Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills - Mid-Autumn Festival in Da Nang 2026: Activities and Destinations for Families

Mid-Autumn Festival in Da Nang is an opportunity for families to combine beloved traditions such as lantern processions, lion dances, and mooncake tasting with a journey through the city, Hoi An Ancient Town, and Ba Na Hills. Each area offers its own distinct atmosphere, from the communal spirit of the ancient town to a holiday retreat in the French Village on the mountain.

In 2026, the Binh Ngo Mid-Autumn Festival has been officially announced by the city to take place from September 23 to 26 in the Hoi An, Hoi An Dong, and Hoi An Tay wards. Families should plan based on the official event schedule, the ages of their children, weather conditions, and travel time rather than trying to pack too many activities into a single evening.

When Is the Mid-Autumn Festival 2026?

The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, and in 2026 it lands on Friday, September 25. It is not an official public holiday, so school schedules, work commitments, and family travel time still need to be factored into any plans.

In Vietnam, the Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as a children’s celebration, associated with lanterns, lion dances, ceremonial trays, and mooncakes. Activities typically begin in the days leading up to the full moon rather than being concentrated on a single night. This gives families the flexibility to choose a timing that better fits their schedule while avoiding the need to fit everything into the evening of September 25.

What to Look Forward to at the Binh Ngo Mid-Autumn Festival 2026?

According to the official event listing, the Binh Ngo Mid-Autumn Festival 2026 will be held in the Hoi An, Hoi An Dong, and Hoi An Tay wards. The planned program includes a Thien Cau dance competition, lion dances, artistic performances, traditional Mid-Autumn ceremonial tray displays, lantern processions, and community events.

The ancient town setting and its iconic lantern-lit streets make Hoi An the focal point of any Mid-Autumn itinerary. However, this area can become very crowded in the evenings, especially on the night of the full moon, so families with young children should decide in advance where to gather and what time to leave the ancient town.

Da Nang is also expected to host the 2026 International Lantern Festival in the Hoi An, Hoi An Dong, and Hoi An Tay wards in September. The event is described as featuring lantern-making activities, exhibitions, artistic performances, cultural exchanges, and lantern-themed fashion shows, though the exact dates should be confirmed once the city releases its detailed schedule.

Families should not assume that all activities will take place at the same venue or at the same time. Lantern procession routes, parade paths, performance stages, and traffic-restricted zones should be confirmed through official sources closer to the date of departure.

Family-Friendly Mid-Autumn Festival Experiences in Da Nang

Join the lantern procession and watch the lion dance in Hoi An

The lantern procession is one of the most child-friendly activities of the Mid-Autumn Festival. At the Binh Ngo Mid-Autumn Festival 2026, the lantern procession is included in the official program alongside lion dances, Thien Cau dances, and traditional artistic performances.

Families should arrive at the activity area before it begins so that children have time to settle into the environment. Lion dances involve loud drumming and large crowds, so young children or those sensitive to noise should be positioned somewhere more open rather than right next to the performance area. Parents should write their contact information on a wristband or small card for their child, and agree on a meeting point in case family members become separated in the crowd.

Explore the lantern-lit streets of the ancient town

Hoi An Ancient Town offers a lantern experience set against historic architecture, pedestrian-friendly streets, and riverside spaces. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the lights and community activities create an ideal backdrop for families to stroll, take photos, and introduce children to a piece of traditional culture.

The Da Nang International Lantern Festival 2026 is expected to take place in September with participation from both domestic and international groups. Families should monitor the official announcement schedule to find out whether the event coincides with the Binh Ngo Mid-Autumn Festival from September 23 to 26.

When visiting along the riverside, children should always be accompanied by an adult. Lanterns or other materials should not be released onto the water in areas that are not officially organized and supervised.

Learn about the ceremonial tray and Vietnamese Mid-Autumn traditions

The Mid-Autumn ceremonial tray typically features mooncakes, fruit, and decorations made for young children. The traditional tray display is part of the Binh Ngo Mid-Autumn Festival 2026 program, helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of the spirit of togetherness and the care for children that defines this occasion.

Families can encourage children to identify the different types of mooncakes, fruits, and familiar symbols rather than simply treating the display as a photo opportunity. It is also a chance for parents to share the stories of Chu Cuoi, Chi Hang, and the meaning of moonlight in Vietnamese folk culture.

Display areas may have restricted pathways or limited access times when crowded. Adults should remind children not to touch artifacts, displayed items, or decorations without permission.

Choose lanterns and Mid-Autumn gifts for children

Traditional lanterns come in many forms, including star-shaped lanterns, carp lanterns, and rotating lanterns. When choosing one for a child, parents should prioritize sturdy materials, smooth edges, and safe light sources rather than products with electrical wiring or parts that could easily fall off.

Local markets and shops around the city usually stock seasonal toys, mooncakes, and gifts. Families can combine shopping with exploring Han Market, Con Market, or commercial areas near their accommodation, but should check product labels and origins before making any purchases.

