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 Monday, 6 October)! 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 6 October 2025. 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!
2025 Kid-friendly Mid-Autumn Festival events in Singapore
1. Soak up the festive air at Chinatown
Commemorating SG60, Chinatown lights up with glowing rabbits, mooncakes, and flowers, alongside an eight-metre tall centrepiece embodying Singapore’s transformation and resilience. The official street light-up will take place on 18 September but programmes such as the Festive Fair and the Lantern Design Competition will start as early as 7 September. Soak in the festive buzz at the Mass Lantern Walk or build a lantern and drink tea in a tea appreciation gathering. After learning all about Hou Yi in the Mid-Autumn Tales, solve lantern riddles as part of the tradition. Collect stamps across five locations to build your Mid-Autumn 2025 Commemorative Layered Stamps postcards. If you’d like to adopt a lantern, applications open from 13 to 20 October.
When: 7 September to 20 October 2025, 6.30pm to 10pm daily
Where: Chinatown, Kreta Ayer Square, 21 Banda Street, Singapore 050005
2. Lights by the Lake @ Jurong Lake Gardens
Lights by the Lake returns to Jurong Lake Gardens with a stunning display of lights, music, and cultural experience! This year, watch the beloved legend of the Journey to the West unfold across Lakeside, Chinese Garden, and Japanese Garden in a spectacular lantern display. Alongside other light installations like the Sunken Garden Illumination and the Wings of Light — the perfect photo op spot! Catch cultural and music performances at the Wave Plaza, don’t forget to stamp activity sheets with Mooncake stamps at the Roving Art Studio. Over at Japanese Garden, visitors will be treated to a breathtaking meditative dance performance, Theatre of Moon, by the the Reflection Pond and kids will enjoy crafting constellation lanterns at the Astronomy Open House at the Water Lily Pavilion. Be sure to stay for the Cloud Pagoda Light Show too!
When: Lights by the Lake, 27 September to 12 October, 6.30pm to 10pm daily
Where: Various Locations, Lakeside Garden
3. Gardens by the Bay Mid-Autumn Festival 2025
Join Ang Ku Kueh Girl and her friends as they trace Singapore’s journey, from its kampung roots to HDB life, with large-scale lanterns illuminating the gardens. You’ll even see a special Merlion and Haetae (mythical creature from Korea) lantern display and an enchanting Dance of the Butterflies, inspired from a classic Chinese tale. Watch the dancing lights at SuperTree Grove tell Tales of the Moon or catch the music and dance performances. There’s even going to be a Marketplace with your favourite street food and carnival games and rides. But if that’s not your jam, sign up for the workshops and activities, which include lantern making, tea appreciation, bamboo weaving, and more.
When: Gardens by the Bay, 22 September to 12 October, 6.30pm to 10pm daily
Where: SuperTree Grove, Golden Garden, and Bayfront Plaza
4. Tee away for Mid-Autumn Festival 2025 at Orchid Country Club
Light up the green at Orchid Country Club with a riddle quest and lantern walk around the golf course. Keep little hands busy with lantern-making, games, and other hands-on activities. When hunger strikes, tuck into a delectable buffet dinner filled with local and festive treats. Plus, stand a chance to win at the Best Dressed and Best Lantern competitions!
When: 4 October 2025, 4pm – 9.30pm
Price: From $20, includes free entry for one child under 12 years old
Where: Orchid Country Club, 1 Orchid Club Rd, Singapore 769162
5. Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2025
Jointly presented by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Wan Qing Yuan, the Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates a weekend of heritage with an outdoor lantern installation, inspired by vibrant guppy fishes. Immerse in music and dance performances, alongside a creative marketplace and drop-in activity stations. There’s even a hanfu dress-up station!
When: 27 – 28 September 2025,
Price: From $20, includes free entry for one child under 12 years old
Where: Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, 47 Hill Street, Singapore 179365
6. Mid-Autumn Family FUN at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
Get ready for a fun-filled Mid-Autumn Family FUN at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre! Enjoy a guided lantern walk, stargazing with telescopes, and collect free gifts! Don’t miss singing along to Mandopop hits with Jarvis Quek while you check out the Monday Bruce installations . For quality family bonding, join ticketed workshops like parent-child soap-making, learn about traditional tea preparation techniques, and try out hanfu outfits.
