2025 Macao International Light Festival: Complete Guide to Dates, Locations, and Transport
The 2025 Macao Light Festival will be held from December 6, 2025, to January 11, 2026, spanning 37 days and covering major holidays such as Macao’s Handover Anniversary, Winter Solstice, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
This year, the festival is renamed the “Macao International Light Festival” (Light Up Macao Festival) with the theme “Lightscape • Horizon“. It will feature Projection Mapping, Lighting Installations, Decorative Lighting Installations, and Interactive Installations, creating a spectacular winter light and shadow feast in Macao.
The “Macao Light Festival” is primarily an event held to add tourist attractions, featuring various Lighting Installations and dynamic 3D Projection Mapping set up across different districts of Macao, creating unique night tourism spots.
Held annually from December to January, the Light Festival has now become a key tourist attraction in Macao, alongside major events like the Macau Grand Prix and the International Fireworks Display Contest.
The “Macao Light Festival” was first held in 2015 and is now in its eleventh year. From 2022, it was renamed “Glittering Macao”, and starting this year, 2025, it is renamed the “Macao International Light Festival“, highlighting Macao’s position as an international tourism city and reflecting the festival’s programs being created by international professional teams.
Note: Images in this article are primarily screenshots from the official website.
Table of Contents
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I. Key Points of the 2025 Macao International Light Festival
Before detailing the 2025 Macao Light Festival, let’s highlight its key points and features.
- Event Period: December 6, 2025, to January 11, 2026, totaling 37 days, spanning Macao Handover Anniversary, Winter Solstice, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
- Opening Hours: Daily from 18:00 to 22:00, for 4 hours.
- Event Locations: 3 zones on Macao Peninsula – Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior (NAPE District), Nam Van Lake, Fai Chi Kei.
- Number of Installations: 1 Projection Mapping + 8 Lighting Installations + 14 Decorative Lighting Installations + 6 Interactive Installations.
- Projection Mapping Times: Every 15 minutes, each show lasts 8 minutes, 16 shows per night.
- Transport Arrangements: Free shuttle buses between Central District and Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior, connecting the 3 zones.
- Star Collecting Game: Collect Star Stamps to redeem souvenirs.
- Extension Activities: Multiple Pop-Up Activities + Workshops, Coffee Tasting
II. 2025 Light Up Macao Festival Schedule and Locations
The “Macao Light Festival” activities include Projection Mapping, Lighting Installations, Decorative Lighting Installations, and Interactive Installations, with a different theme each year. The theme for the “2025 Macao International Light Festival” is “Lightscape • Horizon“, where artists and teams from overseas, Mainland China, and Macao create various installations with a futuristic and technological feel using light and shadow.
1. Event Dates and Times
The “2025 Light Up Macao Festival” runs from December 6, 2025, to January 11, 2026, for 37 days. This period is shorter than previous years, significantly reduced by more than half compared to last year’s 84 days.
The operating hours for the Lighting Installations, Decorative Lighting Installations, Interactive Installations, and the Projection Mapping are from 18:00 to 22:00 daily, starting 1 hour earlier than previous years.
The Projection Mapping is performed every 15 minutes, each lasting about 8 minutes. Showtimes are at 6:00 PM, 6:15 PM, 6:30 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:15 PM, 7:30 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:15 PM, 8:30 PM, 8:45 PM, 9:00 PM, 9:15 PM, 9:30 PM, and 9:45 PM, totaling 16 shows per night. The frequency is much higher than the previous half-hourly schedule, and the number of shows has increased by 10 compared to the previous 6 shows. Essentially, you wait at most 9 minutes for the next show. However, there is only one Projection Mapping this year.
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2. Event Locations
Compared to previous years, the scale of the 2025 Macao Light Festival is smaller. The event locations, which originally spanned the Macao Peninsula, Taipa, and Coloane, have been reduced to only the Macao Peninsula, with only three specific districts. Additionally, this year’s Projection Mapping have been reduced to just one.
The locations for the “2025 Light Up Macao Festival” are:
- Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior district: exterior wall of the Macao Grand Prix Museum and surrounding streets (Rua de Luís Gonzaga Gomes, Rua de Xiamen, Rua de Nagasaki)
- Nam Van Lake Western Shore district (from the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre to Praça do Lago Sai Van)
- Fai Chi Kei North Bay district (Orient Coast Leisure district, Fai Chi Kei North Bay Leisure district, Rua de Figueiras Leisure district)
Among these three districts, the exterior wall of the Macao Grand Prix Museum in the Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior district is the only location for this year’s Projection Mapping, making it an essential checkpoint. After watching the Projection Mapping here, you can also see Lighting Installations and Decorative Lighting Installations in the nearby pedestrian zone between the Lotus Flower Square and Rua de Nagasaki, and play with interactive game installations.
The western shore of Nam Van Lake has been a primary location for the Macao Light Festival in recent years. Although there is no Projection Mapping here, it has the most numerous and distinctive Lighting Installations and Decorative Lighting Installations, making it an absolutely unmissable highlight for photos.
