heroes.” The display will use light and shadow to honor everyday heroes who quietly contribute to society.
A highlight this year is the first collaboration with Taipei Music Center to hold an open call for the fireworks soundtrack. Golden Melody Award–winning producer Lu Luming (盧律銘) served as the music director.
Lu oversaw the entire process, from song selection and training to recording and post-production, supporting music creators under 30. Chia said that music has rarely been emphasized at past shows.
Taipei 101 also released a simulated highlight version of the fireworks, structured in five segments. The grand opening is followed by sequences that match the original soundtrack, with fireworks and musical surprises added for New Year’s Eve.
The press conference also featured the premiere of Taipei 101’s brand video, “Together, As Always," with celebrity Dee Hsu (徐熙娣) providing surprise narration. Chia said Hsu’s family tradition of celebrating New Year’s Eve together made her the perfect choice.
Chia emphasized Taipei 101’s fireworks hold deep meaning for Taiwanese. Life has highs and lows, she said, but everyone can find inspiration and strength at Taipei 101, adding, “The new year will definitely be better.”
