Family-Friendly Guide To Celebrating Mid Autumn Festival In Hong Kong In 2024

MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL HISTORY

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a traditional festival celebrated in Chinese culture at the end of the fall harvest.

The history of when it was first celebrated goes back to the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BC) to when it first appeared in Rites of Zhou, in which it was mentioned that the royal family would offer sacrifices to the Moon Goddess to thank for a good harvest.

But it only started to gain popularity during the Tang dynasty between 618–907 CE. According to Chinese folklore, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang started to hold formal celebrations in his home after exploring the Moon Palace. After that, it began to catch on, and commoners also started nightly celebrations in honor of the moon goddess.

By the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Mid-Autumn festival had become the main festival, second only to Chinese New Year.

THE HISTORY OF MOONCAKES AND WHERE TO BUY THEM IN HONG KONG?

Mooncakes are one of the key traditions of celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. In Chinese culture, a round shape symbolizes completeness and reunion. So sharing round mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival signifies the unity of families.

According to Chinese legend, mooncakes originated during the Yuan Dynasty, when Mongolia ruled China. The leaders from the preceding Sung Dynasty decided to rebel against foreign rule. They ordered the making of special cakes during the Moon Festival to put a message into each mooncake with details of the attack. On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebel leaders overthrew the government and successfully established the Ming Dynasty.

Traditional mooncakes are made of ground lotus and egg yolk, but nowadays, there are more and more innovative mooncake flavors and designs. Check out our rundown of the hottest mooncakes to try this year:

Guide to the best mooncakes of 2024 - Click here!

Moon Fest Lumiere At Lee Tung Avenue

Explore the enchanting Lee Tung Avenue, now beautifully illuminated with over 8,000 traditional Chinese and fish-shaped lanterns for the Mid-Autumn Festival. On September 17th, from 8:30pm-9:30pm, join the festivities as an impressive 18-meter-long LED fire dragon weaves its way through the crowd in a spectacular parade, spreading festive cheer and lighting up the night.

• How much: free
• When: August 31 - October 15, 2024
• Where: Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, https://www.leetungavenue.com.hk/

Go Lantern Shopping!

Gather the family and make your way to Fuk Wing Street (also known as Toy Street) in Sham Shui Po or Yuen Long Lantern Street (Tai Kiu Market) to marvel at the stunning festive displays. Let the kids pick out their favorite lanterns. Afterward, continue the celebration by heading to the nearest park or beach to light up the lanterns. For a more limited selection, you can also visit Pottinger Street and The Lanes in Central.

• How much: free to attend
• When: throughout September
• Where: Fuk Wing Street and Yuen Long Lantern Street

Starstreet Precinct's Moon Moon Dance Party

Visit Starstreet Precinct in Wan Chai and capture adorable family selfies at the Moon Moon Dance Party. Make sure to explore Wing Fung Street for engaging interactive activities. Additionally, the event features exciting giveaways and exclusive Moony Shopping Rewards, offering unique collectibles and valuable dining coupons. Combine this with a visit to Lee Tung Avenue nearby for some festive Mid-Autumn celebrations.

• How much: free
• When: September 3 - 22, 2024
• Where: Starstreet Precinct, Pacific Place 3, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, https://www.pacificplace.com.hk/en/starstreet

Victoria Park Mid-Autumn Festival And Lantern Display

If you're looking for the perfect family outing this holiday, don't miss the Victoria Park Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. This year's theme, "Charm in the Air: Chinese Style, Hong Kong Flair," comes to life with dazzling, intricately designed lantern displays. Beyond the visual spectacle, explore a lively Mid-Autumn festival market brimming with pop-up shops and food stalls, where you can indulge in traditional festival snacks and discover unique crafts and treats for both kids and adults. Click here for all the details.

• How much: free
• When: September 12 to September 18, 2024: Lighting-up time: 6:30pm - 11:00pm (extended to midnight on September 17, 2024)
• Where: Victoria Park Soccer Pitch, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, https://www.cpo.gov.hk/

New Territories Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival

The New Territories Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival at Tsing Yi Park promises to be a dazzling celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival this year. From September 12th to 18th, the park will be transformed into a glowing wonderland, with a spectacular lantern display lighting up the night sky from 6:30 pm to 11 pm. On the 17th, the lighting hours will be extended until midnight.

