Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore: what to expect and things to do (September 2026)

# Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore: what to expect and things to do

Why people celebrate

Chinatown: community-led celebrations (11 Sept–4 Oct)

New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street won't have the familiar overhanging lantern decorations this year after a 24-year run. Instead, activities are grassroots-led across the Kreta Ayer–Kim Seng precinct.

• Lantern wish-writing booths at Kreta Ayer Community Club and grassroots events where visitors can pen messages that will be added to displays at Kreta Ayer Square and Banda Street.
• Light a Lantern, Share Your Blessing: a community lantern procession at 6pm on 19 September, with mooncake and tea appreciation, lantern riddles presented in Singapore's four official languages, and a Lantern Design Competition at Kreta Ayer Community Club.

Check local Chinatown Festivals and Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng community pages for schedules and any registration details.

Jurong Lake Gardens: Lights by the Lake (19 Sept–4 Oct)

Jurong Lake Gardens presents a story-driven lantern exhibition focused on the Legend of the White Snake. Displays trace key scenes such as the Broken Bridge meeting, the monk Fa Hai's intervention, and a reimagined reunion.

• Large lantern tableaux representing characters like Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian, alongside Chang'e and her jade rabbit.
• A stamp rally through Chinese Garden locations with a keepsake redemption on selected dates (19, 20, 25, 26, 27 Sept).
• Live performances, hands-on activities, and a hanfu dress-up and photo experience available until 27 September.

Further details and any time-specific programming are on the Jurong Lake Gardens website.

Gardens by the Bay: large-scale lanterns and family workshops (12–27 Sept)

Gardens by the Bay runs evening lantern displays guided by local cartoon characters. The event includes weekend workshops, craft activities to make Mid-Autumn keepsakes, traditional large-flag balancing demonstrations, a marketplace, food and family rides.

Mooncakes and traditions

Mooncakes remain the most visible part of the festival in Singapore. Gifting mooncakes to family and business contacts continues to be common. Lantern carrying is now more of a children's activity but remains part of community processions and family outings.

How to choose what to do

• If you want community participation and local flavour, focus on Chinatown events around Kreta Ayer.
• If you prefer larger theatrical lantern displays with performances and photo experiences, visit Jurong Lake Gardens or Gardens by the Bay.
• For family workshops and food stalls, Gardens by the Bay offers a mix of hands-on activities and carnival-style offerings.