Victoria Park Lantern Carnival
The largest public display in the city. Themed installations, stage performances, riddle games and food stalls fill the whole park. Free entry, best after dusk on the eve of the festival.
Guide
Where to see lanterns in Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival guide
Mid-Autumn is the one night of the year when the whole city glows. Every district hangs lanterns in some form, but a handful of places do it on a scale that is worth crossing town for. Here is where locals actually go, and when to turn up.
The best places to see lanterns
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance
A 67 metre dragon studded with burning incense sticks weaves through the narrow lanes. Officially inscribed on China's national intangible cultural heritage list. Arrive by 7pm for a kerbside spot on Wun Sha Street.
Cultural Centre Piazza lanterns
Large sculptural lanterns line the harbourfront with the Central skyline behind them. The best photo spot is between the Space Museum and the Avenue of Stars.
Lee Tung Avenue lantern tunnel
A canopy of red silk lanterns strung the length of the pedestrian street. Quieter than Victoria Park and easy to combine with dinner in the district.
Wong Tai Sin Temple
Traditional palace and lotus lanterns hung around the temple courtyards, joined by worshippers making seasonal offerings. Free to enter; MTR exit B2.
Sha Tin Park
A calmer suburban option with family-friendly installations along the Shing Mun River. Good for pram access and shorter queues.
The Peak lantern trail
A short walking loop dressed with lanterns and the city's best skyline view at the same time. Take the tram before 6pm to beat the queue.
Tips for the night
- Go early. Victoria Park and Tai Hang both fill by 7.30pm on the festival eve. Head over straight after work.
- Use the MTR. Roads around Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai close or crawl. Trains run late on festival nights.
- Bring a folding lantern. Street stalls sell traditional paper and LED lanterns from about HK$30. Kids will thank you.
- Mooncakes travel well. Most bakeries take pre-orders from August; queues on the day can be long.
When is Mid-Autumn?
The festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, so the Gregorian date shifts each year (usually mid-September to early October). The following day is a Hong Kong public holiday, which is when most workplaces observe the celebration.