Event
Mid-Autumn Festival 2026: Chinatown Lantern Displays & Celebrations
Date
19 September 2026
Venue
Chinatown Singapore
Entry
Free
Chinatown Singapore transforms into a dazzling wonderland of lanterns for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Giant lantern installations line Eu Tong Sen Street and New Bridge Road, while street bazaars offer mooncakes, pomelos, and traditional lanterns. A must-visit cultural spectacle in the heart of Singapore.
About the Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhong Qiu Jie) is one of the most important Chinese festivals, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It symbolises family reunion and thanksgiving, centred around the fullest and brightest moon of the year.
Chinatown Singapore is renowned for hosting one of the most spectacular Mid-Autumn celebrations in Southeast Asia, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Chinatown Highlights
- Giant Lantern Displays — Massive themed lantern installations illuminate Eu Tong Sen Street and New Bridge Road, stretching from Outram Park MRT to Chinatown MRT. Each year features a new theme — mythical creatures, zodiac animals, or folklore scenes
- Street Bazaar — Rows of stalls selling mooncakes from top bakeries, pomelos, yam cakes, and traditional tea sets
- Lantern Walk — Families and children carry lanterns through the decorated streets in a magical evening stroll
- Cultural Performances — Stage shows with Chinese dance, martial arts, and music at Kreta Ayer People's Theatre and open stages
- Mooncake Tasting — Sample innovative and traditional mooncake varieties from renowned Chinatown bakeries
Best Times to Visit
Lantern displays are officially lit from 7pm nightly. Weekends tend to be most crowded — visit on weekday evenings for a more relaxed experience. The bazaar is typically open from late afternoon to 10:30pm.