Can you feel it? There's a gentle shift in the air, a sense of magic and anticipation as the nights grow longer and the moon shines brighter. The Mid-Autumn Festival is upon us, and it's a beautiful time of year to celebrate with family, friends, and of course, delicious mooncakes! I personally love this time of the year as the sound of sparklers and giggling children light up the neighbourhood.
More than just a festival of lanterns and sweet treats, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration of abundance, reunion, and harmony. It’s a time to gather with your loved ones, give thanks for the harvest, and cherish the connections that make life so meaningful.
For Mid-Autumn Festival 2025, Singapore is celebrating with a spectacular array of events that bring these traditions to life. This year, it falls on 6th October 2025, so mark your calendars for the line-up of events that will fall around this date.
01 • SG60 lanterns and cultural shows @ Gardens by the Bay
If there's one spot that truly captures the magic of the Mid-Autumn Festival, it has to be Gardens by the Bay. This year's celebration is extra special as it’s a tribute to our nation's 60th anniversary. From 22 September to 12 October, the gardens will be transformed into a breathtaking wonderland of glowing lanterns.
Stroll through the Supertree Grove and Golden Garden to admire the magnificent illuminated displays. This year, expect a heartwarming tribute to our heritage with lanterns inspired by beloved local cartoon characters and nostalgic scenes of kampung life and HDB living. You'll also be treated to a display celebrating the friendship between Singapore and the Republic of Korea, featuring the iconic Merlion alongside a mythical Korean guardian.
But that's not all, you can join a magical Lantern Walk on 22 September (with a free lantern provided)! Enjoy multicultural performances by talented local and international artists on weekends, or get hands-on with parent-child lantern crafting and Chinese tea appreciation workshops. It's an immersive experience that perfectly blends tradition with modern creativity, making it a must-visit for the whole family. Click here for more information.
📍 Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
02 • Lights by the Lake @ Jurong Lake Gardens
Journey to the West for an epic adventure. Jurong Lake Garden’s event Lights by the Lake, hosted by Nparks, is ongoing from 27 September to 12 October. This free event is a visual and cultural feast that will transport you and your family into the world of the classic Chinese tale, Journey to the West.
Transport yourself in the nostalgic folktale of Sun Wukong as you walk through the park. You'll encounter stunning, larger-than-life lantern displays depicting the legendary Monkey King and his companions. Each intricate installation, from the dramatic Five Elements Mountain to the mystical Spider Demon Cave, tells a different chapter of the story. Beyond the main displays, you'll find Chang'e's Moonlit Garden and a light show that illuminates the Cloud Pagoda and Sunken Garden, creating an ethereal and dreamy atmosphere.
Enrich yourself with cultural performances by local dance company, Arts Fission. Catch their enthralling performance by the Reflection Pond in Japanese Garden. Or hype yourself up with a special Rockestra concert on 11 October. It's one of the coolest ways to celebrate the festival, blending folklore, nature, and art for both art lovers and families.
📍 Address: Yuan Ching Road
03 • Chinatown Festive Fair
For an authentic taste of the festival's roots, there's no better place than Chinatown. From 7 September to 20 October, the streets will come alive with vibrant decorations and a bustling Festive Fair.
The highlight is the street light-up. This year, it features a spectacular eight-metre-tall sculpture dedicated to SG60, along with a canopy of beautiful lanterns and motifs like lotus flowers and jade pendants. The atmosphere is electric as you wander through the streets pushing through the buzzing crowds, shopping for mooncakes, traditional snacks, and handicrafts.
The celebrations also include a lively Mass Lantern Walk on 27 September where you can stroll through the heart of Chinatown, enjoying the best it has to offer. You can also challenge your friends and family with traditional riddles on 4 October in the Lantern Riddle event. It’s an engaging experience that truly makes you feel like you're part of a grand, age-old celebration.
📍 Address: 21 Banda Street, Singapore 050005
04 • Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival @ SCCCI
The Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall hosts a weekend of festivities that celebrate heritage, community, and reunion. On 27 and 28 September, from 4 pm to 9 pm, the Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival offers a wonderful mix of traditional and modern activities for the whole family.
You and your little ones can get creative at drop-in craft stations, making your own fish-shaped lanterns or mooncake carriers. Then head over to festive games, and storytelling sessions for more fun and laughter. Engulf yourself in the festive mood with live music and dance performances from local artists and bands.
You'll also find a Creative Marketplace featuring homegrown brands such as 9tails and Gogives. A special "Guppy Glow" lantern display features vibrant and colourful guppy installations that represent Singaporean values such as unity, adaptability, and vibrancy. The glowing kaleidoscope of colours makes a beautiful backdrop for family photos. I’d say that this would be a meaningful and engaging way to connect with the traditions of Mid-Autumn and create new memories together.
📍 Address: 47 Hill Street, Singapore 179365
05 • Cherishing local gems: Community gatherings and heritage outings
The Mid-Autumn spirit extends to every corner of our island! Keep an eye on the onePA website for a celebration near you. Many Community Centres (CCs) and Residents' Committees (RNs) are hosting their own celebrations, bringing neighbours and families together. You can expect fun-filled activities like lantern parades, stage performances, games, and lucky draws, often with delicious food provided!
For a more tranquil and historical experience, consider the Heritage Outing to Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery on 4 October. This beautiful monastery is a peaceful place to appreciate the festival's spiritual side, away from the crowds. With two-way transport and a goodie bag included in the ticket, it’s a fuss-free way to explore one of Singapore’s most beautiful and historic temples. It’s the ideal outing for those who want to immerse themselves in culture and history with a touch of peace and serenity.
Fill your night with light and laughter and one of these amazing events. Let’s go back to the heart of the Mid-Autumn Festival and celebrate harmony and abundance together!
See you on the road, Amanda 💙
(Feature photo adapted from: Reeracoen Singapore, Travel and Leisure Asia, China Highlights, BBC)
