The moon is full, the lanterns are lit, and the flaming dragon is winding its way through the streets - that's right, Mid-Autumn Festival has arrived in the city. This year the traditional Chinese celebration falls on September 15, swiftly followed by a public holiday on September 16 (hello three day weekend). It's just as well, because with so many traditional celebrations, modern parties, and illuminated displays to explore, we'll need the extra time to recover.
Fire Dragon Dances
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance
The most elaborate of Hong Kong's Fire Dragon performances, the three day-long celebration in Tai Hang dates back to the early 19th century. Back then, the flaming dragon was used to put an end to the bad luck which was plaguing the villagers - those pesky typhoons and pythons ravaging the peoples' crops. Today, it's fuelled by tradition rather than desperation, however it's no less impressive. With 300 performers, 70,000 incense sticks, and a 67 metre-long dragon, it's quite a sight to behold.
When: September 14 - 16, (8.15pm - 10/10.30pm)
Where: Wun Sha Street, Tai Hang, Causeway Bay
How much: Free
Click
here for more information
Lee Tung Avenue LED Fire Dragon Fiesta
A new addition to the city's Mid-Autumn festivities, Lee Tung Avenue will host three LED Fire Dragon performances over the Mid-Autumn period. Some may find it hard to come around to the idea of modern LED lights in place of burning incense, however a reduced fire hazard is something we definitely can't argue with.
When: September 14 - 16, (8.30pm - 9.30pm)
Where: Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai
How much: Free
Click
here for more information
Pok Fu Lam Village Fire Dragon Dance
As per tradition, the flaming Mid-Autumn Dragon returns to the sea after illuminating the city - weaving through Pok Fu Lam Village to get to the coast.
When: September 15, (7pm - 11pm)
Where: Pok Fu Lam Village
How much: Free
Click
here for more information
Victoria Park
Catch the Fire Dragon in action in Victoria Park after he's taken a quick dip in the ocean at Pok Fu Lam. After watching the final, spectacular show make sure you check out Victoria Park's spectacular lantern display - it's not to be missed.
When: September 15, (10.45pm - 11.30pm)
Where: Soccer Pitch, Victoria Park, Causway Bay
How much: Free
Click
here for more information
Lantern Displays
Urban Carnival: A Moonlit Night in the Fairyland
Hosting the largest and most impressive lantern carnival of them all, Victoria Park really does come alive during the Mid-Autumn period. The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance will be snaking through here on September 15, traditional performers will take to the stage on Carnival Night, and if you swing by the Exhibition on Craftsmanship of Lantern Making (September 14 - 18) you might even be able to pick up some tips on fashioning your own lanterns next year.
When: Lantern Display, September 14 - 18, (6.30pm - 11pm/ 12 midnight on September 15)
Carnival Night, September 15, (8pm - 11pm)
Where: Victoria Park, Causeway Bay
How much: Free
Click
here for more information
New Territories West: Glamorous Splendour
Flutter up to Tin Shui Wai to gaze upon the most glamorous lantern carnival our city has to offer. Butterflies are the stars of the show, inspired by the popular butterfly lanterns on sale in many shops in the lead up to the festival. If you get the chance, why not pick up a couple of butterfly lanterns for your little ones before heading that way?
When: Lantern Display, September 14 - 18, (6.30pm - 11pm/ 12 midnight on September 15)
Carnival Night, September 16, (7.30pm - 10pm)
Where: Tin Shui Wai Park & Ginza Square, Tin Shui Wai
How much: Free
Click
here for more information
New Territories East: After the Mid-Autumn Night's Dream
Alice in Wonderland is the inspiration behind the quirky lantern display in Tai Po. As a result, we're expecting a rather wacky display - not to mention some 'out there' stage performances and interactive activities on Carnival Night.
When: Lantern Display, September 14 - 18, (6.30pm - 11pm/ 12 midnight on September 15)
Carnival Night, September 17, (7.30pm - 10pm)
Where: Tai Po Waterfront Park
How much: Free
Click
here for more information
PMQ
If you're passing by PMQ, wander through the bamboo walkway and admire the mix of traditional and contemporary lanterns. You may well see our editorial assistant while you're there, cooing over the pineapple lantern (pictured above).
