The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, is one of the most meaningful cultural celebrations in the Chinese calendar besides Chinese New Year and Chap Goh Mei. Falling on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually in September or October), the festival is deeply rooted in ancient Chinese beliefs. Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated with a mix of old-world charm and modern fun. Families come together to enjoy sweet mooncakes, children carry colorful lanterns, and communities organize lively mooncake festivals filled with cultural activities and traditions.
Looking for the best spots to experience the festival this year? Here’s where you can soak in the vibes:
1. Enjoying Installation Art at Kwai Chai Hong
From 29 August to 12 October 2025, Kwai Chai Hong’s heritage alley in Kuala Lumpur lights up with Moonlit Blossom (č±ę)—a stunning art installation inspired by Chinese folklore. Walk across the Red Bridge glowing with 40 lantern blossoms, admire a giant moon suspended above the alley, and spot whimsical osmanthus flowers and rabbit figures holding mooncakes. Themed around legends like Wu Gang’s Osmanthus Tree, Chang’e, and the Jade Rabbit, the experience is both cultural and Insta-worthy. For the best photos, visit around 7 PM, when the lanterns and moonlight shine at their brightest.
- Dates: 29 August-12 October 2025
- Operation hours: 9am-12am (daily)
- Location : Kwai Chai Hong, Lorong Panggung, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
2. Celebrate at IOI Mall Damansara Mid-Autumn Festival
For those who enjoy festive shopping vibes, the Mid-Autumn celebration at IOI Mall Damansara is a crowd favorite. Happening from 5 September to 6 October 2025, the whole mall is transformed into a lantern-lit celebration space with beautiful décor and family-friendly activities throughout. Some highlight activities include weekend workshops such as paper lantern and LED lantern making, cultural performances and clay art ornament. Plus, there is sweet bonus: Gift-With-Purchase (GWP) offers are available for a limited time, meaning shoppers who meet certain spending thresholds can redeem special Mid-Autumn Festival freebies such as Cute Rabbit Lantern.
- Dates: 5 September – 6 October 2025
- Operation hours: 10am – 10 pm (daily)
- Location: IOI Mall Damansara, 2A, Persiaran Surian, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
3.Eat Mooncake at Malaysia’s Best Spots
No Mid-Autumn Festival in Malaysia is complete without indulging in the season’s star treat—mooncakes. Beyond their sweet symbolism of reunion and prosperity, these delicacies are a delicious way to experience tradition. In Malaysia, mooncakes are everywhere during this season—luxury hotels, traditional Chinese bakeries, and even trendy cafés roll out their own versions. For classic baked lotus seed mooncakes, head to Tai Thong Restaurants, a long-time favourite known for authentic flavours. If you’re after luxury, ST Regis KL and Mandarin Oriental are famous for their exquisite seasonal mooncake gift boxes, making them perfect for festive gifting.
4. Visit Thean Hou Temple
When it comes to celebrating Mid-Autumn in a truly cultural and spiritual setting, Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur stands out beautifully. This iconic Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur is known for its breathtaking decorations during festive seasons, and the Mid-Autumn Festival is no exception. The temple grounds light up with colorful lanterns, offering the perfect setting for moon-gazing and cultural traditions. Visitors can also join temple-led activities, from prayer ceremonies to cultural showcases, making it a deeply meaningful way to celebrate the festival.
- Operation hours: 8 am – 8 pm (daily)
- Location: 65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
The Mid-Autumn Festival in Malaysia is more than just mooncakes and lanterns—it’s about cherishing family, honoring age-old traditions, and celebrating togetherness under the full moon.
So, where are you going to celebrate Mid-Autumn festival this year?
