The best Mid-Autumn 2026 light-ups and events in Singapore

Unlike its ongoing Lilytopia showcase, Gardens by the Bay’s Mid-Autumn light-up doesn’t require a ticket. Sprawled across the nature attraction’s free-entry spaces, including the Golden Garden and Dragonfly Lake, are supersized lanterns featuring Fenbao – an original character created by local artist Lim Sau Hoong. Journey with the adorably rotund cartoon icon and her quirky friends as they frolic amid glowing jellyfish, ride across the sea on the back of a winged whale, and scale a tower of flowers to reach the moon.

Don’t have your own lantern? Make a cute rabbit-shaped one for a small fee, or paint a spherical paper lantern for free. If you’re hungry from all that roaming about, chomp on street eats at the Supertree Grove’s festive marketplace with a side of carnival games and rides. A neon-lit dragon dance performance rounds out the celebrations on a high note on September 27.

Date Until September 27, 2026

Time Daily 6pm to 10pm

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Here’s a kawaii twist on tradition: Hello Kitty and Friends have transformed VivoCity’s Sky Park into the Sanrio Characters Moonlit Garden, a whimsical wonderland of six zones featuring the cutest illuminated character inflatables. Highlights include: a twinkling canopy of themed lanterns; a water lily pond with Hangyodon at the helm; and a ‘tea party’ featuring Pompompurin perched on a giant mooncake, with the other characters in surrounding teacups. Excitement peaks with a Kuromi carnival zone – test your skills at the game booths, and you might just go home with some new Sanrio swag in tow. 

Bonus: Be one of the first 50 per hour (from 5pm to 9pm) to crack the lantern riddles and receive an exclusive Sanrio sticker set.

Date Until September 27, 2026

Time Daily 5pm to 10pm

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P.S. For more Sanrio goodness, pop by Miniso’s SEA-exclusive, summer-themed Sanrio pop-up at Bugis, or browse the new Sanrio store at Chinatown.

Things at Chinatown are looking a little different this year, with the absence of the usual large-scale floats livening up the streets. But that doesn’t mean the occasion is taking a backseat. Instead, it’s all about the community, where lanterns decorated by residents and fellow merrymakers will be displayed at Kreta Ayer Square and Banda Street. These will be part of a procession on September 19 at 6pm – feel free to tag along.

On the same day, gear up for a host of stage programmes and family-friendly cultural activities starting from 2pm all the way till the evening. A wushu performance, paper cutting and calligraphy demonstrations, and heritage-themed guessing games are some examples. 

Date Until October 4, 2026, for lantern displays, with special activities on September 19.

Time Check the event programme here.

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This year, Lights by the Lake at Jurong Lake Gardens is themed after the legend of the White Snake. The heart-wrenching tale about forbidden love unfolds in five chapters across Lakeside Garden’s Lakeside Field, through a series of stunning lantern displays. Continuing the story with a reimagined happy ending is a special light show at the Chinese Garden’s Cloud Pagoda, happening nightly in 30-minute intervals from 7.30pm. 

While park cafes like Canopy and Eden are tempting options for a pre-stroll dinner here, skip them this time ‘round in favour of the pop-up food market. BBQ delights, Thai desserts, Ramly burgers, sweet potato balls and more are whipped up on-site to satiate hungry tummies.

Date September 19 to October 4, 2026

Time Daily 6.30pm to 10.30pm 

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Moon-gazing is a popular Mid-Autumn Festival tradition, as the occasion coincides with the moon appearing at its biggest and brightest. Attempting to spot the Jade Rabbit? Then you might as well go all out with an actual telescope – and Celestial Nights at Science Centre Singapore offers that experience at the facility’s observatory, on September 25 and 26, for just $4. On the same dates, catch Moon Legends: From Myth to Mission, a digital planetarium show that allows you to explore the moon up close, all without hopping on board a spaceship.

Otherwise, join the free nightly celestial trail, which will take you through curated night zones and outdoor spots at the Japanese Garden. And if you’d like to add some beats to your steps, sign up for Moonbeats: Afterdark – a roving silent disco that covers the great outdoors and eventually ends indoors at the Science Centre’s exhibition spaces (including the mirror maze!), complete with a live DJ.

Date September 19 to 27, 2026

Time See the full schedule via Science Centre Singapore’s

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