• How much: free
• When: September 12 to September 18, 2024: Lighting-up time: 6:30pm - 11:00pm (extended to midnight on September 17, 2024)
• Where: Tsing Yi Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, https://www.cpo.gov.hk/

Hong Kong Cultural Center Piazza Mid-Autumn Lantern Display

The Hong Kong Cultural Center Piazza always has some beautiful lantern displays, and if you're in the area, it's always worth checking out as it's close to the Star Ferry Terminal and on the way to major hotspots in TST. Kids will love it.

• How much: free
• When: September 12 to September 18, 2024: Lighting-up time: 6:30pm - 11:00pm (extended to midnight on September 17, 2024)
• Where: Hong Kong Cultural Center Piazza, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, https://www.cpo.gov.hk/

Handmade Hong Kong's Mid-Autumn Festival Market

This Saturday, make your way to Belcher Bay Promenade for Handmade Hong Kong's Mid-Autumn Festival Market - a festive outdoor shopping experience amidst the beautiful K-Farm gardens. Discover a treasure trove of local artisanal products ranging from jewelry and flowers to candles, pet supplies, books, perfumes, and more. Indulge in a variety of delicious foods and snacks while you shop for unique gifts and goodies.

• How much: free to attend
• When: September 14, 2024 from 1:00pm - 9:00pm
• Where: K-Farm, K-Plaza, Belcher Bay Promenade, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, https://www.handmadehongkong.com/

Blue Moon 2024 At The Lake House

For an enchanting Mid-Autumn Festival, visit The Lake House, beautifully transformed for the celebration. Glide across the lake on a serene boat ride, admiring the stunning 10-meter-high moon installation and the magical wish-granting water lanterns. Enhance your visit with a sumptuous dinner at either Billow or Le Vow for a truly unforgettable experience.

• How much: from HK$30 per person
• When: now - September 18, 2024
• Where: The Lake House, 2 Hung Lam Drive Hong Kong Tai Po Kau, Hong Kong, https://www.lake-house.co/news/blue-moon-2024

Feather & Bone FAB Kids Club Mid-Autumn Edition

Get crafty this Mid-Autumn festival at Feather & Bone's FAB Kids Club Mid-Autumn Edition! Join for an afternoon of lantern-making while enjoying drinks and a kid-friendly snack platter too. As a special keepsake, attendees will even receive Polaroid pictures to take home from the event. Book by sending an e-mail to events@feathersandbone.com.hk.

• How much: HK$488 for a family of 3 +HK$178 per extra child
• When: September 15, 2024 from 2:30pm-4:30pm
• Where: Feather & Bone, LG14-22, LG/F, Lee Garden Two, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, +852 3529 1228, https://featherandbone.com.hk/

Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance

The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance is a captivating Mid-Autumn Festival tradition in Hong Kong. Each year, a colossal, glowing dragon winds through the streets of the Tai Hang neighborhood, carried by over 300 synchronized performers. This 19th-century custom originates from a time when the village faced a devastating plague, and the fiery dragon display was believed to have quelled the outbreak. Today, the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance is officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, drawing spectators from near and far to witness the breathtaking pageantry over three electrifying nights, as the serpentine creature undulates through the narrow streets, its scales glittering with thousands of incense sticks, culminating in a dramatic finale with the dragon's fiery breath illuminating the night sky.

• How much: free
• When: September 16-18, 2024 at around 8:15–10:30pm, (16-18 September, 2024) | Around 8:15–10pm, (17 September, 2024)
• Where: Tai Hang, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong | Best vantage point: Wun Sha Street

Mid-Autumn Festival Drone Show

Gather up the family and head to the Hong Kong waterfront or another scenic vantage point to witness the Mid-Autumn Festival drone light show. This annual event, organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, features a dazzling display of festival-themed lights and effects choreographed to music. Enjoy the vibrant colors and animated designs as they dance across the night sky, celebrating the cultural traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

• How much: free
• When: evening of September 17, 2024 at 8:00pm
• Where: Wan Chai Harbourfront, https://www.discoverhongkong.com/