The Day Following Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, the day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is both a general holiday and a statutory holiday for employees. The festival date follows the lunar calendar, and Hong Kong’s Sunday substitution rules give this holiday a specific local arrangement.[1][2]
A holiday tied to the lunar calendar
The Mid-Autumn Festival is observed on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. Families gather, share mooncakes and admire the full moon; the Hong Kong holiday follows that festival date.[5]
The day off is not a separate festival with its own widely documented customs. Its Hong Kong significance is practical and cultural: it provides a holiday immediately after a major festival evening. Hong Kong’s official tourist information highlights family gatherings and mooncakes, as well as local Mid-Autumn traditions such as the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance.[5]
Who gets the day off
Under Hong Kong’s Employment Ordinance, employees are entitled to statutory holidays regardless of their length of service. Statutory holiday pay is due to employees who have been employed under a continuous contract for at least three months. An employer may require an employee to work on a statutory holiday after giving at least 48 hours’ notice, but must arrange an alternative holiday within the period set by the Ordinance.[1]
The General Holidays Ordinance also designates general holidays, when banks, educational establishments, public offices and government departments need not open. This designation does not mean that every workplace or business closes.[3]
Sunday substitution and dates
If the day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival falls on a Sunday, the next day—the 17th day of the eighth lunar month—is designated as the statutory and general holiday in substitution.[2] If the holiday falls on an employee’s rest day, the Employment Ordinance generally provides for another holiday; the specific Sunday substitution rule applies to this festival holiday.[1][2]
A Saturday is not a general holiday under the General Holidays Ordinance, so it does not receive an additional general holiday simply because it falls on Saturday.[3] The date therefore changes from year to year with the lunar calendar, and whether a substitute day applies depends on the weekday of the holiday.[2]
Observances and practical planning
Hong Kong’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department organises Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnivals, with evening programmes, lantern displays and activities that can include traditional lantern making. The Department’s records show that displays and events have used venues in different districts, including Victoria Park, Sha Tin Park, Tuen Mun Park and Tai Po Waterfront Park; locations and programmes vary.[4]
These activities are associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival period, rather than being guaranteed events on the following day. Banks, educational establishments, public offices and government departments need not open on a general holiday. Visitors should check individual businesses and transport operators before travelling.[3]
Frequently asked questions
Is the day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival a public holiday in Hong Kong?
Who is entitled to the day off?
Employees are entitled to the statutory holiday regardless of length of service. Statutory holiday pay applies after at least three months under a continuous contract. Employers may require holiday work with advance notice and must provide an alternative holiday under the law.[1]
What happens if it falls on a Sunday?
The 17th day of the eighth lunar month is designated as the substituted statutory and general holiday.[2]
Are shops and public transport closed?
The general holiday designation means banks, educational establishments, public offices and government departments need not open. Check with specific businesses and transport operators before you go.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for The day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong SAR China:
- The Employment Ordinance, Cap. 57- Labour Department, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- General Holidays and Employment Legislation (Substitution of Holidays)(Amendment) Ordinance 2011- Labour Department, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- LCQ7:Arrangements regarding additional or substituted general holidays- The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnivals- Community Programmes Office, Leisure and Cultural Services Department, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Mid-Autumn Festival- Hong Kong Tourism Board