Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong 2025: a compact guide to the city’s glow-up

Mid-Autumn Festival lands on Monday, 6 October 2025, the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is at its roundest. In Hong Kong it’s a huge family-and-friends night of lanterns, mooncakes, and moon-gazing. 
Good to know for planning: the public holiday is the day after, Tuesday, 7 October 2025.

2025 highlights you shouldn’t miss

Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance (5–7 Oct)
A 67-metre incense-studded dragon weaves through the narrow streets of Tai Hang (next to Causeway Bay) for three nights. In 2025 the performances run 7:30–10pm on 5 Oct, 7:30–11:30pm on 6 Oct, and 7:30–10pm on 7 Oct, with a special appearance in Victoria Park around 10:30pm on 6 Oct. It’s free to watch, but space is tight, arrive early and follow steward instructions.

Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival (30 Sep–7 Oct)
Victoria Park turns into a sea of glowing installations, live shows and craft stalls each evening (lights on 6:30–11pm; extended to midnight on 6 Oct). In the lead-up, a parallel Lantern Display runs 25 Sep–19 Oct at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui, perfect if you want the visuals without the biggest crowds. All of these are free.

How Hongkongers celebrate (and how to join in)

  • Mooncakes, old and new. Traditional white-lotus-seed-paste with salted egg yolk is the classic; contemporary snowskin, tea-infused or low-sugar versions are everywhere. (Shops sell out, buy ahead if you care about a specific brand or flavor.)

  • Lanterns. Kids carry paper lanterns, couples wander the parks; Victoria Park and the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront are the most photogenic spots.

  • Moon-gazing. If skies are clear, the West Kowloon Cultural District lawn, the Central Harbourfront, or Bowen Road are great vantage points.

  • Neighborhood vibes. Beyond Victoria Park, check out community displays in Sha Tin Park or Tsuen Wan Park for a calmer stroll.

Practical game plan

  • Crowds & timing. The peak night is Mon 6 Oct (festival night). If you want the Fire Dragon up close, stake out a safe viewing spot in Tai Hang at least 60–90 minutes early; otherwise catch the special loop at Victoria Park later that night.

  • Transport. Take the MTR to Causeway Bay (Exit E) for Victoria Park, or Tin Hau/Fortress Hill for Tai Hang and follow signage, roads close and traffic crawls.

  • What to bring. Water, a small towel or fan (it’s warm and humid in early October), portable battery, and comfy shoes. Avoid large tripods and open flames where prohibited; follow on-site rules at the carnival venues. 

  • With kids. Go to the lantern displays before the 6 Oct peak; they’re equally pretty and much less hectic. 

A simple 2-night festival itinerary

Night 1 (Sun 5 Oct):
Start at the Cultural Centre Piazza for the waterfront Lantern Display at dusk, then ferry across the harbour for skyline shots. Turn in early.

Night 2 (Mon 6 Oct – Festival Night):
Have an early dinner in Causeway Bay, walk to Tai Hang to catch the Fire Dragon (arrive ~6pm for space). After the procession, wander to Victoria Park for the carnival—the lights stay on until midnight tonight. 

Key dates at a glance

  • Festival night: Mon 6 Oct 2025.

  • Public holiday (day after): Tue 7 Oct 2025.

  • Fire Dragon: 5–7 Oct (with a Victoria Park segment late on 6 Oct). 

  • Lantern Carnival (Victoria Park): 30 Sep–7 Oct (lights 6:30–11pm; to midnight on 6 Oct). 

  • Lantern Display (Tsim Sha Tsui): 25 Sep–19 Oct.

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