Enjoy mooncakes and tea together as a family

Mooncakes come in two familiar varieties: baked and soft (snow skin), with fillings ranging from traditional to modern. In Vietnamese culture, mooncakes are typically shared among family members or given as gifts to loved ones, business partners, and colleagues.

For young children, families should cut mooncakes into small portions, as they tend to be high in sugar and calories. Anyone with allergies to eggs, nuts, dairy, or gluten should read the ingredient list rather than choosing based on flavor name alone.

Hot tea or a lightly sweetened drink helps balance the richness of mooncakes. A short tea break also suits families who prefer not to bring young children into crowded areas throughout the evening.

Taking a Break at Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills is not a replacement for the traditional lantern parade experience in Hoi An Ancient Town, but it is a great fit for families who want to combine the Mid-Autumn Festival with a mountain getaway. The whole family can ride the cable car, explore Golden Bridge, French Village, and the amusement areas, then stay overnight rather than having to return to the city center the same day.

Guests staying at Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills can dine at La Crique, relax in the heated indoor pool, and continue their journey the following morning. The Family Retreat package is currently valid through September 30, 2026, and includes room accommodation, breakfast and dinner buffet, early-access Golden Bridge experience, and use of the pool, Jacuzzi, and gym.

The hotel should not be described as offering its own lantern parade or lion dance program unless an official announcement has been made. Families should check the Ba Na Hills performance schedule and Mercure’s program shortly before their stay.

Choosing Activities Based on Your Child’s Age

Children at different ages vary in mobility, attention span, and tolerance for noise. Your itinerary should be built around your children’s actual needs rather than simply the number of attractions to visit.

Age Group	Suitable Experiences	Things to Keep in Mind
Under 3	Early lantern stroll, mooncake tasting, hotel stay	Avoid loud drumming and late-ending schedules
3–6 years old	Lantern parade, watching lion dance from a distance, lantern-making activities	Bring a compact stroller and plan for rest breaks
7–12 years old	Lion dance competitions, exploring the offering display, activities at Ba Na Hills	Agree on a meeting point in case the area gets crowded
Teenagers	Lantern photography, art performances, exploring the ancient town	Set limits on phone use while moving through crowds
Multi-generational families	Dining, seated performances, and overnight stays	Avoid itineraries that require continuous walking

Families with both young children and elderly members should opt for fewer activities and prioritize venues with accessible restrooms, seating, and shelter from rain.

Nguyet Anh Van Du and the 2026 Mooncake Collection

Nguyet Anh Van Du is the 2026 mooncake collection from Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills, inspired by French Village under moonlight and the hotel’s 10th anniversary. The Tu Sac Nguyet collection features four flavors — black sesame, lotus seed, yuzu, and young coconut — paired with a range of traditional, brown rice, coffee, and green tea pastry skins.

The gift set is priced at 810,000 VND, while individual cakes are available at 145,000 VND and come with a serving of tea or coffee. ALL Accor+ Explorer members receive a separate discount subject to the program’s terms and conditions.

One important note: pre-orders are only accepted until September 15, 2026, which is earlier than the Mid-Autumn Festival night on September 25. Families or businesses planning to use the collection as gifts should place their orders early rather than waiting until the week of the festival.

Suggested 4-Day, 3-Night Mid-Autumn Itinerary in Da Nang

Day 1: Da Nang City Center and Local Mid-Autumn Atmosphere

Families check in at a hotel in the city center or beachside area, then spend the afternoon at the Da Nang Museum, Bach Dang Street, or a local market. In the evening, enjoy an early dinner, pick out lanterns, and savor mooncakes at your accommodation.

The first day should be kept relatively light, especially if the family has just arrived by plane. There is no need to seek out a major event on the very first evening if children are still adjusting to a new routine.

Day 2: Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An Ancient Town

Families can head to Hoi An Ancient Town in the early to mid-afternoon to avoid rushing right before the program begins. Before dark, have dinner and identify in advance the area where you plan to watch performances or join the lantern parade.

Spend the evening focused on a few key activities such as watching the lion dance, exploring the offering display, and strolling through the lantern-lit streets. Avoid trying to move continuously between multiple stages, especially on the full moon night of the 15th when crowds are at their peak.

The 2026 Binh Ngo Mid-Autumn Festival runs from September 23 to 26, so families can choose a night other than September 25 if they want to avoid the heaviest crowds.

Day 3: Ba Na Hills and Check-in at Mercure

Families leave the city center in the morning or late morning, travel to the base of Ba Na Hills, and take the cable car up. During the day, the family can combine visits to Golden Bridge, French Village, Fantasy Park, and other spots suited to the children’s ages.

In the late afternoon, guests check in at Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills, enjoy the dinner buffet at La Crique, and relax within the hotel grounds. The heated indoor pool is an added option if children still have energy or the weather is not ideal.

