Fall Autumnal Equinox Celebration Ideas, Rituals, and Traditions

The Fall equinox will occur on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 18:19 UTC. In the Northern Hemisphere, it will happen on Monday, September 22, at 11:19 AM PDT and 2:19 PM EDT.

The fall equinox, also known as the autumnal equinox, fall harvest, Mabon, and Alban Elfed, or September equinox, marks the astronomical beginning of autumn. As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, nature bids farewell to the heat of summer and welcomes the enchanting fall season. With the arrival of autumn, we are reminded of the fall harvest, a time-honored celebration that cultures around the world have cherished for centuries.

Celebrate nature’s cycles as we transition from the lighter to the darker half of the year at Alban Elfed or Mabon with the fall equinox celebration ideas, rituals, and traditions below. It includes several fall activities you can do to celebrate the equinox with children, family, friends, your community, or on your own. You might also enjoy this list of fun fall activities for kids or adults. It includes a printable bucket list of autumn activity ideas with a checklist. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, you might be more interested in the fun ways to celebrate spring for the September equinox, as the seasons are reversed.

Alban Elfed (Mabon) Fall Harvest Celebrations and Traditions

The celebration of the fall harvest dates back to ancient times when agrarian societies relied heavily on agriculture, the sun and moon, and nature’s cycles. Alban Elfed, also known as Mabon, is a time to gather the final bounties of the year and prepare for the colder, darker months ahead in early ancient Celtic and European communities.

However, many other cultures around the world have developed similar autumn equinox rituals and traditions. These are often performed to express gratitude for the Earth and its many gifts and seek blessings for an abundant winter. A few other cultural celebrations, rituals, and traditions commonly observed at the equinox in different parts of the world, as the darker half of the year takes hold in the Northern Hemisphere, are also discussed below.

First published on September 9, 2015, this informative article discusses the fall autumnal equinox, its traditions, and ways to celebrate Mabon, also known as Alban Elfed. It includes ideas you can use as a solo practitioner, in addition to fun ways to celebrate the fall equinox with kids and immediate family, friends, extended relatives, a group, or a community. It is regularly updated to reflect the current date and time of the equinox, enhance its content, and ensure its continued relevance.

The Autumnal and Vernal Equinoxes:

Interestingly, when the autumnal equinox occurs in the Northern Hemisphere in September, the Southern Hemisphere welcomes the astronomical beginning of spring. Are you confused yet? We answer a few frequently asked questions about the autumn equinox and share the meaning of Mabon below. Once you learn the answers you’re looking for in the FAQs, scroll down to learn how to celebrate the autumn equinox. The list of celebration ideas includes several optional ways to enjoy the seasonal transition from summer to fall.

Fall Autumnal Equinox FAQs:

Before we share fall equinox celebration ideas, including a few simple autumnal equinox ritual ideas, we thought we’d clear up any confusion you may have by answering a few frequently asked questions about the fall autumnal equinox.

When does the equinox happen?

There are two equinoxes and solstices every year. One equinox occurs in September, while the other occurs in March. The autumnal equinox, also known as Mabon and the Mid-Autumn Festival or the September equinox, typically occurs on September 22nd or 23rd.

The season you welcome, fall or spring, depends on the side of the equator you live on, northern or southern. After the fall equinox, the Northern Hemisphere welcomes the seasonal signs of autumn, while the Southern Hemisphere experiences the first signs of spring.

What is the equinox, and why is it important?

Something interesting happens in our celestial dance with the sun twice a year. The equinox is the point in time when the sun pauses for a moment before it crosses the celestial equator. It’s an astronomical event or moment in time that happens simultaneously globally but is converted to local time.

On the equinox, the sun shines directly on the equator for a day or two before continuing its journey south or north, depending on the time of year. This definition explains the origin of the equinox’s name and is one of the many things that make it unique. It is a time of balance and harvest. Whether you’re welcoming autumn or spring, the equinox invites us to pause, reflect, and align with the Earth’s rhythms.

