The Mid-Autumn Festival 2025, also called the Mooncake Festival, is a celebration that has crossed oceans and cultures, becoming one of the most cherished traditions for families and communities around the world. In New York City, the holiday is alive with lanterns, moon-gazing, and of course, mooncakes — the round pastries that symbolize unity, reunion, and the harvest moon.

This year, you can do more than eat mooncakes. You can learn how to make them yourself in an interactive, hands-on workshop right here in NYC. It’s a unique way to celebrate the festival, connect with tradition, and create something delicious you’ll be proud to share.Book the NYC Mid-Autumn and Snowskin Mooncake Making Class

What Is the Mooncake Festival?

Falling on September 6, 2025, the Mooncake Festival (or Mid-Autumn Festival) takes place on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month — the date when the moon is at its brightest and fullest.

Traditions vary across Asia, but common elements include:

• Lantern displays — Families and children light colorful lanterns, symbolizing hope and brightness.
• Family reunions — Like Thanksgiving, it’s a time for gathering and gratitude.
• Mooncakes — Round pastries shared to symbolize wholeness, love, and connection.
• Legends of Chang’e and the Jade Rabbit — Stories that have been passed down for generations, celebrated in song, dance, and festival events.

In NYC, the Mooncake Festival is celebrated across Chinatown, Flushing, and even community parks — blending centuries-old tradition with the energy of the city.

Why Learn to Make Mooncakes in NYC?

Buying mooncakes from a bakery is easy, but making them with your own hands is an unforgettable experience. Here’s why the NYC mooncake workshop stands out:

• Hands-On Learning – You’ll be guided step-by-step through the process of creating mooncakes, from preparing the dough to pressing them into molds.
• Cultural Connection – Learn the symbolism behind the flavors, colors, and shapes.
• Creative Expression – Try modern fillings and colorful snow skin designs alongside traditional recipes.
• Community Experience – Share the kitchen with other food lovers, families, and festival enthusiasts.
• Take-Home Treats – Walk away with a box of your handmade mooncakes to share with family or friends.‍

Reserve Your Spot in NYC’s Mooncake Workshop

Snow Skin Mooncakes: A Modern Favorite

The workshop highlights snow skin mooncakes, a modern version of the classic pastry. Unlike baked mooncakes, snow skin versions are:

• Soft and chewy — Made with glutinous rice flour.
• Lightly sweet — Less rich than traditional lotus paste mooncakes.
• Customizable — Fillings range from red bean paste to fruity purées, chocolate, or custard.
• Vibrant and colorful — Naturally dyed dough creates pastel and jewel-toned designs.

These mooncakes are perfect for the modern palate and make a fun introduction to the festival for kids and newcomers alike.

What to Expect in the NYC Mooncake-Making Class

Here’s a look at the experience:

1. Festival Introduction – Learn the stories and traditions that make the Mooncake Festival so meaningful.
2. Mixing and Kneading – Work with glutinous rice flour to create the delicate snow skin dough.
3. Filling Creations – Choose from classic or creative fillings.
4. Shaping with Molds – Press intricate designs into your mooncakes with traditional tools.
5. Cultural Exchange – Hear about different ways families across Asia celebrate the festival.
6. Take-Home Box – Leave with a collection of handmade mooncakes, perfect for sharing under the moonlight.

Who Should Join This Class?

This class is perfect for:

• Families – Kids love shaping and decorating their own mooncakes.
• Couples – A festive, hands-on date idea.
• Friends – Celebrate together with something more interactive than just dinner.
• Food Lovers – Anyone curious about authentic Asian desserts and traditions.
• Corporate Teams – A unique team-building activity centered on culture and creativity.

Other Mid-Autumn Festival Activities in NYC

Pair your mooncake workshop with other local celebrations for a full cultural experience:

• Chinatown’s Autumn Moon Festival – Parades, lion dances, and street food.
• Flushing Night Market – Seasonal foods, lanterns, and performances.
• Lantern Walks in Parks – Join community groups in lighting the night sky with lanterns.
• Moon Viewing at the East River or Central Park – End the night gazing at the full harvest moon.

By combining these activities with the workshop, you’ll celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in true New York style: vibrant, diverse, and unforgettable.

Why This Workshop Is the Perfect Festival Experience

The Mooncake Festival is all about reunion, tradition, and celebration. By joining this mooncake-making class in NYC, you’re doing more than just learning a recipe — you’re participating in a cultural tradition that has connected families for centuries.

In 2025, give yourself and your loved ones the chance to make the holiday truly hands-on. Craft mooncakes, share stories, and create memories that shine as brightly as the full moon.

Sign Up for the NYC Mid-Autumn and Snowskin Mooncake Making Class

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