Compared to the previous two districts, the Lighting Installations and Decorative Lighting Installations in the Fai Chi Kei district are slightly less attractive. As this is not a tourist district, the installations here primarily attract local residents and Macao citizens for photos.
To help you locate each installation, the specific locations of every Lighting Installation, Decorative Lighting Installations setup, and interactive game installation for this year’s Macao Light Festival are marked on the Google Map below. For detailed information and transport for each district, refer to Part IV: Location Details and Transport.
III. 2025 Macao Light Festival Content and Formats
The content and formats of the “2025 Macao International Light Festival” are basically the same as previous years, including: Projection Mapping, Lighting Installations, Decorative Lighting Installations, and Interactive Installations, along with interactive star collecting game.
Similar to last year, the 2025 Light Festival will also include some Pop-Up Activities and extension activities. Additionally, this year, on weekends and public holidays, there will be added carnival activities like food, cultural, and creative stalls, and game booths.
1. Projection Mapping
Projection Mapping use 3D projection mapping technology on building walls to display various light and shadow patterns, creating a dynamic light performance and serving as the main event of the Light Festival. This year, there is only one Projection Mapping, located on the exterior wall of the Macao Grand Prix Museum.
This year’s sole Projection Mapping, “Macao Odyssey: The Story Unfolds“, is designed by a local Macao team and will be projected onto the right-angled exterior wall of the Macao Grand Prix Museum. It will use the museum’s architectural right angle as the “urban axis” and “stage of time,” transforming Macao’s rich cultural heritage into an epic journey across time and space.
The content of the Projection Mapping features the mascot “Mak Mak” guiding the audience, presenting scenes of Macao’s historical daily life, the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, and the collective celebration of festivals.
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2. Lighting Installations and Decorative Lighting Installations
Lighting Installations and Decorative Lighting Installations involve setting up various forms and styles of light decorations in different locations, creating a romantic and colorful atmosphere and becoming popular spots for photos. This year, a total of 8 Lighting Installations and 14 Decorative Lighting Installations setups are placed across three locations on the Macao Peninsula.
(1) Lighting Installations
Lighting Installations are large-scale light art pieces combining various artistic design elements. This year, there are 8 Lighting Installations:
- “Zodiac Atlas” at the White Tent on the West Shore of Nam Van Lake
- “End of Light: The Black Hole” on the Surface of Nam Van Lake
- “Starry Snow” at the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre
- “Ark of Light” at the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre
- “Accordion” at the Orient Coast Leisure district in Fai Chi Kei
- “Canopy” at the Rua de Figueiras Leisure district in Fai Chi Kei
- “Speed of Starlight” next to the Lotus Flower Square in Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior
- “Dreamy Bubbles” on the Pedestrian Path near Tiffany House in Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior
The following table provides brief details of each Lighting Installation:
| Installation Name | district | Specific Location | Creator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zodiac Atlas | Nam Van Lake | White Tent | Hei Lok |
| End of Light: The Black Hole | Nam Van Lake | Nam Van Lake Surface | Jeon Young Ill |
| Starry Snow | Nam Van Lake | Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre | Weixin Huang |
| Ark of Light | Nam Van Lake | Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre | Emanuel Barbosa |
| Accordion | Fai Chi Kei | Orient Coast Leisure district | Amigo & Amigo |
| Canopy | Fai Chi Kei | Rua de Figueiras Leisure district | Pneuhaus |
| Speed of Starlight | Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior | Open space between Lotus Flower Square and Tiffany House | Speed of Starlight |
| Dreamy Bubbles | Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior | Tiffany House Pedestrian Path | Local Design Team |
A. Zodiac Atlas
“Zodiac Atlas” uses the dome of the White Tent as a projection canvas to display beautiful patterns of the twelve zodiac constellations. Through an interactive device, visitors can select wish/blessing messages, which then transform into rays of starlight rising slowly onto the canopy, twinkling with countless stars, converging into a galaxy of wishes.
B. End of Light: The Black Hole
“End of Light: The Black Hole” will be displayed on the surface of Nam Van Lake, showcasing the immense, unimaginable power of a black hole, converging history and the present into a beam of light.
C. Starry Snow
“Starry Snow” is a giant snowflake installation, bringing viewers the pure snow flying and the vastness of time and space, sparking infinite imagination.
D. Ark of Light
“Ark of Light” is an ark constructed from light, carrying the rhythms of multiculturalism, slowly sailing into the galaxy of dreams. The four sails on the ark unfold like scrolls of time and space, projecting unique words representing different cultures, initiating a poetic journey interwoven with light and shadow.
E. Accordion
“Accordion,” meaning the musical instrument, is designed with multiple arches symbolizing the integration of diverse cultures and global connectivity. An interactive pad is located at the base of the arches; with each joyful jump, light and color weave into melody, and brilliance cascades down its towering form.
F. Canopy
“Canopy” is an artistic Lighting Installation composed of luminous tree-like sculptures. Participants can power the Lighting Installation by pedaling bicycle generators. As energy is infused, the top light air membranes unfold and bloom, resembling a forest composed of Portuguese-style azulejos.