At each equinox, the Earth’s axis stands perfectly balanced, neither tilting toward nor away from our brilliant star. This cosmic alignment leads to a remarkable phenomenon. Day and night come into balance or equilibrium with approximately equal hours of daylight and darkness. This balance happens across the planet, regardless of where you are. We call these magical moments “Equinoxes.”

The term “Equinox” itself carries a rich history and meaning, originating from the Latin words “aequus,” meaning “equal,” and “nox,” signifying “night.” It beautifully encapsulates the essence of these celestial events, where day and night harmoniously coexist, ushering in a sense of balance and equilibrium that has fascinated humanity for centuries. You might also enjoy learning more about Samhain.

Why is the Fall Equinox special or Unique?

The astronomical beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere, marked by the Autumnal Equinox, is based on the Earth’s relative position to the sun. On this day, the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in equal parts of daylight and darkness and marking the official beginning of fall on the Gregorian Calendar.

As mentioned above, equinox means “equal night.” As the sun passes over the equator on the equinox, the length of day and night is more or less the same. Because the sun’s rays are directly over the equator, the result is approximately equal hours of daylight and darkness. In other words, equinoxes occur when the northern and southern hemispheres are aligned with the sun, and a balance between day and night is achieved, as illustrated in the image below. This fact also explains why the equinox is celebrated as a day of balance. The graphic illustration below shows that day and night are approximately the same length on the September equinox.

What happens on the September Equinox?

The September equinox is the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator, creating nearly equal day and night across the globe. It is a time of comic balance — a powerful turning point that signals the seasonal change. Equilibrium is reached for a moment before the sun continues its southbound declination to 23.5 degrees South, bringing fall to the Northern Hemisphere and spring to the Southern Hemisphere.

Related: Best Fall Art Projects

What happens after the equinox?

The sun’s southbound declination will continue once it rises and crosses over the Earth’s equator on the September equinox. As a result, the Northern Hemisphere will begin to experience the cooling temperatures and golden foliage characteristic of the fall. At the same time, the Southern Hemisphere will start to experience the warming temperatures, verdant greens, and blooming colors characteristic of spring.

In other words, the September equinox brings the first signs of fall to the Northern Hemisphere. In contrast, the Southern Hemisphere experiences the seasonal signs characteristic of spring after the sun crosses over the equator on the September Equinox.

On the March equinox, these are reversed, and each hemisphere will experience the opposite season. Thus, the September equinox marks the astronomical beginning of fall (autumn) in the Northern Hemisphere and the astronomical start of spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Conversely, the March equinox marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of fall or autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.

After the September equinox, the sun will continue to shift in the sky in a southward direction so that each day will get shorter and each night will grow longer until the sun reaches its southernmost declination on the night of the winter solstice, which is the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. At the same time, the days will grow longer and the nights shorter in the Southern Hemisphere until the year’s longest day is reached on the solstice.

When is the Autumnal Equinox in 2025?

In the Northern Hemisphere, the autumnal equinox, also known as the fall equinox, typically occurs between September 21 and 23. However, on rare occasions, it can happen outside those dates. This year, the fall equinox will occur on September 22, 2025, at 18:19 UTC. This means the autumnal equinox will occur on Monday, September 22, at 2:19 PM EDT. On the West Coast of North America, the autumnal equinox is on Monday, September 22, at 11:19 AM PDT. If you are curious about when the September equinox will be next year, find out on Time and Date–> HERE!

How do people celebrate the fall harvest?

Celebrations for the fall harvest date back to ancient times, when agrarian societies relied heavily on nature’s seasonal rhythms. Cultures worldwide developed various autumnal equinox rituals and traditions to celebrate a bountiful harvest, express gratitude for the Earth’s gifts, and seek blessings for a prosperous winter.

