Thinking of a getaway to Singapore this coming early October 2025? I say go for it cause it’s the perfect time to absorb yourself in the Mid Autumn Festival. The city's going to be buzzing with colours, lanterns, and loads of festive vibes. I’ll also spill some of the best hotels in Singapore to stay at for a comfy and memorable holiday.

The Mid Autumn Festival, also often called Autumn Festival Moon Cake or Zhong Qiu Jie, is a cherished cultural celebration observed by Chinese communities worldwide, including in Singapore.

The festival itself honors the full moon and the autumn harvest, symbolizing family reunion, gratitude, and prosperity. That’s why it’s all about family, reunion, and gratitude. But hey, even as a tourist, you can totally get in on the celebration.

Personally, I loved being right in the middle of all the buzz and excitement, it’s such a vibe! The best part? The festival means I get to enjoy all the delicious Autumn Festival moon cakes and other tasty local treats. You’re in for a treat once you experience it for yourself!

Traditionally, the Mid Autumn celebration is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Mid Autumn Festival China 2023 was celebrated in 29 September, Mid Autumn Festival 2024 was celebrated on 17 September, but in 2025, it falls on Monday, 6 October

The Chinese Autumn Moon Festival in China focuses on family reunions, traditional performances, and regional specialties such as the classic China mooncake. In contrast, Singapore’s celebration is more multicultural and urban, with the China Mid-Autumn holiday typically involving families travelling home to gather, while Singapore’s festivities unfold citywide through dazzling lantern displays, public events, and innovative mooncake offerings from luxury hotels.

In Singapore, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the city, especially around Chinatown. The 2025 festivities begin on 6 October and run until 8 October, drawing both locals and tourists to vibrant celebrations. Be sure to plan your trip and secure accommodation early to enjoy the full experience.

My tips: booking accommodation through Traveloka will give a breeze. I personally recommend checking out hotels near the MRT in Singapore, so you can easily get to the celebration hotspots and other major attractions. Here are a few of my top picks:

In Singapore, the festival is marked by customs:

In addition, you can also enjoy other equally exciting activities during the 2025 Mid Autumn Festival celebration, such as:

1. Marvel at Stunning Lantern Displays in Chinatown

The highlight of Chinatown during this autumn festival moon cake is its stunning lantern displays, transforming the streets into a magical wonderland. The illuminated lanterns create a festive atmosphere, welcoming visitors into a world of celebration.

Each lantern is a unique work of art, showcasing the craftsmanship and creativity of the artisans. Popular themes include mythical creatures like dragons and phoenixes, symbolising power, wisdom, and good fortune, as well as the Moon Goddess Chang’e and her tale of love and sacrifice.

In recent years, modern and playful designs have become part of the lantern displays, with zodiac animals, cartoon characters, and abstract shapes adding a fresh twist to the tradition. As night falls, the lanterns shine brightly along New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street, creating a breathtaking sight that beautifully contrasts with Chinatown’s traditional architecture.

2. Experience Authentic Cultural Performances in Chinatown

In addition to the lantern displays, Chinatown offers a range of captivating cultural performances during the festival. These include Chinese opera, traditional music played on instruments like the erhu, pipa, and guzheng, and dynamic dance performances, all adding depth to the festive atmosphere.

One of the best places to enjoy these performances is Kreta Ayer Square, a popular spot for cultural showcases. The square comes alive with unique performances that offer a glimpse into Chinese traditions, making it a must-visit location for anyone looking to fully embrace the Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore.

3. Discover Delicious Treats and Unique Finds at the Festive Street Markets

One of the highlights of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinatown is the vibrant food scene. Festive stalls offer a range of delicious treats and authentic souvenirs, perfect for indulging your senses. Must-try foods include Mooncakes, available in various flavours like lotus paste, red bean, and durian, which are essential during the festival. Other local delights include Bakkwa (sweet and savoury BBQ pork jerky), Nian Gao (sticky rice cakes symbolising longevity), and Tang Yuan (sweet dumplings filled with various fillings, traditionally eaten during the Lantern Festival).

Don’t forget to pick up unique souvenirs, especially lanterns, available in both traditional Chinese designs and modern, playful styles. The best time to visit Chinatown’s Mid-Autumn street market is in the evening, when the festive atmosphere is at its peak, with lanterns lighting up the streets and the irresistible aroma of delicious food in the air.

