18th September 2026 – (Hong Kong) The Mid‑Autumn Lantern Carnival 2026 opened at Victoria Park and will continue until 27th September, presenting a sweeping celebration of the season with radiant lantern art, stage performances and hands‑on activities organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Curated under the theme “A Delightful Journey through the Lantern Garden”, the programme draws on Hong Kong’s everyday flavours and city scenes to create a playful, photo‑ready experience for residents and visitors alike.
At the heart of the park, the highlight display “A Feast of Light and Cherished Memories” turns much‑loved local bites into cheerful characters, from egg waffles and Hong Kong‑style milk tea to curry fishballs, each rendered with smiling faces to spread festive cheer. Nearby, “Love in Every Moment” depicts a blossoming flower surrounded by heart‑shaped plaques and an archway of hearts, framing vignettes of daily life and inviting visitors to wander through a corridor of glowing motifs.
Traditional craftsmanship takes centre stage in “Lantern‑lit ICH: Shining with Craft Under Moonlight”, created by veteran paper‑crafting master Hui Ka‑hung. The tableau—featuring rabbits embracing a giant moon, a nanyin performance and a lion‑head lantern—offers an intimate encounter with intangible cultural heritage amid the holiday ambience. Families will also find delightful set‑pieces such as “Pandas and Steeds Beneath the Palms”, while a large‑scale installation titled “Heartfelt Wishes to the Moon under the Glow of Lanterns”, produced by students and persons with disabilities, shares heartfelt messages and inclusive creativity.
For the first time, the Hong Kong Tourism Board is presenting a centrepiece at the carnival: the Nanjing Qinhuai lantern installation “Shadowlight”. Rising to around eight metres, the banyan‑tree composition blends intricate traditional techniques with saturated colours and layered lighting effects that reward viewing from multiple angles, adding a striking landmark to the night‑time skyline of the park.
Beyond the displays, the programme extends into a festive marketplace and creative zones. A Mid‑Autumn market, a Chinese knots DIY area and self‑service lantern riddles run throughout the carnival period, while from 24th to 26th September visitors can watch craft demonstrations of Portuguese azulejo tile painting and Hakka‑patterned band weaving. Workshops in traditional lantern making offer a practical introduction to heritage skills, and on Mid‑Autumn night the Tai Hang fire dragon will make a dramatic entrance into Victoria Park ahead of a gala evening featuring Cantonese opera excerpts, folk dance and Chinese music. A dedicated youth night on 26th September will showcase emerging local talent.
Complementing the park festivities, the LCSD has installed “Moonlit Bunny Crew” at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza from 17th September to 11th October. Conceived by local creative team STICKYLINE, the work uses crisp geometric forms to reimagine district landmarks, with “Moonlit Bunny” figures playfully capturing the city’s finest moments on camera to weave a light‑filled travelogue across the plaza.
All installations will be illuminated daily from 6.30pm to 11.00pm, with lighting extended until 12.00am on 25th September for Mid‑Autumn night, ensuring ample time for evening strolls, photographs and festive gatherings beneath the glow of lanterns.
