The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival or Lantern Festival, is a traditional celebration observed on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is believed to be at its fullest and brightest. Rooted in Chinese culture, the festival symbolizes reunion, gratitude, and harmony, with families coming together to admire the moon, share mooncakes, and light lanterns. Beyond its cultural significance, it has grown into a festive occasion and vibrant community gatherings across Asia, including Singapore.
Best Places to Visit for Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore
Singapore comes alive during the Mid-Autumn Festival with a vibrant blend of cultural showcases, performances, and scenic spots. From timeless traditions to fresh, family-friendly experiences, the city offers something for everyone. Here are the best places to enjoy the Mooncake Festival in Singapore in 2025:
1. Chinatown
Chinatown transforms into a lantern paradise for Mid-Autumn Festival from 6 to 8 October 2025. Expect streets lined with thousands of colourful lanterns along the New bridge road, vibrant street performances, and festive food stalls along the Smith Street where you can shop for mooncakes, tea, and traditional crafts.
2. Gardens by the Bay
Running from 22 September to 12 October 2025, Gardens by the Bay lights up nightly for Mid-Autumn Festival from 6:00PM to 10:00 PM with free admission. Spanning zones like Supertree Grove and Bayfront Plaza, the lanterns showcase Singapore’s journey from village to city, joined by Ang Ku Kueh Girl™ and friends. Visitors can also enjoy lantern walks, cultural shows, workshops, and a festive marketplace with snacks, games, and rides.
3. Jurong Lake Gardens
For a tranquil Mid-Autumn experience, visit Jurong Lake Gardens’ Lights by the Lake (LBTL)(27 Sept–12 Oct 2025, 6:30–10:30 pm). This year’s Journey to the West theme features stunning lanterns, an interactive quest, inclusive guided tours, and cultural shows like Rockestra®. Blending Chinese and Japanese Garden landscapes with light installations, food stalls, and festive treats, LBTL offers a magical experience for visitors.
4. Shopping Malls & Mooncake Fairs
Don’t miss the mooncake fairs hosted by malls like Takashimaya, Marina Bay Sands, and VivoCity. From classic baked lotus paste mooncakes to trendy flavours like durian, truffle, or champagne, you’ll find the perfect gift box—or just a treat for yourself. These fairs are also a hotspot for Instagram-worthy packaging and exclusive limited-edition collaborations.
What Is Mooncake and Why We Eat Mooncake during Mid-Autumn Festival?
No Mid-Autumn Festival is complete without indulging in mooncakes. A mooncake is a round, pastry-like delicacy traditionally enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is often filled with lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolks to symbolize the full moon. Its circular shape represents unity and completeness, making it a meaningful treat to share among family and friends during the festival. Eating mooncakes is a way of honoring centuries-old customs that celebrate harvest, harmony, and reunion, while also serving as a symbolic gesture of gratitude and good fortune under the bright autumn moon.
Tips to Make the Most of Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore
- Visit Chinatown during the evening for the best lantern light-up views.
- Book mooncakes early as popular flavors sell out quickly.
- Bring your own lantern (or buy one at a local bazaar) to join the evening lantern walks.
- At Lights by the Lake, download the NEAR app to participate in the Lantern Exploration Quest and help with navigation.
- Wear comfortable shoes—many of the best spots involve plenty of walking!
- Go early (just after dark) to avoid crowd peaks and to enjoy installations before dusk fully sets in.
Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore is more than just admiring lanterns or eating mooncakes. Whether you’re a local rediscovering the joy of the season or a visitor seeking cultural magic, the festival promises nights filled with lights, flavours, and unforgettable memories.
