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Time to light the lanterns and feast on mooncakes – Mid-Autumn Festival is here! Learn more about this traditional festival that's all about family, togetherness and dazzling displays of light.
In case you haven’t noticed all the beautiful lanterns and the abundance of mooncakes around town, it’s Mid-Autumn Festival time in Singapore (FYI – this year, it lands on Tuesday, 17 September)! There are so many perks to living in a multicultural city – we love celebrating all the cultural events that make the local calendar so lively. Sure, we’re fairly clued up on all things Chinese New Year, dazzling Deepavali, and the big Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities. But how about the story behind the Mid-Autumn Festival? Read on to find out about this colourful cultural experience…
All you need to know about the Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore
What’s the Mid-Autumn Festival all about?
Marking the end of the Autumn harvest, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time to show gratitude to godly entities. The most popular tale is of Hou Yi and his wife Chang’e. Long ago, the sky was filled with ten suns, which burnt and devoured the greenery on Earth and caused people to perish. So, a young archer, Hou Yi, came to the rescue. He used his bow and arrows to shoot down nine of the suns, saving the human race. Hurrah! As a reward for his heroism, The Queen Mother of the West presented him with a bottle of magic elixir, a potion that would guarantee his immortality.
… but wait!
However, the archer didn’t want the gift, as he loved his wife more than the prospect of eternal life without her (aww!). Instead of downing the elixir and sealing his immortal fate, Hou Li chose to hide it. Enter a dastardly student, Pang Meng, who tried to steal the elixir for himself. What Pang Meng didn’t bargain for was running into Chang’e, who thwarted the plot by drinking the elixir herself! As a result, Chang’e became immortal, and the potion caused her to fly higher and higher until she reached the moon. She was destined to spend eternity in her new role as the Moon Goddess.
Hou Yi was heartbroken. So he took action by moving a table laden with food and offerings directly under the moon hoping that it would somehow entice his beloved back to earth. Ever since then, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the traditions of offering worship to the moon and the Goddess have continued.
The festival is honoured on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese Han and Vietnamese calendars (within 15 days of the autumnal equinox), on the night of the full moon (get all that?). This year, it falls on 17 September 2024. Celebrations usually involve gathering friends and family for a reunion to give thanks for the year’s harvest. Take note that while festivities abound on this day in Singapore, it is not a public holiday.
It is also a time to pray for what you really wish for. That might be a new baby, a spouse, good health, longevity or a happy future. And, of course, gatherings will include mooncakes (washed down with Chinese tea) and the chance to get crafty making colourful lanterns.
Making lanterns to release along the river is a traditional custom, but thankfully, it’s widely acknowledged that this isn’t a good practice for the environment. There are so many other ways to appreciate the beauty of lanterns – keep your eyes peeled for some great events around town! We’re all about creativity here at HoneyKids, so why not break out the craft kit with the kids and make your own lanterns to decorate your home? Insta-photo ops galore!
Kid-friendly Mid-Autumn Festival events in Singapore
1. Mid-Autumn Festival Family Fun at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
Get ready for a fun-filled Mid-Autumn Festival weekend at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre! Enjoy a guided lantern walk, stargazing with telescopes, and sample mooncakes from various dialect groups. Don’t miss the local circus duo Juggling Artisans and a singalong with Chinese radio station, 96.3 Hao FM. For quality family bonding, join ticketed workshops like Parent-Child Lyrics Writing, Ancestral Heritage Stories, and an Artistry Workshop on Chinese Oriental Hair Pins. More details here.
When: 6 to 8 September, various timings
Where: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, 1 Straits Blvd, Singapore 018906
2. Lights by the Lake @ Jurong Lake Gardens
Lights by the Lake returns to Jurong Lake Gardens from 8 to 22 September with a stunning display of lights, music, and food! Enjoy Mid-Autumn festivities with lantern displays celebrating biodiversity and cultural heritage and light and projection shows on the Gardens’ iconic structures. Plus, you can look forward to various family friendly fun!
