Hong Kong’s Victoria Park is glowing with lanterns as the Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2026 gets under way, bringing a colourful mix of light displays, performances and festive activities to the city from September 17 to 27.

Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and presented by the Hong Kong Tourism Board for the first time, this year’s carnival is themed “A Delightful Journey through the Lantern Garden”, drawing on familiar elements of Hong Kong life and culture.

Highlights include lanterns inspired by local favourites such as egg waffles, milk tea and curry fishballs, alongside displays featuring traditional crafts and intangible cultural heritage. An approximately eight-metre-tall banyan tree lantern from Nanjing, combining intricate craftsmanship with colourful lighting, is also making its Hong Kong debut.

Visitors can also enjoy a creative market, lantern-riddle games and craft workshops. On Mid-Autumn night, the park will host a Tai Hang fire dragon dance and a gala featuring Cantonese opera, folk dancing and Chinese music, while a youth night on September 26 will showcase young performers.