Malaysia
Thailand
Indonesia
Table of Contents
The Mid Autumn Celebration—also known as the Moon Festival—unites millions of people worldwide under one shining symbol: the full harvest moon. Traditionally observed on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, this night is believed to have the brightest and fullest moon of the year. While its origins lie in ancient China, the festival has traveled far and wide, evolving into unique cultural expressions across Asia and beyond.
China: The Birthplace of the Mid Autumn Celebration
The Mid Autumn Festival (中秋节) is one of China’s biggest and most beloved holidays, ranked alongside Lunar New Year in cultural importance. In 2025, the public holiday falls on October 6th, giving families across the country a chance to reunite and honor centuries-old traditions.
Celebrations in China are a rich mix of personal family rituals and grand national events:
Family Reunions and Feasts
Moon Worship Ceremonies
National Cultural Events
The annual CCTV Mid Autumn Gala is broadcast nationwide, featuring music, dance, and theatrical performances celebrating Chinese heritage. It’s watched by millions, much like the Lunar New Year Gala.
Vietnam: Tet Trung Thu – The Children’s Festival
In Vietnam, the Mid Autumn Celebration is called Tết Trung Thu and is considered the second most important festival after Lunar New Year. It’s often described as a “children’s festival” because the spotlight is on young ones, who are showered with gifts, treats, and joyous activities.
Lion Dances and Lantern Parades
Children carry colorful, often star-shaped lanterns in nighttime processions, accompanied by rhythmic drumbeats and lion dance troupes.
Storytelling and Folklore
Elders recount tales of the Moon Lady (Hằng Nga) and the Moon Boy (Chú Cuội), legends that carry moral lessons and cultural pride.
The Story of Chú Cuội – The Moon Boy
According to Vietnamese legend, Chú Cuội was a kind-hearted woodcutter who discovered a magical banyan tree with healing powers. One day, his wife accidentally poured dirty water on the tree’s roots, causing it to uproot and float toward the sky. Chú Cuội grabbed onto its roots, but the tree carried him all the way to the moon, where he has lived ever since. On Mid Autumn night, when the moon is full and bright, people say you can see the shadow of Chú Cuội sitting under his banyan tree, looking down at the world he left behind.
Japan: Tsukimi – Moon Viewing Traditions
In Japan, the Mid Autumn Celebration transforms into Tsukimi (お月見), meaning “moon viewing.” It’s a quieter, more contemplative tradition compared to the lively parades of other countries.
Offerings to the Moon
Families and temples prepare displays of tsukimi dango (white rice dumplings), susuki (pampas grass), and seasonal produce such as sweet potatoes.
Urban Observations
In cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, special rooftop events at hotels and restaurants offer moonlit dinners with Tsukimi-themed menus.
South Korea: Chuseok – A Harvest Homecoming
In South Korea, the Mid Autumn period overlaps with Chuseok (추석), a three-day national holiday that ranks as one of the most important in the year.
Cultural Performances
Folk games like ssireum (traditional wrestling) and ganggangsullae (circle dances under the full moon) are still performed in rural areas.
Special Foods
Songpyeon, half-moon-shaped rice cakes filled with sesame, chestnut, or red bean paste, are a festival staple.
Taiwan: Barbecues and Lanterns Under the Moon
Barbecue Culture
Mooncakes and Pomelos
In addition to mooncakes, eating pomelos is customary. Children sometimes wear pomelo rinds as hats, a playful nod to tradition.
Malaysia and Singapore: Multicultural Lantern Nights
In Malaysia and Singapore, the Mid Autumn Celebration reflects their multicultural makeup, blending Chinese heritage with modern urban festivities.
Signature Lantern Displays
Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay and Malaysia’s Thean Hou Temple are famous for their grand lantern exhibitions during the festival period.
Chinatown Festivities
Streets in Chinatown districts (such as Kuala Lumpur’s Petaling Street and Singapore’s Smith Street) are decorated with elaborate lantern arches and light installations.
Mid-Autumn Celebration in Singapore
While the Mid Autumn Celebration isn’t a public holiday in Singapore, it’s a highly anticipated cultural highlight of the year. The city’s vibrant mix of heritage and modern attractions makes it one of the best places in Southeast Asia to enjoy the festival.
Here are some special celebrations and destinations Singaporeans can look forward to:
1. Chinatown Mid Autumn Festival
- Lantern Street Light-Up – Chinatown’s streets transform into a glowing wonderland with hundreds of lanterns themed around the moon, folklore, and the zodiac.
- Festive Street Bazaar – Smith Street and Pagoda Street host food and craft stalls selling mooncakes, tea, and festive décor.
- Cultural Performances – A stage at Kreta Ayer Square showcases Chinese opera, music, dance, and calligraphy demonstrations.
2. Gardens by the Bay – Mid Autumn Festival
- Spectacular Lantern Displays – Themed light sculptures are set up across the gardens, with past years featuring scenes of Chang’e, the Jade Rabbit, and traditional villages.
- Cultural Programmes – Weekend events include tea appreciation workshops, live music, and handicraft activities for kids.
- Scenic Moon Viewing – Marina Bay’s skyline forms a stunning backdrop for night photography and romantic moon-gazing.
3. Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC)
- Storytelling Sessions – Hear the legends of Chang’e and Hou Yi in English and Mandarin.
- Workshops – Try your hand at lantern making, Chinese knot tying, and calligraphy.
- Exhibitions – Learn the history of the festival and its significance in Singapore’s Chinese community.
4. Esplanade – Moonfest: A Mid Autumn Celebration
- Traditional Arts Festival – Esplanade’s Moonfest features Chinese music concerts, puppetry, and martial arts demonstrations.
- Free Performances – The outdoor concourse often hosts free evening shows, making it accessible for everyone.
5. Night Safari & River Wonders – Themed Experiences
- Lantern Trails – The Night Safari sometimes offers special lantern-lit walks with wildlife viewing under the moon.
- Themed Animal Talks – Learn about nocturnal animals and their link to lunar myths.
6. Community Centres & Heartland Celebrations
- Many neighbourhood community clubs (CCs) organize mass lantern walks, mooncake sharing sessions, and kids’ costume contests.
- Areas like Jurong Lake Gardens and Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park become popular family spots for DIY lantern lighting.
Send Your Wishes
The Mid Autumn Celebration is all about connection—whether it’s gathering under the full moon, sharing mooncakes, or sending heartfelt wishes to loved ones. But in today’s busy world, not everyone can be together in person. That’s where EasyParcel’s on-demand delivery service comes in.
With just a few clicks, you can have mooncakes, festive snacks, or meaningful gifts delivered to family, friends, colleagues, or business partners—anywhere in Singapore, on the same day.
Whether it’s a surprise treat for parents, a box of premium mooncakes for clients, or a thoughtful gift for a friend, EasyParcel ensures your warm wishes arrive fresh, on time, and with a personal touch. This Mid Autumn, let EasyParcel help you bridge distances, spread joy, and keep the festival’s spirit alive—no matter where your loved ones are.