The fall equinox, also known as Mabon, Alban Elfed, or the Mid-Harvest Festival, is the second of three fall harvest sabbat festivals. The first harvest festival is called Lughnasadh or Lammas, the second is Mabon, and the third is Samhain. It’s a time to celebrate, give thanks, and prepare for the long, dark, and cold months ahead.

It’s traditional to serve locally grown and freshly harvested foods for each of these earth-based sabbats. Other common pagan celebration ideas and fall equinox rituals include attending a harvest festival, creating an altar, visiting a megalithic monument (such as Stonehenge), and spending time in nature.

What is Alban Elfed, and how is it celebrated?

Alban Elfed is a term from ancient Celtic Druid traditions. It refers to one of the eight major festivals in the Druidic seasonal calendar, which includes four quarter-day solar festivals and four cross-quarter festivals, also known as sabbats. It marks the autumnal equinox and is most often celebrated between September 21st and 24th. 

The name “Alban Elfed” is derived from Old Welsh, where “Alban” means “white” or “bright,” and “Elfed” refers to the harvest or the time of the year. The festival celebrates the balance of light and dark, as the day and night are of equal length. It’s a time of harvest and reflection, as we acknowledge the transition from the abundance of summer to the darker, introspective period of winter. Celebrations of Alban Elfed often include feasting, honoring the harvest, and reflecting on the balance in one’s life. In some traditions, it’s a time to thank the earth’s bounty and prepare for the coming darker months.

What is Mabon?

Mabon is one of the eight Wiccan sabbat festivals celebrated during the pagan “Wheel of the Year. It is also another name for the autumnal equinox. On Mabon, the fall equinox rituals about the balance between light and dark are shared, along with prayers of thanks for a blessed harvest.

The Autumn Equinox divides the day and night equally, and we all take a moment to pay our respects to the impending dark. We also give thanks to the waning sunlight, as we store our harvest of this year’s crops. The Druids call this celebration, Mea’n Fo’mhair, and honor the The Green Man, the God of the Forest, by offering libations to trees. Offerings of ciders, wines, herbs and fertilizer are appropriate at this time. Wiccans celebrate the aging Goddess as she passes from Mother to Crone, and her consort the God as he prepares for death and re-birth. (source)

Early earth-based societies understood the importance of feasting with their neighbors to create a village. They could not survive without each other, so they dined together at these fall harvest festivals to celebrate, build community, trade resources, make deals, and give thanks. This is why some consider Mabon to be a “Pagan Thanksgiving.” Learn more about ancient pagan Mabon rituals and ceremonies HERE.

What is the spiritual meaning of the autumn equinox?

The autumnal equinox (Mabon) is an ideal time to reflect and give thanks for all that we have received. It’s about finishing old business and preparing for a period of rest, relaxation, and reflection. For the soul, it is also a time of harvest. It is a time to turn inwards to acknowledge the light and shadow aspects of ourselves—a time to contemplate and seek balance and understanding (literally and metaphorically).

Celebrate the autumn equinox (Mabon) by turning inward to harvest the fruits of our personal growth and awareness. Whether from gardening, working, raising a family, or dealing with the ups and downs of daily life. Do your best to find gratitude for the seeds you have sown and reaped. Both the “fantastic” and the “could do better next time.” When we hold gratitude in our hearts, even our mistakes can become beautiful lessons that guide us toward the next step in our journey.

May your inner and outer harvest be bountiful!

Mabon also encourages us to connect deeply with nature and the cycles of life. By observing the changing seasons and the beauty of nature’s transformation, we can gain a sense of interconnectedness with the Earth and its rhythms. Spending time outdoors engaging in nature walks, rituals, meditations, and other spiritual practices during this time can strengthen this bond.

What is the symbolic meaning of the Fall Equinox?

The equinox symbolizes a time of balance between day and night, dark and light, inner and outer, as well as masculine and feminine. Each is in balance before the night takes over, bringing darkness along with the death of winter. It is a moment of harmony before the transition between the light and dark halves of the year. It is a time to seek balance and gratitude for nature’s bounty before we succumb to the darkness.

