The Mid Autumn Festival in Hong Kong is a national holiday that brings the carnival spirit to the city. Falling on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month with full moon at night (so late September to early October) it is a harvest festival celebrated with family gatherings, giving thanks and, of course, lots of fun events hosted across the city.
If you happen to be in Hong Kong during Mid Autumn Festival you’ll be in for a treat…
Tasty moon cakes
Making and sharing moon cakes is one of the biggest traditions during the Mid Autumn Festival in Hong Kong. So there’ll be plenty around to taste. Believed to have originated from Yuan-dynasty in the 13th century, it is said the pastries were used to pass around secret messages to one another. Today they’re just great for eating. Traditionally filled with lotus seed paste, these days you’ll find all kinds of modern flavours to try. One custom is to pile 13 mooncakes on top of one another to mimic a pagoda.
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Magical lantern displays
The city is decorated in beautiful lanterns, a sight to see particularly at night. And for a lantern display in all its glory visit the Over The Moon at Tai Kwun, where 300 intricately designed and handcrafted mini lanterns light up the Parade Ground area. That’s one for Instagram. Be sure to book in advance to secure your spot.
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Hong Kong Island Tour – Red Route, Stop: Lan Kwai Fong & Soho
Fire Dragon Dance
A truly traditional experience at the Mid Autumn Festival in Hong Kong is the Fire Dragon Dance. And the best place to see it is Tai Hang, a neighbourhood that has been performing it for over a century now. A 220-foot dragon dances with 300 performers, 70,000 incense sticks, firecrackers and drummers. You should get a good view from Wun Sha Street, we recommend you arrive early.
Victoria Park Festival
The energy is high during the Mid Autumn Festival in Hong Kong, and the carnival spirit very much alive. Neighbourhoods across Hong Kong bring their own celebrations, hosting performances, setting up games and even doing palm readings. Head to Victoria Park on Hong Kong Island for the biggest party. A full cultural programme is laid on with Fire Dragon Dance, lantern displays, kung fu demonstrations, folk songs and crafts.
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Hong Kong Island Tour - Red Route, Stop: Park Lane Hotel
The second most important Chinese festival in the calendar, the Mid Autumn Festival in Hong Kong is a special celebration to witness and be a part of. A time to mingle with locals and really immerse yourself in the culture of this city. The colour and spirit creates a spectacle you won’t forget in a hurry. And when your energy is spent and the night is done, check out our guide on the Best Beaches in Hong Kong for a day of recovery.
