The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the largest cultural events of the year in Hong Kong. Held on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, which is September 22 this year, the festival takes place when the moon is at its biggest and brightest in celebration of the autumnal harvest. Locals carry glowing lanterns as families head to beaches, vistas and lively community events. The jovial lanterns come in all shapes and sizes. Another festival tradition is the consumption of mooncakes, a rich pastry that family and friends buy in tin boxes and give to each other around this time of the year. High-end hotels and restaurants make their own versions with their logos imprinted on the crust.

Visitors can take part in the festive activities at these events. All are free admission.

Mid-Autumn Lantern Exhibitions

September 10-24, West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade. MTR: Kowloon Station
September 10-October 17, Piazza, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui
September 16-25, Exhibition Hall, 1/F, Hong Kong City Hall, Central. MTR: Central

Lantern Carnivals

September 19-30, Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple. MTR: Wong Tai Sin
September 21, Tsing Yi Park, 7.30-10.30pm. MTR: Tsing Yi
September 22, Victoria Park, 8pm-11pm. MTR: Causeway Bay

Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance

Every year, the residents of Tai Hang celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in style with a fire dragon dance. A 67-metre-long dragon form is covered in a thicket of incense sticks which are set ablaze, and the smouldering dragon is carried through the streets. The three-day event takes place from September 21-23, 7.30-10.30pm, through the backstreets of Tai Hang in Causeway Bay. MTR: Tin Hau. Enquiries: 2577 2649 or www.taihangfiredragon.hk