Lights by the Lake 2026: Free Lanterns, Dates & What to See at Jurong Lake Gardens

Lights by the Lake 2026 returns to Jurong Lake Gardens this September with a free programme of large-scale lantern displays, light shows, concerts, cultural showcases and family activities. The main festival runs from 19 to 27 September 2026, while the lantern displays remain illuminated until 4 October 2026.

What is Lights by the Lake?

Organised by the National Parks Board, Lights by the Lake is Jurong Lake Gardens' annual Mid-Autumn celebration. The 2026 edition spreads its displays and programmes across Lakeside Garden, Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden, making it a much larger walking experience than a single-plaza lantern event.

The Legend of the White Snake lantern trail

The headline lantern experience follows The Legend of the White Snake. Five scenes along Lakeside Field trace Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian's story before the route culminates at Cloud Pagoda. Other installations include a Princess Kaguya-inspired display in the Japanese Garden, illuminated koi at Resthouse Pond and lotus lanterns at Sunken Garden.

Cloud Pagoda light show timings

The Cloud Pagoda light show runs from 19 to 27 September, every 30 minutes from 7.30pm to 10pm, with the last show at 10pm. On opening night, 19 September, the show is suspended during Rockestra and resumes at 9.30pm.

Rockestra on opening night

Opening night includes the free NParks Concert Series in the Park: Rockestra at Ficus Lawn in Chinese Garden on 19 September from 6.30pm. The 2026 programme mixes Mandopop and English hits, so Saturday is likely to be one of the busiest evenings of the festival.

Is Lights by the Lake free?

Yes. NParks states that tickets are not required and admission to Lights by the Lake 2026 is free. Some individual activities may require registration, so check the official programme before travelling if there is a specific workshop or guided activity you want to join.

Family activities and guided tours

The festival includes lantern riddles, performances, cultural showcases and family-friendly activities. NParks is also running special Lights by the Lake guided tours on selected festival dates. Registration for guided tours can close early when capacity is reached.

Important rules before you go

Open flames such as candle-lit lanterns and sparklers are not allowed in Jurong Lake Gardens. NParks also encourages visitors to travel car-lite because large crowds are expected. Cyclists should dismount in no-cycling zones and crowded event areas, and temporary traffic diversions may apply during the festival.

When should you visit?

For the fullest programme, visit between 19 and 27 September. If your priority is photography and you prefer a slightly quieter evening, the lantern displays continue until 4 October after the main festival programme ends. Opening weekend offers the most programming but should also draw the biggest crowds.

How this differs from Gardens by the Bay's Mid-Autumn Festival

Both are free outdoor Mid-Autumn options, but they suit different plans. Gardens by the Bay is easier to combine with Marina Bay and the Supertrees, while Lights by the Lake offers a more expansive park walk across the Chinese and Japanese Gardens. If you have two evenings available, the experiences are different enough to justify doing both.

For another major lantern event, see our Gardens by the Bay Mid-Autumn Festival 2026 guide. You can also browse our free things to do at Gardens by the Bay and September 2026 things-to-do guide.