Shangri-La Far Eastern, Taipei is ready to whisk you away on a whimsical journey this holiday season. Walking through the lobby and public areas, you’ll notice carefully arranged holiday decorations that are sure to fill you with the spirit of celebration. Honoring festivity, Shangri-La is also organizing special activities for guests and visitors, such as a Christmas Market and Lunar New Year lion dance performances. But the true holiday highlight is the hotel’s pop-up Dream Bar.  

For Christmas and Lunar New Year, the hotel’s Li Bai Lounge has been transformed into a haven for those looking to excite their festive spirit. Stepping into Shangri-La Taipei’s Dream Bar, nestled on the hotel’s sixth floor, you’ll immediately be stunned by the thoughtfulness that has gone into creating an immersive, magical atmosphere. 

“Our goal for this year was to elevate the holiday experience to a new level,” says Marco Vazzoler, area general manager Taiwan of Shangri-La Far Eastern, Taipei. “So we decided to transform the Li Bai Lounge into a speakeasy bar, creating a hidden gem that will wow our guests.” The Dream Bar, accommodating up to 50 guests, can also be rented for private events during the holiday season.  

Inspired by celestial bodies, the Dream Bar is awash in red and gold, with 8,000 Christmas ornaments hanging from the fan-shaped ceiling, creating a dazzling, starry galaxy. The bar’s entrances have been artfully concealed to add an element of mystery, transporting you to a place where Yuletide joy comes to life. 

“The Dream Bar has been an opportunity for us to create a celebratory atmosphere for both visitors and locals who want to do something special to celebrate the holidays,” says Vazzoler. “As a hotel, our priority is to create unforgettable experiences for our guests. It’s all about capturing a feeling, and that’s why no detail is too small.”  

Every corner of the Dream Bar has been specifically tailored to radiate warmth and joy. Whether you seek solitude to enjoy a masterfully crafted cocktail, watch bartenders skillfully prepare themed specials, or gather with friends on a cozy sofa by the window to chat over delectable food and wine, the Dream Bar offers it all. Day or night, as you gaze out the window, you’ll witness the transformation of the warm, golden hues of daytime to the enchanting night view of Taipei aglow with lights.  

The Dream Bar offers a festive menu meticulously crafted by Shangri-La’s team of chefs and bartenders. From holiday snacks to luxurious main courses and desserts, your taste buds will embark on a culinary adventure. Those who desire something from the hotel’s renowned Shang Palace Cantonese Restaurant can also have dishes from the regular menus delivered to the Dream Bar. 

Live music fills the air Wednesday through Sunday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., adding an extra layer of enchantment to your visit. The hotel’s pianist has joined forces with Shangri-La’s bartenders, who have crafted a series of specialty alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks named after music legends and their timeless tunes. For Christmas, Shangri-La is celebrating the musical legacies of legends like Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Ella Fitzgerald. For Lunar New Year, guests can enjoy tunes from artists like ABBA, Bobby McFerrin, Doris Day, and Kay Kyser.  

Order one of these signature drinks and the pianist will serenade you with the corresponding melody, adding a musical dimension to your interactive experience. It’s a journey that engages both your palate and your ears. 

“Once everything comes together, it creates the feeling of escaping the cold and entering the coziness of a family living room,” says Vazzoler. “This way, no matter who you are, you will always feel at home with us.” 

At the Dream Bar, every moment is an opportunity to let your dreams take flight. The bar is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. To make reservations, please call (886 2) 7700-3148 and secure your spot in this dreamy holiday retreat.