Details on transportation, arrival times, luggage, and the cable car are covered in the guide on how to get to Ba Na Hills from Da Nang.

Day 4: Morning at the Summit of Ba Na Hills

Guests using the Family Retreat Package can join the Golden Hour experience at Golden Bridge with early cable car rides according to the current schedule. Afterward, the family enjoys breakfast, continues exploring areas not yet visited, or spends time at the pool before checking out.

The hotel currently announces a checkout time before 10:30. Families can store their luggage as directed and continue sightseeing, then collect their bags before taking the cable car down the mountain.

Tips for Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival with Children

Check the event schedule before you go

The confirmed event listing shows the Mid-Autumn Festival running from September 23 to 26, but performance times, lantern procession routes, and specific venue areas may be updated closer to the date. Families should check the Da Nang Tourism Portal and Hoi An announcements before setting out.

The International Lantern Festival has only been announced within the scope of September, with no specific dates yet confirmed. This event should not be included in a fixed itinerary until official information is available.

Arrive early and establish a meeting point

The ancient town can get crowded in the evening, making strollers and group movement more difficult. Families should arrive early, agree on a meeting spot, and write the adults’ phone numbers on a card for children to carry with them.

Older children should be instructed not to follow lion dance troupes on their own or stray from the agreed route. Parents should also take a photo of their child’s outfit before entering crowded areas so they can describe it easily if assistance is needed.

Prepare for late September weather

Late September falls within a period when Da Nang may experience rain, while conditions in the city center, Hoi An, and Ba Na Hills can differ from one another. Families should check forecasts for each specific location, bring compact rain gear, and protect electronic devices.

Choose appropriate clothing and footwear

Mid-Autumn Festival outfits can make the occasion more exciting for children, but comfort should remain the priority. Children’s ao dai, performance costumes, or accessories should allow kids to walk freely without long strings or ties that could catch on things.

Shoes with good grip are especially important when roads are wet, streets are crowded, or the family continues on to Ba Na Hills. Parents should pack an extra light set of clothing in case children get wet or spill food.

Manage sweets and allergies

Mooncakes, candies, and sweet drinks tend to appear all at once during children’s activities. Parents should portion things out, check mooncake fillings, and avoid letting children eat too much before dinner.

Fillings may contain salted egg yolk, nuts, dairy, beans, or flavoring agents. Families with children who have allergies should check the label or ask the vendor directly before consumption.

Celebrate the Moon Season at Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills

Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills offers a way to extend the Mid-Autumn journey after lantern processions and festivities in Hoi An. Families can rest in the French Village, enjoy a buffet at La Crique, explore Golden Bridge in the morning, and spend time at the warm-water pool rather than trying to cover all of Ba Na Hills in a single day.

The Nguyet Anh Van Du collection is well suited for gifting or sharing mooncakes with family, but orders must be placed before September 15. For holidays with young children, the Family Retreat Package currently includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner buffets, an early Golden Bridge experience, and family-friendly amenities.

To order mooncakes, please contact +84 974 322 397 or to.nguyenanh@accor.com. For advice on rooms, cable car tickets, and stay arrangements, contact the hotel at (+84) 2363 799 888, email H8488-RE@accor.com, or submit a request via the official contact page.

Once you have confirmed your travel dates, families can browse room types at Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills and review all current offers before completing their reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What date does the Mid-Autumn Festival 2026 fall on?

The Mid-Autumn Festival in 2026 falls on Friday, September 25, corresponding to the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month. The Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations in the Hoi An area are organized more broadly, running from September 23 to 26.

Which location is best for celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival in Da Nang?

Hoi An is the focal point thanks to the Binh Ngo Mid-Autumn Festival, featuring lantern processions, lion dances, Thien Cau dances, offering trays, and artistic performances. Da Nang city center is well suited for shopping, dining, and community programs, while Ba Na Hills is ideal for a family retreat.

How many days does the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An run?

The 2026 program is announced to run from September 23 to 26 across the Hoi An, Hoi An Dong, and Hoi An Tay wards. Detailed schedules for individual activities should be checked closer to the event date.

Should young children be brought to Hoi An on the night of the full moon?

It is possible, but families should arrive early, keep children away from the lion dance clearing if they are sensitive to loud sounds, and plan for fewer activities overall. Children under three may be better suited to a short stroll before peak hours rather than staying out late.

Does Mercure sell mooncakes for 2026?

Yes. The Nguyet Anh Van Du collection features four flavors and accepts pre-orders until September 15, 2026. Orders can be placed by calling +84 974 322 397 or emailing to.nguyenanh@accor.com.

Should families consider an overnight stay at Ba Na Hills during the Mid-Autumn Festival?

An overnight stay suits families who want to split their Ba Na Hills visit across two days, enjoy dinner in the French Village, and take advantage of in-hotel activities. The Family Retreat Package is currently available through September 30, 2026, though room availability should be checked for specific stay dates.