G. Speed of Starlight
“Speed of Starlight” is a Christmas tree-inspired light art installation drawing inspiration from race tracks. The track spirals upwards, creating a strong sense of movement and speed visually, adorned with ribbon and four-pointed star elements to enhance the festive atmosphere. Viewers can also use AR devices to enjoy dynamic blessings and fun animations.
H. Dreamy Bubbles
“Dreamy Bubbles” takes the shape of an overturned bubble water bottle, with sparkling light bubbles continuously pouring from the bottle’s mouth. Combined with ice cube, snowflake, and ribbon elements, it constructs a dreamy holiday scene. Viewers can interact and take close-up photos, immersing themselves in the memorable moments woven by light and shadow.
(2) Decorative Lighting Installations
Decorative Lighting Installations consists of various shaped light decorations. This year, there are 14 Decorative Lighting Installations setups, including:
- “Brilliance of Starlight” along the Corridor connecting Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre and Praça do Lago Sai Van
- “Starlight Melody” along the Corridor connecting Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre and Praça do Lago Sai Van
- “Meteor Trails” along the Corridor connecting Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre and Praça do Lago Sai Van
- “Starry Whispers” along the Corridor connecting Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre and Praça do Lago Sai Van
- “Song of the Stars” at the White Tent on the West Shore of Nam Van Lake
- “A Thousand Stars” on the Surface of Nam Van Lake
- “Pixel Castle” at the Orient Coast Leisure district in Fai Chi Kei
- “Glow Graffiti” at the Rua de Figueiras Leisure district in Fai Chi Kei
- “Fantasy Forest” at the Rua de Figueiras Leisure district in Fai Chi Kei
- “Dancing Fairies” at the Fai Chi Kei North Bay Leisure district
- “Energy Café” in the Pedestrian Zone between Tiffany House and Hotel Presidente in Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior
- “Taste of Macao” in the Pedestrian Zone between Rua de Xiamen and Rua de Nagasaki in Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior
- “Portuguese Charm” in the Pedestrian Zone between Rua de Xiamen and Rua de Nagasaki in Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior
- “Clouds and Galaxy” in the Pedestrian Zone between Rua de Xiamen and Rua de Nagasaki in Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior
The following table provides a brief overview of each Decorative Lighting Installations Installation:
| Installation Name | district | Specific Location | Creator/Artist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brilliance of Starlight | Nam Van Lake | Walkway between Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre and Anim’ Arte Nam Van | Local Design Team |
| Rhythm of Starlight | Nam Van Lake | Walkway between Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre and Anim’ Arte Nam Van | Local Design Team |
| Trail of Meteor | Nam Van Lake | Walkway between Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre and Anim’ Arte Nam Van | Local Design Team |
| Whisper of Starlight | Nam Van Lake | Walkway between Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre and Anim’ Arte Nam Van | Local Design Team |
| Song of the Stars | Nam Van Lake | White Tent | Local Design Team |
| A Thousand Stars | Nam Van Lake | Nam Van Lake Surface | Local Design Team |
| Pixel Castle | Fai Chi Kei | Orient Coast Leisure district | Local Design Team |
| Glow Graffiti | Fai Chi Kei | Rua de Francisco Xavier Leisure district | Local Design Team |
| Fantasy Forest | Fai Chi Kei | Rua de Francisco Xavier Leisure district | Local Design Team |
| Dancing Fairies | Fai Chi Kei | Fai Chi Kei North Bay Leisure district | Local Design Team |
| Energy Café | Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior | Pedestrian zone between Tiffany House and Waldo Hotel | Local Design Team |
| Taste of Macao | Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior | Pedestrian zone between Rua de Xiamen and Rua de Nagasaki | Local Design Team |
| Portuguese Charm | Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior | Pedestrian zone between Rua de Xiamen and Rua de Nagasaki | Local Design Team |
| Clouds and Galaxy | Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior | Pedestrian zone between Rua de Xiamen and Rua de Nagasaki | Macao Illustrators Association |
A. Brilliance of Starlight
“Brilliance of Starlight” is a corridor woven from countless shimmering sequins, creating a kaleidoscopic fantasy as you walk through it.
B. Rhythm of Starlight
“Rhythm of Starlight” uses colored glass that refracts brilliant hues under light, casting a rainbow of colors onto walls as if the night sky suddenly bloomed with a rainbow.
C. Trail of Meteor
“Trail of Meteor” features rows of LED tubes on walls that flicker and dance, creating a flowing rush of light like meteors, outlining lines of speed and power.
D. Whisper of Starlight
“Whisper of Starlight” uses light tubes to write “Hello” in different languages.
E. Song of the Stars
“Song of the Stars” features shimmering light globes beneath a white tent, appearing to float in an infinite universe.
F. A Thousand Stars
“A Thousand Stars” features starlight points floating around a black hole installation on the surface of Nam Van Lake. Stars of different colors glow together in the night, presenting a romantic,多元交融 (multicultural blend) galaxy scene.