Lantern Display
Look forward to beautiful lantern displays that showcase the biodiversity and iconic buildings of Jurong Lake Gardens! The displays will feature lanterns meticulously crafted by expert lantern makers, as well as the ever-popular floating lanterns, and new designs inspired by origami.
When: 8 to 22 September 2024, 6.30pm to 10pm daily
Where: Various Locations, Lakeside Garden
Cultural Showcases and Music Performances
From traditional dances to contemporary musical expressions, each showcase promises to celebrate artistry and cultural heritage. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a cultural extravaganza that celebrates the universal language of music and the timeless allure of tradition.
When: 8, 13 to 15 and 20 to 22 September 2024 (Friday to Sunday), 6.30pm to 10pm daily
Where: Various Locations, Lakeside Garden
NParks Concert Series in the Park: Rockestra®
Mark your calendars for the 21st edition of Rockestra®! In line with the Mid-Autumn festivities, our incredible line-up of local artists will perform ‘Moonlit Melodies’, which feature a selection of Mandarin and English songs. From timeless classics to modern chart-toppers, get ready to be blown away by the powerhouse performances that will have the whole family singing along and dancing the night away.
When: 14 September 2024, 6:30pm
Where: The Oval, Lakeside Garden
Movie Screenings
Don’t miss upcoming movie screenings! Bring the kiddos out for an evening of entertainment and relaxation.
Where: 15 to 22 September 2024, 7pm (Monday to Thursday) and 7:30pm (Friday to Sunday)
When: The Oval, Lakeside Garden
Lantern Riddles
Head over for an evening of delightful puzzlement and cultural celebration under the soft glow of lanterns. Test your wits and wisdom as you and the kiddos figure out the charm of traditional riddles.
When: 9 to 12 and 16 to 19 September 2024 (Monday to Thursday), 7pm to 9pm
Where: Wave Plaza, Lakeside Garden
When: 8 to 22 September 2024, 6.30pm to 10pm daily
Where: Jurong Lake Gardens, 50 Yuan Ching Rd, Singapore 618661
3. Soak up the festive air at Chinatown
Keep your eyes peeled on Chinatown this year! Mid-Autumn festivities start with the official light-up and opening ceremony at Kreta Ayer Square. The amazing street light features parts of the Mid-Autumn legend and more. The street light-up is happening along New Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen, South Bridge Road and Upper Cross Street. Celebrations will include weekly festival fairs with all kinds of local cuisine that you and the kiddos can enjoy in the open space in front of the People’s Park Complex and traditional and musical performances at the Kreta Ayer Square. Follow the official Instagram page for useful information on the events and some cultural anecdotes.
When: 30 August to 2 October 2024, 6.30pm to 10pm daily
Where: Chinatown, Kreta Ayer Square, 21 Banda Street, Singapore 050005
4. Head to the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Head over to the Wan Qing Closing Fest at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall before it temporarily closes for restoration in mid-September! Known fondly as Wan Qing Yuan, this exciting festival offers a unique chance to celebrate Chinese arts, culture, and heritage through various engaging events. From 20 August to 15 September 2024, enjoy free admission and extended gallery hours on select days. Highlights include the enchanting “Moonlit Legends” lantern display, the thrilling “Secrets in the Moon Palace” mystery adventure, and a stunning array of cultural workshops and performances. Don’t miss this final celebration of tradition and creativity before the Memorial Hall closes its doors! Check out our sneak peek!
Here’s all the info you need on the Closing Fest:
Extended Opening Hours
From today until 15 September, the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall has extended its opening hours from 10am to 9pm. Admission is FREE to ALL, but some events are ticketed. The list of ticketed events can be found here.
“Moonlit Legends” Lantern Display
Gather with the kiddos for cool photo ops with the dazzling lantern display. This year, giant lanterns depicting Wu Gang and Chang’e grace the lawn.
