Mid-Autumn Festival: Do You Celebrate with Your Domestic Helper?

Updated on 19 January 2026

The Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong (taking place on Friday, September 25, 2026) is one of the most celebrated traditional holidays of the year. It’s a time for family reunions, glowing lanterns, and mooncakes, but for employers of foreign domestic helpers, it can also raise questions about time off, customs, and how to celebrate respectfully together.

We understand that being an employer during the holidays is not always easy. Here are some domestic helper Mid-Autumn facts to help you through it.

#1 Should I give my helper a day off?

The day after Mid-Autumn Festival is a statutory holiday in Hong Kong. All foreign domestic workers are entitled to statutory holidays. That means foreign domestic helpers are legally entitled to a full day off on Friday, September 26, 2026. If your helper is required to work that day for exceptional reasons, you must provide a replacement statutory holiday within 60 days.

#2 Should I take my helper to Mid-Autumn celebrations?

The Mid-Autumn Festival is about togetherness, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to include your domestic helper in family traditions.

Hong Kong comes alive with lantern displays, cultural performances, and moon-viewing gatherings in almost every district. Popular spots include:

• Victoria Park Lantern Carnival (Causeway Bay)
• Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade Lantern Display
• Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance – a UNESCO-recognised spectacle

Whether you celebrate at home or outdoors, inviting your helper to join shows appreciation, inclusion, and helps them experience Hong Kong’s festive culture.

#3 Should I give my domestic helper mooncakes?

Yes—but it’s best to ask about her/his preferences first. Traditional mooncakes filled with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk can be an acquired taste, especially for non-Chinese helpers.

Luckily, Hong Kong offers endless varieties:

• Snow-skin mooncakes (light and chilled)
• Chocolate or ice-cream mooncakes (modern favourites)
• Custard or green tea mooncakes (less sweet options)

A simple gesture—asking your helper what she likes—can make her feel valued and included in the spirit of sharing.

#4 Actually, do helpers have special activities for the Mid-Autumn Festival?

This is a good question and the answer is Yes – many helpers celebrate the festival with their friends or fellow community members. They may:

• Meet in parks or gathering areas to share mooncakes
• Attend community-organised lantern nights
• Join cultural events hosted by NGOs or churches that support migrant workers

These celebrations offer helpers a chance to relax, connect, and feel at home while celebrating under Hong Kong’s full moon.

How Employers Can Show Appreciation During the Holiday

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a symbol of gratitude and reunion. Employers can show appreciation by:

• Offering a small festive gift (mooncakes or lanterns)
• Allowing flexible time off for helpers to meet friends
• Taking a moment to thank them for their hard work

Even small gestures go a long way in building a respectful and happy home environment.

Conclusion

The Mid-Autumn Festival 2026 is a perfect time to pause, connect, and share joy. Whether you’re giving mooncakes, enjoying lanterns, or simply offering a well-deserved rest day, celebrating thoughtfully strengthens mutual respect and appreciation.

At HelperChoice, we believe every holiday is an opportunity to show gratitude — because a happy home begins with understanding and care. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival from all of us at HelperChoice!

👉 Looking to hire a verified domestic helper or renew your current contract ethically?
Visit www.helperchoice.com to connect directly with trusted candidates and make fair employment part of your household tradition.