G. Pixel Castle
“Pixel Castle” is a playful Lighting Installation created for children, utilizing space on the ground and building sides to immerse them in a fantastical, colorful wonderland.
H. Glow Graffiti
“Glow Graffiti” utilizes existing sports grounds, employing special material graffiti designs enhanced by lighting to create a dreamy atmosphere across the entire district.
I. Fantasy Forest
“Fantasy Forest” integrates plants on both sides of the path, setting up “Fairy Eyes”. Through dynamic effects, it uses technology to personify the vibrant vitality of nature. The colorful, twinkling starlight in the night sky makes one feel as if wandering through a magical forest.
J. Dancing Fairies
“Dancing Fairies” uses butterfly-shaped Lighting Installations to make visitors feel as if they are in nature, experiencing the dreamy essence of the natural world.
K. Energy Café
“Energy Café” cleverly blends the two major themes of “Coffee” and “Racing”, specially designing carnival stalls into “Coffee Cup” and “Drip Coffee Pot” shapes, making them vivid and eye-catching, becoming unique visual art in the neighborhood.
L. Taste of Macao
“Taste of Macao” has an overall vibrant, warm, and bustling atmosphere, ingeniously designed into colorful hot air balloon shapes. Cartoon inflatable light decorations of Macao’s signature delicacies float inside the balloons, cute and eye-catching during the day, and sparkling at night, making them perfect photo spots day or night.
M. Portuguese Charm
“Portuguese Charm” is presented in a hot air balloon shape, cleverly combining Portuguese azulejo patterns and characteristic floral light inflatables. Under the illumination of starry light decorations, it weaves a unique exotic charm.
N. Clouds and Galaxy
“Clouds and Galaxy” uses clouds and stars to create a flowing, shimmering river of stars, providing a tranquil space for travelers to slow down, chat leisurely, and appreciate local Macao art and cultural creative designs.
3. Interactive Installations
Interactive Installations are engaging game projects that visitors can participate in, making them the most attractive content for children at the Macao Light Festival. This year, there are 6 interactive game installations, including:
- The Pulse of AI located at the Nam Van Lake Water Sports Centre
- Gravity Planet located at the Nam Van Lake Water Sports Centre
- Glimmers of the City located at the Fai Chi Kei Orient Coast Leisure district
- Nature in Light located at the Fai Chi Kei Orient Coast Leisure district
- Chopsticks Challenge located at the Pedestrian zone between Rua de Xiamen and Rua de Nagasaki in Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior
- Party Snapshot Booth located at the Pedestrian zone between Rua de Xiamen and Rua de Nagasaki in Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior
The following table provides a brief overview of each interactive game installation:
| Installation Name | district | Specific Location | Creator/Artist |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Pulse of AI | Nam Van Lake | Nam Van Lake Water Sports Centre | Local Design Team |
| Gravity Planet | Nam Van Lake | Nam Van Lake Water Sports Centre | Local Design Team |
| Glimmers of the City | Fai Chi Kei | Orient Coast Leisure district | Chio Sio Chi, Julia Lam |
| Nature in Light | Fai Chi Kei | Orient Coast Leisure district | Vitorino Vong |
| Chopsticks Challenge | Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior | Pedestrian zone between Rua de Xiamen and Rua de Nagasaki | Local Design Team |
| Party Snapshot Booth | Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior | Pedestrian zone between Rua de Xiamen and Rua de Nagasaki | Local Design Team |
A. The Pulse of AI
“The Pulse of AI” features metallic tetrahedrons embedded with blue crystals that emit dazzling light when illuminated, making each transmission reflect the connection between technology and the human heart.
B. Gravity Planet
“Gravity Planet” uses magical light, shadow, and sound effects to create an immersive interstellar adventure. Accompanied by astronaut Mai Mai, participants use UV flashlights to draw freely in the galaxy of light and shadow, traveling to unknown planets.
C. Glimmers of the City
“Glimmers of the City” enhances the overall festive atmosphere of the children’s wonderland light decorations through the imagery of each tap-light.
D. Nature in Light
“Nature in Light” allows visitors to feel the essence of nature’s creatures through hand shadow interaction.
E. Chopsticks Challenge
“Chopsticks Challenge” is a carnival game inspired by Macao’s characteristic custom, drawing on the auspicious meaning of “Lo Hei, Lo Hei, flourish and prosper” to inject a joyful and lively atmosphere into the carnival.
F. Party Snapshot Booth
“Party Snapshot Booth” is a photo booth where audiences can take fun photos and print them instantly, leaving unique memories of the Light Festival.
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4. Pop-Up Activities
Same as last year, some Pop-Up Activities will also be held at the event locations during this year’s Light Festival. This year, there are 21 flash activity items, which will take place at three locations: Fai Chi Kei Orient Coast Leisure district, Nam Van Lake White Tent, and next to the Performance Stage district in Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior.
