All About The Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2025: Hong Kong’s Glowing Moonlit Celebration

OT Staff

Festival Highlight

The Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival transforms Hong Kong’s parks into glowing wonderlands, with giant lantern installations, cultural showcases, and community gatherings under the harvest moon.

A street in Hong Kong during Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival | Shutterstock

Lantern Magic

Intricately crafted lanterns of all shapes and sizes—from zodiac animals to mythical figures—illuminate the night, creating a dreamlike atmosphere for visitors of all ages.

Lantern figurines in the carnival | Shutterstock

Cultural Showcase

Alongside lanterns, the carnival features Cantonese opera, Chinese folk dances, music, and martial arts demonstrations, celebrating Hong Kong’s living heritage and artistic traditions.

Characters of the folk performances in the carnival | Shutterstock

Family Spirit

The festival is designed for families, with storytelling, craft workshops, and riddle-solving games that carry forward the timeless tradition of lantern appreciation.

An evening during the lantern carnival | Shutterstock

Moonlit Festivities

Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, the carnival coincides with the full moon, symbolising reunion, harmony, and togetherness.

Chinese lantern for mid-autumn festival in Hong Kong city | Shutterstock

Annual Tradition

Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the carnival is a highlight of Hong Kong’s Mid-Autumn celebrations, drawing both locals and visitors.

Lantern decorations in Wan Chai, Hong Kong | Shutterstock

Star Locations

Victoria Park on Hong Kong Island usually hosts the grandest carnival, while Kowloon Park and Sha Tin Park feature equally stunning lantern displays and performances.

Beautiful view of the Mid Autumn festival decorations at Victoria park | Shutterstock

Event Details

The 2025 Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival will take place from 25 September to 19 October across major parks in Hong Kong. Entry is free, with festivities beginning at dusk and continuing till late evening.

Chinese lanterns in the carnival | Shutterstock

Must Experience

Wander among glowing lanterns, enjoy cultural performances, witness the drone show, and savour the festive spirit of Hong Kong at its brightest celebration under the autumn moon.

A couple enjoys the drone show | Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)

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