Lights by the Lake 2026: The Ultimate Family Guide to Jurong Lake Gardens’ Mid-Autumn Celebration

Lights by the Lake 2026 returns to Jurong Lake Gardens with massive lantern displays and family fun activities for more family fun times this Mid-Autumn Festival! 

Venue: Jurong Lake Gardens (Lakeside Garden, Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden)
Dates: 19 - 27 Sep 2026 (Lantern displays till 4 Oct), 6.30 pm - 10.30 pm daily
Admission: Free

Looking for a magical family evening out this Mid-Autumn Festival? Lights by the Lake 2026 is returning to Jurong Lake Gardens, spanning across Lakeside Garden, the newly reopened Chinese Garden, and the tranquil Japanese Garden.

From breathtaking illuminated lantern sets depicting traditional tales to bouncy castles, food markets, outdoor concerts, and stargazing sessions under the stars, here is everything families need to know to plan a day out!

1. Breathtaking Lantern Displays 

The star of the festival is the array of large-scale, handcrafted lantern installations illuminated across the water and gardens:

• The Legend of the White Snake (Lakeside Field): A 5-scene storytelling trail following Bai Suzhen, Xu Xian, Xiao Qing, and Abbot Fa Hai — from their rainy meeting at Broken Bridge to their battle at Jinshan Temple.

• Moonlit Reunion & Whispers of the Jade Rabbit (Cleansing Biotope Ponds, Chinese Garden): Floating lantern installations of Chang'e surrounded by lotus flowers on the water, alongside playful Jade Rabbits spreading festive cheer.

• Reimagined Harmony (Cloud Pagoda, Chinese Garden): A heartwarming alternative ending featuring the characters of the White Snake legend reuniting in peace in front of the pagoda.

• Princess Kaguya’s Moon Garden (Floral Garden, Japanese Garden): Inspired by Japanese folklore, featuring Princess Kaguya surrounded by moonlit flowers and playful bunnies.

• Waters of Abundance (Resthouse Pond, Japanese Garden): Colourful floating koi carp lanterns gliding across the water, symbolizing good fortune.

2. Mesmerising Light Shows 

Catch nightly light shows at the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden and Cloud Pagoda, Chinese Garden. More information will be available soon. 

3. Zone-by-Zone Highlights for Families

Lakeside Field: Carnival Games & Food Market

• Bouncy Castles & Games (Weekends: 19, 20, 26, 27 Sept | 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm): Organized by Families for Life, kids can jump on large inflatable bouncy castles and play interactive games (Ring Toss, Maze Game, Basketball) to win free temporary tattoos and sticker sheets.

• Festive Food Market (Daily: 19 – 27 Sept | 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm): A feast for all ages! Enjoy BBQ, Thai food, pasta, kebabs, Ramly burgers, taiyaki, and sweet potato balls alongside carnival game booths and festive stalls.

Wave Plaza: Art Workshops, Lantern Riddles & Inclusive Music

• Roving Art Studio by National Gallery Singapore (Weekends: 19, 20, 26, 27 Sept | 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm): Interactive art stations inspired by Georgette Chen’s Still Life (Moon Festival Table) where kids can draw family portraits or paint at the "Lotus in a Breeze" photo installation.

• Mediacorp Lantern Trail & Animation Premiere (Sunday, 20 Sept): Join a guided lantern walk from Wave Plaza to Ficus Lawn and catch the premiere screening of the new animation series Lil' Wild live on the big screen! Plus, 1,000 limited-edition plushies and goodie bags will be given away.

• Lantern Riddles (Mon – Thu: 21 – 24 Sept | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm): Solve traditional riddles under the lanterns (hosted with Love 97.2 FM) to win prizes.

• ART:DIS Inclusive Music Showcase (Sunday, 27 Sept | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm): Inspiring live performances by visually impaired and neurodiverse artistes (Daniel Ng, Adelyn Koh, and duo StrawberryStory).

Chinese Garden: Cultural Activities, Hanfu Photos & Outdoor Concerts

• Bonsai Garden Craft Hub (Weekends: 19, 20, 26, 27 Sept): Test your wits at mini-games, solve mooncake riddles for prizes, craft your own DIY lanterns, and pick up a free Uncle Ting activity booklet.

• Hanfu Dress-Up Booth (Weekends): Rent traditional Chinese Hanfu attire for family photos amidst Suzhou-style garden backdrops.

• Storytelling at Tea Pavilion (Weekends): Settle in for storytelling sessions bringing Mid-Autumn myths to life.

• Ficus Lawn Main Stage:

  • 19 Sept (6:30 pm onwards): NParks Concert Series in the Park: Rockestra® – Sing along to Mandopop and English classics.

  • 20 Sept (7:30 pm – 10:30 pm): DementiaSG short film festival screening, with Cloud Pagoda lit in yellow and purple.

  • 26 Sept: Live performance by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra.

Japanese Garden: Stargazing, Silent Disco & Nostalgic Games

• Celestial Nights by Science Centre Singapore (25 & 26 Sept): Peer through high-powered telescopes to view Saturn and the full moon, walk the educational Celestial Trail, and join a family Silent Disco Moonwalk! Enjoy $4 planetarium shows, free popcorn, and late-night snacks.

• Moonstruck 2026 (25 & 26 Sept | 6:30 pm & 8:00 pm): An immersive 30-minute shadow play and dance performance inside the timber-roofed Guesthouse.

• "Don't Play Play" Exhibition (Resthouse): Discover nostalgic childhood board games (Snakes & Ladders, Aeroplane Chess) and collect stamps to complete a DIY Aeroplane Chess board to take home.

BYKidO Tips for Visiting Parents

1. Best Arrival Time: Head down around 5:30 pm so kids can enjoy the bouncy castles and food market before crowd levels peak when lights turn on at 6:30 pm.

2. What to Pack: Insect repellent, wet wipes, a light picnic mat, water bottles, and rain gear.

3. Stroller Access: Main paths throughout Lakeside, Chinese, and Japanese Gardens are wide and stroller-friendly.

Getting There & Parking

• Lakeside MRT Station (EW26): 3-minute walk to the Lakeside Plaza Entrance.

• Chinese Garden MRT Station (EW25): 5-minute walk to the Chinese Garden Bridge Entrance.

• Jurong East MRT Station (NS1 / EW24): 20-minute walk to the Japanese Garden Bridge Entrance.

• By Public Bus:

  • Bus Services: 49, 154, 180, 198, 246, and 335.

  • Bus Stops: Located along Yuan Ching Road, Boon Lay Way, and Jurong Town Hall Road.

• Driving & Parking:

  • Car Park Locations: North Carpark (104 Yuan Ching Rd) and South Carpark (50 Yuan Ching Rd).

  • Rates: $0.60 per 30 minutes.

  • Note: Public transport is strongly recommended as carparks fill up early on weekend evenings.

For more details, visit https://juronglakegardens.nparks.gov.sg/lights-by-the-lake/.