The following table lists the details of these 21 Pop-Up Activities:
| Activity Name | district | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Light of Portuguese Charm” Luminous Magic | Fai Chi Kei | Orient Coast Leisure district | • December 06 (Saturday) 20:00 • December 07 (Sunday) 20:00 |
| “Mechanical Paws Team” Robotic Dog Performance | Fai Chi Kei | Orient Coast Leisure district | • December 10 (Wednesday) 20:00, 20:30 • December 12 (Friday) 20:00, 20:30 |
| “Neo-Ball: Dark Light” Freestyle Luminous Basketball mix Street Dance | Fai Chi Kei | Orient Coast Leisure district | • December 13 (Saturday) 20:00 • December 14 (Sunday) 20:00 • December 20 (Saturday) 20:00 • December 21 (Sunday) 20:00 • December 31 (Wednesday) 20:00 • January 1 (Thursday) 20:00 |
| “Human-Machine Symbiosis” Robot Imitation Show | Fai Chi Kei | Orient Coast Leisure district | • December 17 (Wednesday) 20:00, 20:30 • December 19 (Friday) 20:00, 20:30 |
| “Christmas Surprise” Luminous Magic Performance | Fai Chi Kei | Orient Coast Leisure district | • December 23 (Tuesday) 20:00 • December 27 (Saturday) 20:00 |
| “The Coolest Dancer” Robot Dance | Fai Chi Kei | Orient Coast Leisure district | • January 3 (Saturday) 20:00, 20:30 • January 4 (Sunday) 20:00, 20:30 |
| “Road to the Sea” Dance | Nam Van Lake | White Tent | • December 06 (Saturday) 20:00 |
| “Light of East Asia” Dance | Nam Van Lake | White Tent | • December 07 (Sunday) 20:00 • December 13 (Saturday) 20:00 • December 14 (Sunday) 20:00 |
| “Starry Sea Sparkle” Music Bubble Show | Nam Van Lake | White Tent | • December 10 (Wednesday) 20:00 • December 12 (Friday) 20:00 • December 17 (Wednesday) 20:00 • December 19 (Friday) 20:00 |
| “Rendezvous with the Future” Robot Dance | Nam Van Lake | White Tent | • December 20 (Saturday) 20:00, 20:30 • December 21 (Sunday) 20:00, 20:30 |
| “Colorful Christmas ‧ Christmas Dance” Wind Band Performance & Robot Dance | Nam Van Lake | White Tent | • December 23 (Tuesday) 20:00, 20:30 • December 27 (Saturday) 20:00, 20:30 |
| “Soaring Dragon over Nam Van ‧ New Year Celebration” Luminous Dragon Dance & Robot Dance | Nam Van Lake | White Tent | • December 31 (Wednesday) 20:00 • January 1 (Thursday) 20:00 |
| “Road to the Sea ‧ Starry Sea Sparkle” Robot Dance & Music Bubble Show Performance | Nam Van Lake | White Tent | • January 3 (Saturday) 19:30 • January 4 (Sunday) 19:30 |
| “Delicious Magic” Creative Food Street Magic Performance | Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior | Next to Performance Stage district | • December 6 (Saturday) 20:00 • December 7 (Sunday) 20:00 |
| “Song of Light” A Cappella Performance | Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior | Next to Performance Stage district | • December 10 (Wednesday) 20:00 • December 12 (Friday) 20:00 |
| “Cyber Macao” Robot Dance | Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior | Next to Performance Stage district | • December 13 (Saturday) 20:00, 20:30 • December 14 (Sunday) 20:00, 20:30 |
| “Fantasy Street” Street Art Performance | Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior | Next to Performance Stage district | • December 17 (Wednesday) 20:00 • December 19 (Friday) 20:00 |
| “Light Rhyme Martial Spirit” Children’s Martial Arts Performance | Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior | Next to Performance Stage district | • December 20 (Saturday) 20:00 • December 21 (Sunday) 20:00 |
| “JINGLE BELLS” String Orchestra Performance | Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior | Next to Performance Stage district | • December 23 (Tuesday) 20:00 • December 27 (Saturday) 20:00 |
| “Cyber Yingge Dance” Robot Yingge Dance + Robotic Dog Dance | Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior | Next to Performance Stage district | • December 31 (Wednesday) 20:00, 20:30 • January 1 (Thursday) 20:00, 20:30 |
| “Future Transformations” Robot & Magic Performance | Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior | Next to Performance Stage district | • January 3 (Saturday) 20:30 • January 4 (Sunday) 20:30 |
5. Extension Activities
During this year’s Light Festival, five extension activities will be held at the event locations, including workshops, exchange sessions, and coffee tasting.
