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 Friday, 25 September)! It falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month when the moon is typically at its peak fullness and brightness! 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, there’s more!
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. Thankfully, she wasn’t alone. She brought along her pet rabbit, Yu Tu (Jade Rabbit). Some say the rabbit is from another story!
Hou Yi was heartbroken. 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.
When is the Mid-Autumn Festival?
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 25 September 2026. Celebrations usually involve gathering friends and family for a reunion to celebrate 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), pomelo (for blessings), 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. Or, try the other beloved tradition of hanging riddles on the lanterns for some brain-teasing fun! There are more 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!
2026 Kid-friendly Mid-Autumn Festival events in Singapore
Celestial nights 2026 at Science Centre Singapore
Where better to gaze at the full moon than at the Science Centre Singapore with a 16 inch telescope! Follow a lunar exploration from legends to modern space missions at the Live Planetarium, or hop on a celestial trail from Science Centre to Japanese Garden. Grab your late night snacks and dance the night away at the silent disco, MOONBEATS.
When: 19 to 27 September, various timings
Where: Science Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Rd, Singapore 609081
Price: Free and ticketed events
Mid-Autumn Family FUN at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
From a Mid-Autumn light up and moon gazing sessions to workshops and performances, get ready for two nights of moonlit fun at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. Forgot the lanterns? Make one out of everyday materials at the Upcycled Lantern Making Workshop. Make sure to head to the Hanfu wardrobe corner for a complimentary dress-up and photo taking session. Join ticketed events like the TCM Cold Brew Tea Workshop or take in the fine tunes of the Singapore Chinese Ochestra (SCO) with A Voyage of Voices: Moonbound.
When: 19 to 20 September, various timings
Where: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, 1 Straits Boulevard, and Singapore Conference Hall, 7 Shenton Way
Price: Free and ticketed events
Soak up the festivities at Chinatown
Catch giant lantern displays light up Chinatown, alongside a bustling street bazaar with all the festive goodies. Think mooncakes, pomelos, yam cakes, tea sets, and more. Make sure to light up your lanterns and take a walk through the decorated streets. Don’t forget to stop for cultural performances, such as Chinese dance, martial arts, and more at the open stages.
When: 18 September to 20 October 2026, 6.30pm to 10pm daily
Where: Chinatown area
Price: Free event
Lights by the Lake @ Jurong Lake Gardens
From giant lanterns that tell a story to a vibrant food street at the Lakeside Field, Lights by the Lake is set to light up your nights with fun-filled activities. Find storytelling sessions, film screening, and music performances at Chinese Garden. Be moonstruck at the Japanese Garden with moon viewing programmes by the Singapore Science Centre. Head to Wave Plaza for performances, riddles, and a roving art studio by National Gallery Singapore. There’s a stamp rally happening all around the gardens, keep your eyes peeled for stamping locations. Be sure to stay for the Cloud Pagoda Light Show too!
When: Lights by the Lake, 19 – 27 September, 6.30pm to 10.30pm daily
Where: Various Locations, Lakeside Garden
Price: Free and ticketed events
Gardens by the Bay Mid-Autumn Festival 2026
It’s official! We have the cutest ambassador of curiosity and her name is Fenbao. The Singapore homegrown cartoon character headlines Gardens by the Bay’s Mid- Autumn Festival with larger-than-life lantern displays. Follow Fenbao through the magical moonlit garden and hop on to the path of wonder to waterfall fantasy and the dream voyage. Visit the Marketplace with your favourite street food and carnival games and rides. Then, catch the luminous lion and dragon dance performances for some festive fun.
When: Gardens by the Bay, 12 September to 27 September, 6pm to 10pm daily
Where: SuperTree Grove, Golden Garden, Bayfront Plaza, and Flower Dome
Price: Free and ticketed events
Mid-Autumn celebrations in the heartlands
Round up your neighbours and light up the ‘hood with a lantern processions, cultural performances, and lots of fun activities to celebrate Mid-Autumn festival. You can always count on OnePA for celebrations in the heartlands. The events usually run for a couple of hours and they cost less than your morning espresso. Best way to know your neighbours. Find your neighbourhood here.
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!
Order your mooncakes (early!)
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 early because there are usually early bird promotions . 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 2026 events!
Enjoy, everyone! Did we miss your favourite Mid-Autumn Festival event? Let us know at hello@honeykidsasia.com!