When: 4 to 5 October, various timings
Where: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, 1 Straits Blvd, Singapore 018906
7. Mid-Autumn celebrations in the heartlands
Punggol CC
Round up the fam and immerse in a night of cultural festivities at Punggol Park. Try your hand at traditional calligraphy and lantern riddles. Get creative making lanterns using recycled materials and you can even showcase it in the lantern procession. There’s going to be goody bags, balloon sculpting, pop corn, ice cream, and more, an evening of festive fun for the whole family.
When: 4 October 2025, 6pm – 9.30pm
Price: $5, you’ll need your Singpass to purchase the tickets
Where: Punggol Park,Hougang Ave 10, Singapore 538768
Paya Lebar
Mid-Autumn meets PAssion Arts Festival, where art, culture, and community come together at Paya Lebar. Make crochet art and shrink art, while enjoying live performances and vibrant beats. Kids will love the bouncy castle, lantern trails, snack booths, and more!
When: 27 September 2025, 6pm – 9pm
Price: $3, you’ll need your Singpass to purchase the tickets
Where: Paya Lebar Kovan CC, 207 Hougang Street 21, Singapore 530207
Kampong Glam
Zhongshan Park lights up with art, cultural showcases, and lanterns this Mid-Autumn Festival. Pit yourselves against each other peeling pomelo and carnival games.
When: 27 September 2025, 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Price: $3, you’ll need your Singpass to purchase the tickets
Where: Zhongshan Park, Balestier Road
Ulu Pandan
Expect a night of multicultural performances, snacks, and crafts at the Ulu Pandan PAssion Arts Festival. Families can enjoy lantern making, puppet shows, silat, lion dance, and more in a vibrant evening of community spirit.
When: 27 September 2025, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Price: $2, you’ll need your Singpass to purchase the tickets
Where: Ulu Pandan, Blk 7A Ghim Moh Road Pavillion, Singapore 271007
Woodgrove
Get hands-on at Woodgrove with crafts like batik, lanterns, and clay food creations, and more. Enjoy vibrant stage performances that highlight tradition, talent, and togetherness.
When: 27 September 2025, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Price: $3, you’ll need your Singpass to purchase the tickets
Where: Woodgrove, Mandai Tekong Park (Beside Blk 897C Woodlands Drive 50, Singapore 732897)
Admiralty
Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival at Admiralty with lantern displays, cultural performances, music, and festive decorations. Eat mooncakes and indulge in some family fun with activities in tradition and community spirit.
When: 27 September 2025, 6pm – 9pm
Price: $5, you’ll need your Singpass to purchase the tickets
Where: Admiralty, Vista Park, Blk 583 Woodlands Drive 16, Singapore 730583
Canberra
Join the community at Canberra for a night of Moonlit GEMS, filled with lanterns, cultural showcases, art booths, performances, and more.
When: 27 September 2025, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Price: $5, you’ll need your Singpass to purchase the tickets
Where: Canberra CC, 2 Sembawang Crescent, Singapore 757632
Kolam Ayer
Expect a lively carnival with an iconic sculpture, interactive art activities like ang ku kueh making, local street performances, and delicious food at the Kolam Ayer PAssionArts Festival.
When: 28 September 2025, 9am – 12pm
Price: $2, you’ll need your Singpass to purchase the tickets
Where: Kolam Ayer, Blk 14A Upper Boon Keng Road Void Deck, Singapore 381014
6. 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!
7. 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 events!
Check out 2024 Kid-friendly Mid-Autumn Festival events in Singapore
1. 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.
2. Head to the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (Temporarily closed)
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!
“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
3. 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
4. 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
Enjoy, everyone! Did we miss your favourite Mid-Autumn Festival event? Let us know at hello@honeykidsasia.com!