The following table lists the details of these 5 extension activities:
| Event Name | district | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand-painted Portuguese Tile Workshop | Fai Chi Kei | Orient Coast Leisure district | • December 6 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00 • December 12 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 13 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 19 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 20 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 26 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 27 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00• January 2 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• January 3 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00• January 9 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• January 10 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00 |
| Glow-in-the-Dark Pickleball Exchange Activity | Fai Chi Kei | Orient Coast Leisure district | • December 6 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00 • December 12 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 13 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 19 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 20 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 26 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 27 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00• January 2 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• January 3 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00• January 9 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• January 10 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00 |
| Robot Exchange | Nam Van Lake | White Tent | • December 6 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00 • December 12 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 13 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 19 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 20 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 26 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 27 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00• January 2 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• January 3 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00• January 9 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• January 10 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00 |
| Aromatic Café (Coffee Tasting) | Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior | Next to the Performance Stage district | • December 6 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00 • December 12 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 13 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 19 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 20 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 26 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 27 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00• January 2 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• January 3 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00• January 9 (Friday) 19:00 – 21:00• January 10 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00 |
| Coffee Grounds Recycling Workshop | Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior | Next to the Performance Stage district | • December 6 (Saturday) 19:00 – 20:00 • December 7 (Sunday) 19:00 – 20:00• December 12 (Friday) 19:00 – 20:00• December 13 (Saturday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 14 (Sunday) 19:00 – 21:00• December 19 (Friday) 19:00 – 20:00• December 20 (Saturday) 19:00 – 20:00• December 21 (Sunday) 19:00 – 20:00• December 26 (Friday) 19:00 – 20:00• December 27 (Saturday) 19:00 – 20:00• December 28 (Sunday) 19:00 – 20:00• January 2 (Friday) 19:00 – 20:00• January 3 (Saturday) 19:00 – 20:00• January 4 (Sunday) 19:00 – 20:00• January 9 (Friday) 19:00 – 20:00• January 10 (Saturday) 19:00 – 20:00• January 11 (Sunday) 19:00 – 20:00 |
6. Collect Stars for Rewards
During the “2025 Macao International Light Festival” event period, you can collect star stamps by checking in at various event locations. Collect a specified number of stars to redeem exquisite souvenirs.
There are two ways to collect stars: online and offline.
- Online – Use your mobile phone to scan the QR code on the information plaque at the Lighting Installations to collect stars.
- Offline – Go to the Light Festival Information Station to get a stamp collection card, then self-stamp at the stamping station next to the Lighting Installations to collect stars.
You can collect a maximum of 15 stars from checking in at Lighting Installations. If you use the online method, you can also participate in online interactive mini-games and fill out surveys to collect up to 5 additional stars.
After collecting the specified number of stars, you can go to the Information Stations at the three event locations of the Light Festival to exchange for prizes.
7. Free Shuttle Bus
During this year’s Light Festival, free shuttle bus services will also be provided for the convenience of tourists and residents traveling to the event locations. Please note, however, that the shuttle buses operate only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and specific public holidays during the event period, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The frequency of the bus service is temporarily unknown.
There are two shuttle bus routes:
- Route 1 – Macao Forum ⇒ Macao Grand Prix Museum
- Route 2 – Macao Grand Prix Museum ⇒ Nam Van White Tent ⇒ Orient Coast
IV. 2025 Macao Light Festival Event Locations and Transportation
The event locations for the “2025 Macao International Light Festival” are set in three districts: the district around the Macao Grand Prix Museum in Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior, the western shoreline of Nam Van Lake, and the district around the North Bay in Fai Chi Kei.
Below is an introduction to the location and transportation for these three event districts, as well as the main Lighting Installations, their specific locations, and the characteristics of each district.
1. Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior district
The event location in the Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior district is set in the neighborhood from the Macao Grand Prix Museum to R. de Nagasaki (near the Dynasty Hotel).
(1) Lighting Installations in Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior district
The only Projection Mapping this year, “Fantastic Journey · Macao Story“, will be projected onto the right-angled exterior wall of the Macao Grand Prix Museum building, located at the corner between Rua de Luis Gonzaga Gomes and Avenida de Marciano Baptista.
Opposite the Macao Grand Prix Museum is the Lotus Flower Square. Between the square and the adjacent residential building Tiffany House, and on the pedestrian walkways, there are two Lighting Installations: “Speed of Starlight” and “Dreamy Bubbles“.
Between Tiffany House and R. de Nagasaki (near the Dynasty Hotel), the inner street between Rua de Luis Gonzaga Gomes and Avenida da Amizade is a pedestrian zone. Here, there are four light decorations: “Energy Café“, “Savoring Macao“, “Portuguese Charm“, and “Clouds and Galaxy“.
Additionally, there are two interactive game installations: “Lucky Toss Challenge” and “Party Snapshot Booth“.
(2) Transportation
A. Take the Free Shuttle Bus
During the 2025 Macao Light Festival period, on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and specific public holidays from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, there will be free shuttle buses running from Macao Forum to the Grand Prix Museum. The pickup location at Macao Forum is on Rua do Dr. Pedro José Lobo, between Macao Forum and Luso International Banking.
If traveling from Central Macao (the district between Senado Square and Avenida de D. João IV near Hotel Lisboa) to the Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior event district, you can take the shuttle bus.
B. Take Public Buses
There are several bus stops near the Macao Grand Prix Museum. The two bus stops closest to the Light Festival event locations with the highest number of bus routes are:
- Lotus Flower Square Stop (Stop Code M241)
- Macao Polytechnic University Stop (Stop Code M70)
The buses stopping at these two stops are largely the same, including 1A, 3, 10, 10B, 28A, 28B, 28C, 29, 32. The Lotus Flower Square Stop also includes the 23 route.
