The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a significant traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month.
This annual celebration has gained popularity not only in China but also among Chinese communities worldwide.
In this article, we will delve into the Mid-Autumn Festival in 2025, including the dates for the upcoming years, how the festival’s date is determined, and what one can expect during the festival in China, Singapore, and Malaysia.
When is Mid-Autumn Festival in 2025, 2026, 2027…?
The Mid-Autumn Festival typically falls on the 15th day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, this usually corresponds to September or early October. Thus, the specific date varies each year.
| Year | Date | Public Holiday |
| 2022 | Sep. 10 | Sep. 10 – 12 |
| 2023 | Sep. 29 | Sep. 20 – Oct. 1 |
| 2024 | Sep. 17 | Sep. 15 – 17 |
| 2025 | Oct. 6 | Oct. 5 – 7 |
| 2026 | Sep. 25 | Sep. 25 – 27 |
| 2027 | Sep. 15 | Sep. 15 – 17 |
| 2028 | Oct. 3 | Oct. 1 – 3 |
| 2029 | Sep. 22 | Sep. 21 – 23 |
| 2030 | Sep. 12 | Sep. 12 – 14 |
In mainland China, the Mid-Autumn Festival is typically celebrated with a three-day public holiday. This is accomplished by utilizing two weekend days for those who have a five-day workweek, effectively only using one day of statutory holiday.
In Hong Kong and Macau, the day after the Mid-Autumn Festival is observed as a public holiday, instead of the actual festival date itself. However, if the festival falls on a Sunday, Monday becomes an additional holiday due to the many nighttime celebration events held.
In Singapore and Malaysia, the Moon Festival is not recognized as an official public holiday.
How Is Mid-Autumn Festival’s Date Determined?
The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. As the lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, the date of the festival varies each year.
The lunar calendar follows a 29.5-day lunar cycle, making it different from the 365.25-day solar year in the Gregorian calendar. To align the lunar calendar with the solar calendar, a complex system of intercalary months is used.
This system ensures that the Mid-Autumn Festival remains within a reasonable range from the autumnal equinox.
Why Is Mid-Autumn Festival So Early in 2023?
In 2023, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls relatively early, on September 13th. This occurrence is due to the specific alignment of the lunar and solar calendars.
The lunar year begins around the late January to mid-February period, and as a result, the festival can vary widely. In 2023, the lunar month falls closer to the autumnal equinox, leading to the early date for this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival.
What to Expect for Mid-Autumn Festival 2023 in China, Singapore, Malaysia
The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated with joy and festivity in China, Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries with Chinese communities. During this time, people come together with their families and loved ones to admire the full moon and share mooncakes—a traditional delicacy.
In China, the festival is a national holiday, providing an opportunity for families to reunite. Apart from admiring the moon’s beauty, Chinese people engage in various activities such as lantern parades, dragon and lion dances, and cultural performances. Lanterns of all shapes and sizes light up the streets, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Families also gather to eat mooncakes, which are round pastries with various fillings, symbolizing unity and completeness.
Singapore and Malaysia, with their significant Chinese populations, also celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in a similar manner. The Chinatown area in both countries becomes the center of celebration, with colorful displays, cultural performances, and street markets selling various festive goods. Mooncake fairs showcase an array of traditional and innovative mooncake flavors, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Culture to Know 