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Mid-Autumn Festival

Immerse yourself in the enchantment of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Join in the celebration of unity, gratitude and the magical beauty of the full moon!

Friday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMid-Autumn Festival (15th day 8th Chinese lunar month)

OBSERVED INChina

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYAsian Heritage

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Experience the magic of the Mid-Autumn Festival on September 17! A splendid celebration dating back over 3,000 years to China's Zhou Dynasty, this festival is a cherished tradition in many Asian communities. It is all about unity, gratitude, and the radiant beauty of the full moon. Storytelling, moon gazing, and savoring mooncakes are among the heart-warming and joyous activities that mark this occasion. So, prepare to be captivated by the enchantment of the Mid-Autumn Festival! Unleash your spirit of gratitude, unity, and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the moon in its fullest glory!

TIMELINE

Mid-Autumn Festival Timeline

Origins in Zhou Dynasty

The Mid-Autumn Festival has its roots in moon worship during the Zhou Dynasty.

Tang Dynasty Celebrations

The festival became a formal celebration in China during the Tang Dynasty, enjoying widespread popularity with royalty and common people alike.

Ming Dynasty Traditions

During the Ming Dynasty, the custom of gazing at the moon and eating mooncakes became well-established traditions of the festival.

Festival Spreads to More Countries

The celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival expanded across many Asian countries, including Korea and Vietnam.

New Traditions Introduced

New customs and traditions, such as lantern-making and lion dancing, were incorporated into the festival celebrations in the mid-20th century.

Mid-Autumn Festival Today

Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated by millions worldwide, and its core traditions of moon worshipping, storytelling, and mooncake eating continue.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival

Create homemade mooncakes

Embrace the heart of tradition and make your own mooncakes. Sweet or savoury, filed with lotus paste or bean paste, the variety is diverse and fun to make!

HOST

Host a moon-watching gathering

Invite family and friends over for a moon-watching event. Prepare some snacks, drinks, and share stories while gazing at the brightest moon of the year.

START

Start a lantern-making competition

Celebrate the festival's luminous spirit, by hosting a lantern-making competition within your family/community. Choose the most imaginative lantern under the bright full moon!

IMMERSE

Immerse in a tea ceremony

Enjoy a serene experience centered around gratitude - host or attend a tea ceremony. Famous Chinese teas you may try include Dragon Well (Longjing) or Biluochun.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in a folklore storytelling session

Join or organize a storytelling event where you share the legendary folktales associated with the festival, such as the story of Chang'e, the moon goddess of immortality.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Mid-Autumn Festival

It promotes creativity and appreciation for arts and culture

The Mid-Autumn Festival isn't just about observing traditions, it also encourages creativity and craftsmanship. Whether you're making mooncakes, crafting lanterns, or telling stories, there's so much room to express your creativity and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage surrounding this beautiful festival.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is steeped in rich historic traditions

Dating back over 3,000 years to China's Zhou Dynasty, the Mid-Autumn Festival has been a beloved event celebrated by many Asian communities. The festival offers an opportunity to delve into ancient traditions, adding an extra layer of meaningfulness to the celebration.

It's a wonderful time for a family gathering

There's beauty in unity and gratitude, and the Mid-Autumn Festival emphasizes these values. From hosting a moon-watching gathering to participating in a lantern-making competition, the festival provides ample opportunities to spend quality time with family and friends, strengthening bonds of love and unity.

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