Buses heading from Northern Macao (Fai Chi Kei, Fai San, Hac Sa Van, etc.) towards Central Macao stop at Lotus Flower Square Stop; buses heading from Central and Southern Macao (Senado Square, Praça de Ferreira do Amaral, etc.) towards Northern Macao stop at Macao Polytechnic University Stop.
2. Nam Van district
The event location in the Nam Van district is set along the western shore of Nam Van Lake, from Yat Yuen Cani to the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, mainly concentrated at the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, the White Tent, and on the lake surface.
(1) Lighting Installations in Nam Van district
At the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, the White Tent, and on the surface of Nam Van Lake, there are four Lighting Installations: “Zodiac Atlas“, “End of Light: The Black Hole“, “Starry Snow“, and “Ark of Light“.
Additionally, at the White Tent, on the lake surface, and along the corridor connecting the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre and Yat Yuen Cani, there are six light decorations: “Brilliance of Starlight“, “Rhythm of Starlight“, “Meteor Trails“, “Secret of the Stars“, “Song of the Stars“, and “A Thousand Stars“.
The two interactive game installations, “The Pulse of AI” and “Gravity Planet“, are located at the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre.
(2) Transportation
A. Take the Free Shuttle Bus
During the 2025 Macao International Light Festival period, on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and specific public holidays from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, there will be a circulating free shuttle bus service connecting the Macao Grand Prix Museum, the Nam Van White Tent, and the Fai Chi Kei Orient Coast, making it convenient for tourists and residents to travel between these three locations.
B. Take Public Buses
The bus stop closest to the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre is Praceta do Lago Nam Van Stop (Stop Code M199). You can take buses 6B, 9, 9A, 18, 18B, 23, 32 to Nam Van Lake to view the light decorations.
If you are also interested in the light decorations along the corridor connecting the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre and Yat Yuen Cani, you can take the aforementioned buses and get off at the stop before Praceta do Lago Nam Van Stop: Praça de Jorge Álvares Stop (Stop Code M187). After getting off, walk forward down to Yat Yuen Cani, then walk along the lakeside corridor towards the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre. This way, you can see all the light decorations in one go.
3. Fai Chi Kei district
The event locations in the Fai Chi Kei district are set at three places around Fai Chi Kei North Bay: the Orient Coast Leisure district, the Rua de Fernão Mendes Pinto Leisure district (Green Yeung Garden Leisure district), and the Fai Chi Kei North Bay Leisure district.
(1) Lighting Installations in Fai Chi Kei district
The Orient Coast Leisure district features one Lighting Installation: “Accordion“, one light decoration: “Pixel Castle“, and two interactive game installations: “Glimmers of the City” and “Nature in Light“.
The Rua de Fernão Mendes Pinto Leisure district features one Lighting Installation: “Canopy“, and two light decorations: “Glow Graffiti” and “Fantasy Forest“.
The Fai Chi Kei North Bay Leisure district only has one light decoration: “Dancing Fairies“.
(2) Transportation
A. Take the Free Shuttle Bus
During the 2025 Light Festival period, on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and specific public holidays from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, there will be a circulating free shuttle bus service connecting the Macao Grand Prix Museum, the Nam Van White Tent, and the Fai Chi Kei Orient Coast, making it convenient for tourists and residents to travel between these three locations.
B. Take Public Buses
There are several bus stops in the Fai Chi Kei North Bay district. The bus stop closest to both the Orient Coast Leisure district and the Rua de Fernão Mendes Pinto Leisure district, with a high number of bus routes, is: Rua de B.V. do Rosário / Edf. Green Yeung Stop (Stop Code M108). Take buses 1A, 3X, 5X, 32, 51A, 101X, MT4, H2 and get off here. The Rua de Fernão Mendes Pinto Leisure district is directly opposite, and the Orient Coast Leisure district is about 300 meters west.
Alternatively, you can take bus 61 or 71S to Rua da Barca Stop (Stop Code M102).
V. Recommended Itineraries
Below are two designed itineraries for visiting the 2025 Macao International Light Festival. The first route is recommended for tourists with ample time, allowing them to cover all three exhibition districts in one evening. The second route is recommended for tourists with limited time, featuring a selection of must-see checkpoints.
1. Itinerary One: Cover Three Exhibition districts in One Night
Tour Duration: 18:00 to 22:00, lasting 4 hours.
Itinerary: Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior district (Macao Grand Prix Museum) ⇒ Nam Van Lake ⇒ Fai Chi Kei
Tour Schedule:
- [18:00] Take transport to the Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior district, Macao Grand Prix Museum.
- [18:15] Watch the “Fantastic Journey · Macao Story” Projection Mapping on the Grand Prix Museum building.
- [18:25] Walk to the district near Lotus Flower Square and Tiffany House to see the “Speed of Starlight” and “Dreamy Bubbles” Lighting Installations and take photos.
