5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong this Mid-Autumn Festival, September 13-19

Lanterns, fire dragon dances, a moon-themed tea, a chance to see the No 1 Hong Kong film of 2024 – stay entertained this Mid-Autumn Festival

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The Urban Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival in Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, is one of the highlights of celebrations for the festival in Hong Kong. Photo: Chinese Culture Festival

Published: 3:15pm, 13 Sep 2024

This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival falls on a Wednesday (September 18), so consider this an extended weekend. Here are our top recommendations for things to do and see to put yourself in a festive mood.

1. Urban Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival

Organised by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office, this year’s carnival in Victoria Park has a fashion theme that is spectacularly embodied in a 12-metre-long lantern display in the form of a giant Chinese Tang suit and qipao.

There is plenty to see and do, from a Huafu Show featuring traditional Chinese costumes and a Mid-Autumn Market to the obligatory lantern riddles.

The Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. Photo: Eugene Lee

From September 16-18, there will also be a live broadcast of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance inside the park so you do not have to fight the crowds nearby in Tai Hang.

Victoria Park, Soccer Pitches 1-6, Sep 12-18.

Lighting-up time: 6.30pm-11pm (extended to midnight on Sep 17); Mid-Autumn Market: 6.30pm-11pm (extended to midnight on Sep 17); Huafu Show: 8pm-8.30pm (7.30pm-8pm on Sep 12); Tai Hang Fire Dragon Live Broadcast: Sep 16-18, 7.30pm-10.30pm

Find more of the best arts-related happenings over the festival period here.

2. St. Regis Hong Kong

To celebrate mid-autumn, The St. Regis Hong Kong is presenting an “Exquisite Moonlit Afternoon Tea” in collaboration with perfume brand Penhaligon’s until October 31.

Crescent-moon-shaped toast with caviar and rich egg yolk, part of The St. Regis Hong Kong’s “Exquisite Moonlit Afternoon Tea” menu. Photo: The St. Regis Hong Kong

Designed by executive sous chef Hugo Cheng and executive pastry chef Steven Jin, the menu features sweet and savoury dishes inspired by the Luna fragrance from Penhaligon’s – think crescent-moon-shaped toast topped with Oscietra Caviar No. 2 and egg yolk cream, and lobster tart with pomegranate jelly.

A series of mooncake desserts offer a modern twist, with flavours such as pistachio, taro coconut, mango pomelo and peanut sesame.

2/F, The St. Regis Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Drive, Wan Chai

More must-try food and drink events over the festival period can be found here.

3. Tai Hang Fire Dragon Heritage Centre Souvenirs

Hong Kong’s famous Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, first performed in 1880, is one of the most eye-catching events on the city’s festival calendar.