Because we are a reflection of the universe surrounding us, A microcosm within the macrocosm, what occurs outside must also happen within us. Mabon encourages this spiritual introspection and the symbolic recognition of the dualities within ourselves and the world around us.

The coming of winter reminds us that things must come to rest before they can be renewed or reborn. Even those who long for the light must become familiar with our shadow selves and the awareness that comes with this understanding. Use this time of universal balance to hold gratitude in your heart for the abundance in your life while letting go of everything that no longer serves that end.

Preparation for enlightenment also occurs metaphorically as we move through the autumnal equinox and fall into darkness. It is a time to rest, contemplate, rejuvenate, practice forgiveness, be compassionate with ourselves and others, discover the wellspring of abundance within, cultivate gratitude, and prepare for the sun’s return after the winter solstice and its rebirth on the spring vernal equinox.

How is the equinox a bridge between light and dark?

The season of Mabon or Alban Elfed bridges the light and dark halves of the year. It symbolizes the thinning of the veil between the physical world and the spiritual realm. Some also believe it to be a time when the connection to ancestors and the spirit world becomes more accessible. Many people also use this season in the year’s rhythm to honor and remember their ancestors, especially at Samhain or Halloween, to seek guidance and wisdom from those who have come before them, pay their respects, and offer eternal love and devotion.

What is the connection between the Fall Autumnal Equinox and the Harvest Moon?

The full moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox in late September or early October is called the Harvest Moon. These celestial events, the fall equinox and the Harvest Moon, are closely connected through their seasonal roles and symbolism. The bright moonlight of the Harvest Moon helps farmers harvest their summer crops as the days grow shorter and we move into the darker half of the year. In other words, this big, bright, luminous full moon provided the extra light farmers needed before electricity to harvest their crops after sunset, hence the name Harvest Moon. This full moon is also known as the Full Corn Moon or the Barley Moon.

The Full Harvest Moon typically rises in September, but it can occur in October, as it will in 2025. Due to atmospheric effects, the light from the Harvest Moon shines with a warmer hue and frequently appears much larger and more luminous in the sky near the horizon than a typical full moon. Unlike other full moons, it also rises only about 25 minutes later each night than the normal 50 minutes after sunset to provide even more evening light for farmers harvesting crops. This year, it rises on October 6, 2025, and will reach its peak illumination at 11:48 p.m. EDT (8:48 p.m. PDT). It will be the year’s first supermoon, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. 

Fall Autumnal Equinox Celebration Ideas:

How do people celebrate the equinox? Below is a list of fall equinox ideas and rituals you can try to celebrate the autumn equinox and prepare for the waning of the light. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere and are welcoming the beginning of spring, visit these “Fun Ways to Celebrate the Spring.”

How do people celebrate the Autumn equinox?

Celebrating the fall harvest at the Autumnal Equinox is rich in tradition. As the sun’s path crosses the celestial equator, ushering in the enchanting season of autumn, people gather around the world to revel in the earth’s abundance. It’s a time when fields and orchards are heavy with the fruits of summer’s labor, and the vibrant tapestry of autumn leaves paints the landscape with fiery hues. 

From feasting on hearty dishes crafted from freshly harvested crops to creating altars adorned with symbols of gratitude, the Fall Autumnal Equinox is a moment to honor and give thanks for the gifts of the earth. It’s a celebration that invites us to embrace the changing seasons, set intentions for the colder days ahead, and reconnect with nature’s rhythms while basking in the golden glow of a world preparing for its winter slumber.

The diversity of autumnal equinox celebrations around the world showcases how people honor the changing seasons and the rhythms of nature. First, read the brief list of worldwide cultural celebrations that occur on or around the fall equinox, directly below. Then scroll down for a list of autumn equinox celebration ideas you can try with friends, kids, relatives, or your community.

What cultures celebrate the autumn equinox?