When: Runs until September 18
Where: Hollywood Garden and 4/F Garden, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
How much: Free
Click
here for more information
Fly Me To The Moon
A rather unique blend of old and new, Fly Me To The Moon depicts the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival characters, Chang'E and the jade rabbit, alongside modern-day astronauts on an expedition to the moon. If you're an Island dweller, why not make an occasion of it and sail across on the Star Ferry?
When: Runs until September 25, (6.30pm - 11pm); September 15, (6.30pm - 12 midnight)
Where: Outside Hong Kong Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
How much: Free
Click
here for more information
One Central Macau
Hosting Macau's first ever Mid-Autumn Festival lantern display, One Central has gone hopping mad with the celebrations. Alongside 40 rabbit lanterns, designed by Macau and Beijing designers, there will be a replica of the show-stopping Macau Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo 2010. Surprise, surprise - it's a massive bunny.
When: Runs until October 10
Where: One Central Macau, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Macau
How much: Free - $50
Click here for more information
Lee Tung Avenue
Running with a vintage vibe, Wan Chai's super chic Lee Tung Avenue has decked the halls with 1950s style lanterns. Haven't had chance to waltz romantically down the softly-lit boulevard yet? Don't worry - you've got until the end of November to admire the pastel-coloured lanterns in all their glory.
When: Runs until November 30
Where: Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai
How much: Free
Click
here for more information
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Mooncakes
Akin to brussel sprouts at Christmas, traditional mooncakes are something of a divisive topic in Hong Kong. If you're a fan, you're in luck because Complete Deelite has whipped up enough to sail us right through until next year - with irresistible packaging to make those Mid-Autumn gifts extra special.
For those of us who aren't so keen on the lotus paste and dried egg combo, this Central cake shop is well prepared with a gorgeous quartet of alternative flavours. From Red Velvet to Green Tea Lotus, and Black Forrest to Pandan, these little beauties taste just as good as they look.
Where: Complete Deelite Cakes, 2/F, On Lan Centre, 11 - 15 On Lan Street, Central
How much: $188 per box of four mooncakes
Click here for more information
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Read more! Get the scoop on Hong Kong's Tastiest Ice Creams
Markets
Mid-Autumn Market at Central Pier No. 7
If you're looking to pick up a bargain or two, then the Mid-Autumn Market at Central Pier No.7 is right up your alley. Local designers and traditional treats will be up for grabs among other things - definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.
When: September 15 - 16, (4pm - 9pm)
Where: Central Pier No. 7, Man Kwong Street, Central
How much: Free
Click
here for more information
Read more! Bag a bargain at Hong Kong's Best Markets
Lamma Fisherfolk Village Market
Tucked away on the island of Lamma, the Fisherfolk Village is hosting a charming Mid-Autumn Market by the sea. With lantern riddles, traditional food, and paper boats bearing hopes and wishes being released onto the water, this is the perfect spot for a traditional, moonlit celebration with your nearest and dearest.
When: September 17 - 18, (4pm - 9pm)
Where: Lamma Fisherfolk Village, Lamma
How much: Free
Click
here for more information
Read more! Explore Lamma with our Island Guide
Parties
Amalfitana Mid-Autumn White Party
Have you had your fill of mooncakes? Luckily for you, there won't be any in sight at Italian hot spot, Amalfitana this Mid-Autumn Festival. Artisan pizza and free flow cocktails are the order of the day at this little soiree. Sound good? Well, dig out your favourite white outfit, raise a toast, and celebrate like you mean it with DJ Anil Ahuja.
When: September 15, (7pm - 10pm)
Where: Amalfitana, The Pulse, G/F, Shop 105, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay
How much: $598 for adults; $198 for kids
Click
here to buy your tickets
Read more! Tuck into our Restaurant Review of Amalfitana
Smile Utopia Mid Autumn Special
Make the most of the public holiday and head to Pok Fu Lam for an all-day rooftop session, courtesy of Smile Utopia (pictured above). DJs from Berlin to Hong Kong, and everywhere in between, will be leading the celebrations with a groovy mix of hip hop, house, and electro music. As usual, the drinks will be flowing, the BBQ will be sizzling, and all leftover food will be donated to the homeless.
When: September 16, (2pm - 1am)
Where: Ovolo Southside Hotel, G/F, 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang
How much: $50 (includes one drink)
Click here for more information
Read more! Check out our
annual calendar of holidays and events, or
Your Guide to Hiking and Running Races in Hong Kong.
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