4. Enjoy Fun-Filled Family Activities and Lantern Walks

The Chinatown Singapore Mid-Autumn Festival offers a variety of family-friendly activities, perfect for all ages. From food stalls and lantern walks to cultural performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The lantern walks are designed to be easy for families with young children, offering shorter distances and smooth terrain, plus beautiful photo opportunities for lasting memories.

Beyond the lanterns, the festival features traditional Chinese performances, including lion and dragon dances, opera performances about the Moon Goddess Chang’e, and martial arts displays. For kids, there are plenty of fun activities, such as lantern-making workshops, face painting, and traditional Chinese games. Children can also enjoy dedicated play areas, including bouncy castles and slides, making it an exciting experience for the whole family.

The Mid-Autumn Festival might be a big deal in Singapore culturally, but it’s not categorized as a public holiday… so schools and businesses carry on as usual.

Unlike Chinese New Year, when everything pretty much shuts down and locals are off visiting family or travelling, this one’s more of a festive moment.

I think this is what's making it the perfect time for you to enjoy the celebrations without the holiday chaos. You’ll still be able to catch loads of stunning lantern displays, buzzing events, and a lively vibe in places without an intense crowd. Most shops, restaurants, and attractions in Singapore also stay open.

Although it’s not celebrated on a grand scale, there’s no harm in sharing warm wishes with your friends, family, or even your local vendors. You Can say whether “Happy Mid Autumn Festival,” “Happy Mooncake Day,” or “Happy Mid Autumn Moon Festival,” these greetings capture the spirit of reunion and celebration. Don’t miss the chance to brighten someone’s day with a simple message or post, spreading joy and festive cheer during this special season.

Mooncakes are traditionally gifted in the weeks leading up to the festival, typically from mid-September to early October. This period allows recipients to enjoy mooncake festival food during family gatherings and as part of the festive celebrations. You can try them too during your stay in Singapore during the Mid Autumn Festival.

Many hotels and premium shopping malls in Singapore, typically release special editions of mooncakes during this time. People often purchase them as gifts or to enjoy during the festival.

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore is mainly celebrated in Chinatown, where the streets are filled with vibrant lantern displays, cultural performances, and festive food stalls, creating an immersive experience. Chinatown, known as the cultural hub, transforms into a beautiful festival space, welcoming visitors with joy and tradition. While deeply rooted in tradition, the festival has embraced modern elements, offering a lively atmosphere that appeals to both locals and tourists, making it one of the most anticipated events of the year.

While Chinatown is the main hub, elements of the festival, such as lantern displays and performances, can also be found in other areas like Gardens by the Bay, Jurong Lake Gardens, and many malls like VivoCity or Takashimaya.

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, staying at hotels in Chinatown is a great choice. Here are some hotel recommendations:

Another great spot is Jurong Lake Gardens, where the Chinese Garden Mid Autumn Festival comes alive with vibrant lanterns during the Lights by the Lake event. Expect stunning displays, cultural performances, and family-friendly fun by the lake. It’s a scenic, less-crowded alternative to the city centre.

If you're wondering where to see the Lantern Festival in Singapore, here are some great spots to experience the magic of the moon festival lantern displays:

Best Time to Visit: The Mid-Autumn Festival takes place in October, and I find that the weather in Singapore is usually pleasant during this time. For the best experience, I recommend visiting in the evening when the lanterns are beautifully lit and the cultural performances are in full swing.

How to Get There: I personally prefer taking the MRT to Chinatown as it’s quick and convenient. You can hop on the Downtown Line (DT) or East-West Line (EW) to Chinatown Station. Alternatively, buses 12, 14, 33, 60, 65, 80, 143, or 190 will take you directly there. If I’m in a rush, I’ll take a taxi or ride-hailing service, although it’s a bit pricier.

What to Bring: I always make sure to wear comfortable shoes because Chinatown during Zhong Qiu Jie is quite vast and can get crowded. Sunscreen, a hat, and my smartphone are essentials for me, so I can stay protected from the sun and capture the beautiful lantern displays and memories with my family.

Avoiding Crowds: If you want to avoid the crowds, I suggest visiting during the weekdays or early evening. That’s when I find it’s a bit quieter, and you can still enjoy the lanterns and activities without feeling rushed.

Let’s celebrate the Mid Autumn Festival in Singapore with Traveloka which always offers the best price for your flight, accommodation, and activities. Besides, Traveloka often offers promos, combos, and discounts to make your money worth more. So what are you waiting for?