Diverse traditions across the globe celebrate the fall equinox. A few autumnal equinox customs, traditions, and rituals include:

• Mabon is thought to be an ancient pagan holiday celebrating the second harvest. It is one of the eight Sabbats or seasonal festivals observed in the Wheel of the Year that ancient Celtic people and, in modern times, Druids (Bards and Ovates), Neopagans, and Wiccans celebrate.
• In Japan, the autumnal equinox is observed during the Buddhist festival of Higan, a time for reflection and visiting the graves of ancestors.
• Native American communities celebrate the equinox with ceremonies, such as the Hopi Snake Dance, which honors the balance of nature.
• In China and Vietnam, the Mid-Autumn Festival, known as the Harvest Moon Festival, takes center stage. Families gather to appreciate the full moon and share mooncakes.
• Michaelmas, also known as the Feast of Michael and All Angels, is an annual celebration observed on September 29th in England, which coincides with the commencement of autumn.
• In the United States and Canada, the fall equinox aligns with the harvest season, giving rise to lively events like Oktoberfest in Germany and Thanksgiving in North America, where feasting and gratitude take precedence.
• The “Serpiente de Luz” (Snake of Light) in Mexico is a fascinating natural phenomenon that occurs at the El Castillo pyramid in Chichen Itza twice a year, at the spring and autumn equinoxes. (Learn more about this auspicious event in #8 below!)

How to Celebrate the Fall Autumnal Equinox in 2025:

Celebrating the Autumnal Equinox can be a meaningful and festive occasion for people of all ages. Autumn’s tapestry unfolds in a vibrant display of warm colors and crisp breezes, combined with the familiar scent of pumpkin spice. It’s a treat for the senses and the perfect time to celebrate the season’s unique magic with the creative fall equinox celebration ideas below. But how do you honor the autumn equinox? The autumnal equinox rituals, traditions, and customs can vary depending on your cultural background, personal preferences, and the ages of those involved. The festive modern and traditional fall equinox ritual ideas below can help you create a memorable autumnal equinox celebration or Mid-Harvest Festival.

However, please remember that these are just ideas, not a strict list of fall equinox rituals and traditions that must be followed or practiced. You will see several ways to celebrate listed below. Some are great for families with children, while others are perfect for a group of friends, and some are ideal for those who prefer to celebrate solo. Choose a few of the autumnal equinox traditions and customs outlined in this informative guide that resonate most with you to create a meaningful celebration, such as a fall equinox party or a harvest feast, tailored to your preferences and needs — whether for yourself, your kids, your family, your students, or your community. You might also enjoy these Fun Autumn Activities.

1. Express Gratitude:

Take a moment to reflect on the past year and express gratitude for the abundance in your life aloud or on paper. The autumnal equinox marks the beginning of the harvest season. Write down what you are thankful for as the season changes. Creating a gratitude list of everything you are grateful for is an excellent way to reap your inner harvest. Better yet, start a gratitude journal. Gratitude brings abundance!

If you don’t know where to begin, start with the food you have to eat and the roof over your head. It will flow naturally from there. Use these excellent gratitude journal prompts to find inspiration whenever you feel stuck. Speak these aloud or in a small ceremony with loved ones if you are hosting a fall equinox party, gathering, or feast. You might also enjoy doodling your thankful thoughts on the “I am Grateful Gratitude Journal Printable (photo below).”

Or try assembling a printable gratitude or thankful tree with the things you are most grateful for written on each leaf. Gratitude activities like these will help you cultivate awareness of the many blessings in your life. May your inner harvest be bountiful! For even more ideas, look at this list of Gratitude Activities and Gratitude Books for Kids That Inspire Thankfulness.

2. Clear Energy, Create Space, and Restore Balance:

Honor the season by clearing energy, creating space, and restoring balance in your home and workplace. On the equinox, night and day are approximately the same length. Use this seasonal momentum by bringing your daily life into equilibrium. One way to clear energy can be achieved with a deep fall cleaning. Make and use natural cleaning supplies if desired. Create space and restore balance by decluttering and removing anything that no longer serves you, literally and figuratively, to make space for inner (and outer) abundance.

