Find out where to buy lanterns in Singapore and why lanterns are important to celebrations like Mid-Autumn Festival!
This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival lands on Friday, 29th September. We’ve already given you the important deets on all the kid-friendly Mid-Autumn Festival events and the best mooncakes in Singapore! Here’s another main feature of the Mid-Autumn festivities: lanterns! Apart from being a perennial part of the light displays, lanterns are often toted around during the festivities, especially during the processions and more. What’s the hype about lanterns, and where can you get your hands on one in Singapore?
You’ll notice several traditional lantern-related activities, such as making lanterns, carrying lanterns while moon gazing and more. So much so that the Mid-Autumn Festival is also called the Lantern Festival. We fill you in on the cultural significance of lanterns during the Mid-Autumn Festival and places you can buy the coolest kinds of lanterns the kiddos will love! Ready, set, glow!
Why are lanterns used during the Mid-Autumn Festival?
The use of lanterns during the Mid-Autumn is due to practicality and symbolism. Traditionally, Mid-Autumn festivities took place after sunset, so people lit up their way using lanterns!
Gatherings were held in the soft glow of spherical lanterns, hence becoming the symbol for family reunions, feasting, happy occasions and such. Lanterns of all sizes and shapes are carried and displayed – these symbolic beacons light people’s path to prosperity and good fortune.
These days, you can find elaborate and intricately designed lanterns during the festival. Lantern displays add a touch of artistry to the festive fun.
Types of lanterns you can see during the Mid-Autumn Festival
Traditionally, Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns were made of paper and lit up using candles. These days, you can probably find many kinds of lanterns, even battery-operated ones. Here are some of the common types you can find during this festive period:
1. Paper Lanterns
These paper lanterns are the OG designs used during the procession. Although made of paper, these lanterns aren’t flimsy, open up like an accordion shape, and can be lit using a candle or LED light. They also come in sphere shapes.
2. Cellophane Lanterns
Fashioned from wireframes and colourful cellophane, these lantern innovations come in various animal or fruit forms! These lanterns might be lit up using an LED lamp.
3. Battery-operated Lanterns
These lanterns resemble toys and might be battery-operated with a switch function. They are likely the safest and most fun for the kids to use. Plus, you don’t have to toss it after the fest but upcycle it into a toy.
Now that you know all about the cultural significance and different types of lanterns…
Where to buy lanterns in Singapore for Mid-Autumn Festival
Get in on the Mid-Autumn Festival fun with lanterns for you and the kiddos. Here are some places where you can pick up a snazzy lantern in Singapore, to use during the many Mid-Autumn festivities:
1. Lantern Kingdom
The Lantern Kingdom is the place for the cutest lanterns, whether you’re seeking traditional paper accordion or cellophane ones. More recently, they’ve also added PVC lanterns in adorable animal shapes to their collection.
Their traditional paper lanterns feature hand-drawn intricate artworks by Singaporean artists, so you’ll find familiar local motifs! That’s not all! They even feature DIY lantern-making kits complete with everything you and your kiddo need for a hands-on experience.
Lantern Kingdom, 01-44, 1005 Aljunied Ave 5, Singapore 389886
2. GiveFun
Started by high school sweethearts Nizz and Adrian, GiveFun literally brings in the fun during special occasions with their range of adorable balloons and miscellaneous party needs. Their Mid-Autumn offerings include traditional lanterns, innovative hanging lanterns, an adorable mooncake plushie and more!
We love their range of paper lanterns that were designed after the planets and the mermaid hanging lantern with sparkly tassels. Kiddos will also have a spanking time creating a Mid-Autumn-themed dragon honeycomb decor piece. They also have DIY lantern kits.
GiveFun, 08-23, Oxley Bizhub 2, 62 Ubi Road, Singapore 408734
3. Khiam Teck
Stepping into this toy and knickknack shop in the Holland Village area is like stepping back into vintage Singapore! While you can find obscure retro toys and an assortment of party needs, you can also find a huge range of colourful cellophane lanterns in unique forms, even dinosaurs! Talk about retro.
Khiam Teck, 265 Holland Ave, Singapore 278988
4. Party & Gifts
Party & Gifts is your one-stop shop for all your party supplies. They also carry a range of seasonal festive items and feature a no-frills range of Mid-Autumn lanterns. You’ll find paper lanterns, cellophane lanterns and simple LED lanterns as well.
Party & Gifts, 01-03, ICB Enterprise House, 116 Middle Road, Singapore 188972
5. AZ Gift & Trading Singapore
This wholesale and retail business has over a thousand products available for all your party or festive needs. For Mid-Autumn, you can find traditional paper lanterns, PVC ones that are battery operated, as well as adorable, vibrant cellophane lanterns.
AZ Gift & Trading Singapore, 01-01, ICB Enterprise House, 16 Middle Road, Singapore 188972
6. House of Lanterns
You’re spoiled for choice this Mid-Autumn at House of Lanterns, Chinatown Complex. You can find all kinds of lanterns, from home decor pieces to fun casual ones to use during the Mid-Autumn festivities.
House of Lanterns, 01-14/16, Chinatown Complex, 335 Smith Street, Singapore 050335
7. Sin Tat Toys
Sin Tat Toys is the place for affordable toys, party supplies, festive decorations, balloons and more! Located along Bugis Village, this shop boasts some really interesting kinds of lantern-meets-toy contraptions that can create light and sound. You’ll also find them in various forms, from lobster to unicorns and even Baby Shark ones – head over to check out other designs!
Sin Tat Toys, 163 Rochor Road, Bugis Village, Singapore 188438 and 01-39, 462 Crawford Lane, Singapore 190462
8. Onedollaronly
This online party store has a modest offering of spherical paper lanterns shaped like animals. Very adorable!
Onedollaronly, order online
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
Featured Image: Mitchell Luo vis Unsplash