- [19:00] Walk along the pedestrian zone and take photos with light decorations like “Energy Café”, “Savoring Macao”, “Portuguese Charm”, and “Clouds and Galaxy”, and play the interactive games “Lucky Toss Challenge” and “Party Snapshot Booth”.
- [19:30] Take bus number 23, 28B, or 32 from Rua de Hamá / Macao Polytechnic University Stop to Praça de Jorge Álvares Stop.
- [19:45] Walk to Yat Yuen Cani, then walk along the lakeside corridor towards the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, viewing light decorations like “Brilliance of Starlight”, “Rhythm of Starlight”, “Meteor Trails”, and “Secret of the Stars” along the way.
- [20:00] View the “Zodiac Atlas” Lighting Installation and the “Song of the Stars” light decoration at the White Tent.
- [20:20] At the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, view Lighting Installations like “End of Light: The Black Hole”, “Starry Snow”, and “Ark of Light”, the light decoration “A Thousand Stars”, and play the interactive games “The Pulse of AI” and “Gravity Planet”.
- [21:00] Take the event’s free shuttle bus to the Fai Chi Kei Orient Coast Leisure district.
- [21:20] At the Orient Coast Leisure district, see the “Accordion” Lighting Installation and the “Pixel Castle” light decoration, and play the interactive games “Glimmers of the City” and “Nature in Light”.
- [22:00] Head home.
2. Itinerary Two: Must-See Checkpoints
Tour Duration: 18:00 to 20:00, lasting 2 hours.
Itinerary: Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior district (Macao Grand Prix Museum) ⇒ Nam Van Lake
Tour Schedule:
- [18:00] Take a bus to the Macao Grand Prix Museum in the Outer Harbour district;
- [18:15] Watch the “Fantastic Journey · Macao Story” light show projected onto the facade of the Grand Prix Museum building;
- [18:25] Walk to the Lotus Flower Square and the district near Tiffany House to see the “Speed Starlight” and “Dreamy Bubbles” Lighting Installations, and take photos;
- [18:45] Take bus number 23, 28B, or 32 from the Lotus Flower Square bus stop and get off at the Tomás Vieira Square stop;
- [19:00] Walk to Yat Yuen Lake, then proceed along the lakeside promenade towards the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre. Along the way, view light decorations such as “Brilliance of Starlight”, “Stellar Melody”, “Shooting Star Trails”, and “Whispering Stars”;
- [19:15] View the “Zodiac Atlas” Lighting Installation and the “Song of the Stars” light decoration at the White Tent;
- [19:30] At the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, view Lighting Installations including “End of Light: The Black Hole”, “Starry Snow”, “Ark of Light”, and the “A Thousand Stars” light decoration. Also, play the interactive games “The Pulse of AI” and “Gravity Planet”.
- [20:00] Head home.
VI. Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the 2025 Macao International Light Festival. If you don’t find the answer to your question here, feel free to ask in the comments.
【Q1】What can I see at the 2025 Macao International Light Festival?
【A】The 2025 Macao International Light Festival features light shows, Lighting Installations, Decorative Lighting Installations, and interactive game installations with various designs and shapes across three zones in Macao. These illuminated displays add photo opportunities and a lively atmosphere to Macao’s nightscape.
【Q2】Do I need to buy tickets for the Macao Light Festival?
【A】The Macao Light Festival is completely free; no tickets are required for entry. Not only are viewing and taking photos with the Lighting Installations free, but the pop-up events and extended activities held during the festival, including workshops and coffee tasting sessions, are also free to participate in. Of course, any food purchased at the food festival held during the holiday periods must be paid for.
【Q3】When is the 2025 Macao Light Festival held?
【A】The 2025 Macao International Light Festival runs from December 6, 2025, to January 11, 2026. The Lighting Installations are illuminated nightly from 18:00 to 22:00.
【Q4】Where in Macao is the Light Festival held?
【A】The installations for the 2025 Macao International Light Festival are set up in three districts: near the Macao Grand Prix Museum in the Outer Harbour, along the western shore of Nam Van Lake, and in the Fai Chi Kei (North Bay) district.
【Q5】What are the must-see items at the 2025 Macao Light Festival?
【A】If you are short on time and cannot visit all three zones to see every exhibit, it is recommended to focus on these must-see items: the 3D light show “Fantastic Journey · Macao Story” on the exterior wall of the Macao Grand Prix Museum; and the Lighting Installations such as “Zodiac Atlas”, “End of Light: The Black Hole”, “Starry Snow”, and “Ark of Light” at the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, the White Tent, and on the lake surface opposite.
【Q6】Are there free shuttle buses to the Light Festival venues?
【A】Yes. On Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and specific public holidays during the Light Festival period, from 17:00 to 22:00, there are free shuttle buses operating between the three main event venues: the Macao Grand Prix Museum, the Nam Van White Tent, and the Oriental Coast in Fai Chi Kei. Additionally, there is a free shuttle bus service between Avenida do Infante D. Henrique (Macao Square) in the central district and the Macao Grand Prix Museum.
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