Lights by the Lake 2026

Lights by the Lake festival at Jurong Lake Gardens

If you’ve already popped by the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, which reopened in 2024, you’ll know they’re now a go-to for chill walks, photo ops, and zen vibes. Well, the vibes there are about to get livelier, with the annual Lights by the Lake festival, happening from 19th to 27th September 2026 at Jurong Lake Gardens .

This year’s edition features large, handcrafted lantern displays scattered across the gardens. Apart from the pretty, lit displays, catch free light shows and cultural performances at the festival. Plus, there’s a tented food market to feast on Mid-Autumn Festival goodies.

Lights by the Lake in a nutshell:

Main event to not miss: Legend of the White Snake Lantern Display & Cloud Pagoda Light Show

Best family-friendly lantern activities: Mediacorp Lantern Trail

Best activity for the kids: “Don’t Play Play” Exhibition

Best lantern activity for the trivia lovers: Lantern Riddles

Best activities for the music and performance lovers: Rockestra, Moonstruck, and Music Oasis

What are the highlights of the Lights by the Lake festival?

Image credit: NParks

At the Lights by the Lake festival, there will be a total of 23 different lantern displays, programmes, and activities to check out. We’ve got you covered with all the highlights you need to know, along with their respective deets.

When is Lights by the Lake 2026?

Lights by the Lake’s 2026 edition runs from 19th-27th September 2026 . Opening hours are 6.30pm to 10.30pm daily at Jurong Lake Gardens. Although the festival ends on 27th September, the lantern displays remain on view till 4th October 2026.

– Lakeside Garden –

Mediacorp Lantern Trail & Animation Screening

Image credit: NParks

With only 250 slots up for grabs for the Mediacorp Lantern Trail , embark on this new family-friendly and guided walk while carrying lit lanterns through Jurong Lake Gardens, and catch a premiere screening of Lil’ Wild – a new animated series from Mediacorp. As it is a one-time event, be sure to submit your registration beforehand.

Dates: 20th September 2026

Time: 7pm to- 9pm

Location: Wave Plaza, Lakeside Garden & Ficus Lawn, Chinese Garden

Legend of the White Snake Lantern Display

Image credit: NParks

Arguably the festival’s main attraction, the Legend of the White Snake Lantern Display lights up the garden with larger-than-life lanterns that bring the beloved Chinese folk tale of a white snake spirit who takes human form – Bai Suzhen, along with 3 characters – Xu Xian, Xiao Qing, and Fa Hai – to life, through 6 different scenes along the Lakeside Field.

Just in front of the Food Market, you’ll find a row of these displays, titled The Spirit Awakens, Fateful Encounter on the Bridge, A Mortal Life Together, The Realgar Wine Revelation, The Battle at Jinshan Temple, and Legend of the White Snake: The Reunion.

Location: Lakeside Field

Cultural showcases & music performances

Image credit: Lights by the Lake

Support local artists by catching free music performances on selected nights. These will be held on the stage at Wave Plaza, right next to the Chinese Garden Gate. Look forward to tunes by symphony orchestras, puppet storytelling, and live performances from buskers, art groups, and an Inclusive Music Showcase featuring ART:DIS artistes.

Dates: 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th September 2026

Time: 6.30pm to 9.30pm

Location: Wave Plaza

Lantern Riddles

If you’re the type of person who loves a challenge, the Lantern Riddles segment will be right up your alley. Simply tune in to LOVE972’s special riddles broadcast and stand a chance to score some prizes if you crack them all correctly.

Dates: 21st to 25th September 2026

Time: 7pm to 9pm

Location: Wave Plaza

Roving Art Studio by National Gallery Singapore

Image credit: NParks via Facebook

Get your creative juices flowing at the Roving Art Studio by the National Gallery Singapore through an interactive activity inspired by Georgette Chen’s Still Life . Try your h