What Is Mid Autumn Festival
The Mid Autumn Festival, or Tết Trung Thu, is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month — when the moon shines its brightest and fullest. It usually falls in September or early October, perfectly aligning with the romantic charm of Hanoi autumn.
In Vietnam, the Mid Autumn Festival holds a similar place in people’s hearts as Christmas does in Western cultures. Streets are filled with colorful decorations, families reunite, and children parade joyfully with lanterns of every shape and color. The celebration honors the moon’s harvest season and symbolizes harmony, gratitude, and family togetherness.
The Meaning of Mid Autumn Festival
At its core, the Mid Autumn Festival celebrates reunion and gratitude. Traditionally, after the harvest season, Vietnamese farmers offered thanks to the moon for abundant crops. Over centuries, the celebration evolved into a children’s festival, as families used the occasion to express love and hope for their young ones’ happiness and growth.
The full moon plays a symbolic role — representing wholeness, peace, and family unity. On this night, people admire the moon, share mooncakes, and make wishes for good fortune.
In Vietnamese folklore, the festival is tied to legends of the Moon Lady (Hằng Nga) and Cúi, a man who lives on the moon. These stories are told to children as they carry lanterns through the streets, keeping alive the spirit of storytelling and imagination.
The festival’s meaning goes beyond myths. It reflects a deeper cultural value — the importance of family, community, and gratitude. In modern Hanoi, this timeless essence still shines brightly through music, laughter, and the warm light of thousands of lanterns floating in the night sky.
What to Try During the Mid Autumn Festival in Hanoi
The Mid Autumn Festival in Hanoi offers a vibrant mix of food, color, and culture. Whether you want to join locals in traditional games or taste authentic seasonal treats, there’s something for everyone.
Activities
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Wander through Hàng Mã Street
A few weeks before the Mid Autumn Festival, Hàng Mã Street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter becomes a wonderland of red and gold. The narrow lanes overflow with handmade lanterns, paper masks, and star-shaped toys. The festive buzz peaks at night when families, photographers, and travelers gather to admire the glowing decorations. -
Watch the Lion Dance Performances
One of the most thrilling sights of the Mid Fall Festival is the lion dance — a lively performance symbolizing prosperity and protection. Accompanied by the beat of drums and gongs, dancers leap and twirl through the streets, captivating both children and adults. The best places to catch these performances are around Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Hàng Bạc Street. -
Join a Lantern Parade
On the night of the full moon, children march with lanterns shaped like stars, rabbits, and fish. Joining a lantern parade is one of the best ways to feel the community spirit of the Mid Autumn Festival. Many visitors are welcomed to walk along — locals love when foreigners share in the joy. -
Take a Moonlit Walk by Hoàn Kiếm Lake
During Hanoi autumn, the weather is perfect for an evening stroll. As you walk around the lake, you’ll see families picnicking, couples taking photos, and street performers adding to the lively scene. The reflection of lanterns and the moon on the water makes it one of the most picturesque moments of the year.
Food
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Mooncakes (Bánh Trung Thu)
No Mid Autumn Festival is complete without mooncakes — the round pastries that symbolize unity and wholeness. Traditional fillings include mung bean, lotus seed, or mixed nuts with salted egg yolk. Modern versions now feature chocolate, matcha, or durian for a creative twist.Mooncakes are often exchanged as gifts among families, friends, and business partners. Sharing a mooncake while sipping green tea under the full moon is one of Hanoi’s most cherished traditions.
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Seasonal Fruits and Offerings
During the Mid Fall Festival, families prepare trays of fruits such as pomelo, bananas, and persimmons to honor the moon goddess. The vibrant colors of these fruits add to the festive ambiance, symbolizing abundance and good health. -
Street Snacks and Autumn Treats
Wandering through the Old Quarter, you’ll find vendors selling autumn specialties — from sticky rice with mung bean to sweet soup desserts. These local flavors bring out the warmth and nostalgia of Hanoi autumn.
Final Thoughts
If you’re lucky enough to be in Hanoi during the Mid Autumn Festival, take the time to join the locals, try the traditional food, and feel the energy of a community united in joy. Whether you call it the Mid Autumn Festival, Mid Fall Festival, or simply Mid Autumn, the magic remains the same — a celebration of light, love, and connection.
Ready to experience this unforgettable night? Stay at Quiri Hostel Hanoi — a friendly Hanoi hostel in the heart of the Old Quarter, just steps from the festival streets. Celebrate the season, meet fellow travelers, and create memories that shine as bright as the full moon.
