Mid-Autumn Festival
Across Vietnam · Next full moon: September 25, 2026
Mooncakes, paper lanterns, and lion dances — a family festival with plenty of street food.
About this event
What it celebrates
Mid-Autumn is Vietnam's festival for children and the full moon. Families give mooncakes, children carry paper lanterns in animal shapes, and streets fill with lion dances and drums. In 2026 the full moon falls on September 25, with celebrations running from about September 20.
Where to celebrate
Hanoi's Old Quarter closes streets to traffic for lantern parades around Hoan Kiem lake. Hoi An runs a multi-day lantern festival at the same time, and every city holds markets selling mooncakes and toys. Join a lantern-making workshop in the Old Quarter for a hands-on version.
Practical notes
Mooncake gift boxes sell out quickly; try them warm from small bakeries rather than supermarket brands. Expect big crowds in the Old Quarter and Hoi An on the night itself, and keep an eye on children — the streets fill with performers and stalls.
Photos
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