16. Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

The Buzz -- One of the most important celebrations in the Chinese calendar next to New Year is the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival when families gather to recognize hard work with a harvest feast. Celebrated on the 15th day of every 8th lunar month, the festivities at the Garden include re-telling of moon myths, paper folding crafts, dance and kung fu demonstrations. Sampling moon cakes is a must, with their golden crust pressed with moon symbols and sweet fillings made of sesame, walnut, lotus seeds and salted egg yolk that represents the full moon. Modern twists on traditional baking include crispy cookie crusts with ice-cream fillings.