When: 20 August to 15 September 2024, 10am to 9pm
Admission: Free
“Timeless Elegance” – Hanfu Portraits
Fancy getting into a traditional hanfu and some cool updos to get a portrait taken at this 120-year-old establishment? Tip: don’t wear high-neck or polo tees; they will peek out of the hanfu gear, and pictures may look awkward.
When: 7 & 8 September and 14 & 15 September, 10am to 5pm
Price: Tickets start at $40++
Free outdoor performances
Catch some cool theatrical shows with some immersive fun out on the lawn.
When: 14 to 15 September, 7:45pm – 8:15pm
SECRETS IN THE MOON PALACE – Mystery Puzzle Adventure
Solve the mystery, bring Chang’e back, and keep the festival on track. Crack the clues all throughout the galleries and save the day! Best for groups of four.
When: 7 & 8 September and 14 & 15 September, Various timings, $10 per pax.
That’s not all! Head on over during the final weekends for more parent-child bonding activities, including ondeh-ondeh making, craft sessions, and much more. All the deets here.
Where: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, 21 Tai Gin Road, Singapore 327874
5. Catch a Mandarin performance at Gateway Theatre
The Race Around The Moon returns in 2024 after its successful 2023 debut, now performed in Chinese! Join Chang’e, Jade Rabbit, and Wu Gang as they race to reunite with their families, but their fierce competition puts their friendship to the test. Will they discover true success lies in their bonds rather than just victory? Recommended for ages five to 10, this production helps young audiences embrace their unique strengths, understand that losing isn’t shameful, and recognize the importance of supporting friends through all emotions. The show is a Relaxed Performance, with a calm space available and full accessibility for wheelchair users and those with mobility restrictions.
When: 7 and 15 September 2024
Where: Gateway Theatre, 3615 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 159461
6. Mid-Autumn Festival at Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay always dazzles with amazing displays for every festive season, and the Mid-Autumn Festival is no exception this year. Take a family stroll through The Meadow, Dragonfly Lake, Golden Garden, and Supertree Grove to see enchanting installations inspired by childhood play. Best of all, it’s free! Enjoy charming old-school shophouse displays, watch free performances at the Dragon Playground, explore the Pelican Playground, and snap photos at the Colourful Blossoms floral arch and the Colonnade of Lights with 1,000 paper lanterns. Don’t miss the nightly bubble playtime at 8:15pm and 9:15pm — kids will love it! For even more Mid-Autumn Festival fun, visit Gardens by the Bay throughout September for a lantern walk, craft workshops, a marketplace with street food and games, and live music performances.
When: 4 to 22 September 2024, 6pm to 10pm daily
Where: Various locations at Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
7. Learn to make mooncakes with the kiddos!
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with a fun mooncake-making workshop at Book Bar. Kick things off with a children’s workshop from 2 to 3pm. Little ones will be guided to create snow-skin mooncakes using natural food colouring. From 4-6pm, join us for the adult session (teens welcome!), where you can make Shanghai mooncakes and shape peach blossom pastries. To reserve your spot, send a DM to the Book Bar IG page. Don’t forget to bring your appetite and any mooncake questions!
When: 15 September 2024, 2pm to 6pm
Where: Book Bar, 57 Duxton Road, Singapore 089521
8. Get crafty with the kiddos!
Usher in the Mid-Autumn Festival with some art and craft projects with the kiddos! Make your own mooncake boxes, create your own paper lanterns and more!
9. Order your mooncakes
Snow skin or baked? There’s a whole range of stunningly beautiful (and delicious) mooncakes from hotels and restaurants this Mid-Autumn, and we’ve rounded up a list of our favourite mooncakes for you to try. Traditionally made with wheat flour and stuffed with delectable fillings, including sugar and lotus bean powder, these tasty little Chinese pastries symbolise family reunions. Many now feature different textures and exotic flavours. Think Champagne truffle, chocolate and even Singapore’s all-time fave fruit, durian! Get ordering now in time for reunions, celebrations and more. Also, be sure to note that mooncakes should be consumed with tea, so make sure to stock up on some brews.
Stay tuned for more Mid-Autumn events!
Enjoy, everyone!