Use the power of rhythm and routines to help you organize your life and provide a framework for your day. A daily rhythm can also enhance productivity and aid in effective time management, while also providing you with ample time to play or relax. In our home, we also like to establish seasonal routines that connect us to the world and add meaning to our family life. Our need for a sense of rhythm is one of the many reasons my family enjoys celebrating the fall equinox. Children thrive on regular household rhythms and routines at home and in school, and so do parents and teachers.

3. Reflect and Renew to Prepare for an Abundant (Inner & Outer) Harvest:

The fall equinox is an ideal time of year for reflection and introspection. I like to work on goals every 90 days, so the equinoxes and solstices serve as a great reminder to review and renew goals. Consider what you hope to achieve in the coming months and set intentions or affirmations to manifest those goals. You can also create a vision board with goals, dreams, and inspirations using magazine cutouts, drawings, stickers, cards, and photos. Each of these equinox activities can help you focus your energy as the seasons shift inward. Grab the FREE QuickStart Planning Guide, and follow the steps below to get started!

• Make a list of everything you want to do.
• Pick your top three choices.
• Make a plan to start one and go from there. Start with “How to Set SMART Goals” and then look at “How to Use the Power of Habit.”
• Create intentions and affirmations to help you reach your goals.
• Continue to create a life you LOVE with the Dream Life Tool Kit!

4. Visit a Local Farmers’ Market or Farm Stand:

Visit your local farmers’ market (or a nearby farm) to celebrate the fall harvest and gather locally harvested seasonal foods. This supports local farmers, gives back to your community, and provides an opportunity to host a family feast or bake seasonal treats. The ideas in the following sections make it easy to celebrate the second harvest and the arrival of fall with the seasonal foods you gather at the farmers’ market.

5. Host or Attend a Fall Harvest Equinox Feast or Potluck:

In ancient times, people celebrated abundance and community with a harvest feast. Host or attend a Mid-Harvest Feast or Mabon Thanksgiving to enjoy a meal featuring local, seasonal foods in celebration of the equinox with friends and family. Prepare a bountiful feast for the second fall harvest, featuring a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, and other seasonal ingredients. Alternatively, invite family and friends to prepare a dish to share using seasonal produce and traditional autumn harvest foods, such as corn, butternut squash, zucchini, apples, nuts, pumpkins, and root vegetables.

Things to Eat for a Mabon Thanksgiving on the Fall Equinox:

Serve foods harvested from your garden or other locally sourced, seasonal ingredients from a nearby Farmers’ Market. For example, your fall harvest feast could include homemade dishes such as roasted root vegetables, pumpkin soup, apple pie, and cornbread. You could also host a potluck and invite guests to bring a dish made with ingredients from their gardens, a local farm, or other homemade or locally sourced goodies, such as pies, casseroles, soups, loaves of bread, ciders, and wines.

If the weather permits, consider having your fall harvest celebration outdoors. Set up a picnic or dining area in your garden, a park, or any other natural setting to enjoy the beauty of the season. Autumn is truly a spectacular time to get outside and take photos. Feel free to invite friends and family to enjoy a fall harvest feast for Mabon or the Autumnal Equinox along with you. If relatives and guests attend your fall harvest feast, consider inviting them to join you in a gratitude activity, game, or craft, or make a plan to set SMART goals together. As my late grandpa always said, “When heading into darkness, it’s best to take a flashlight and a good map.“

Related: Thanksgiving Traditions 

6. Gift Children with Farm-to-Table Experiences:

If you are a teacher or a parent who homeschools or sends your children to school, consider spending time educating your children through farm-to-table or farm-to-fork experiences. The traditional things we do with our families (or students) throughout the year’s rhythms create memories that last a lifetime, and help educate the hearts and minds of children.

Fun Fall Farm-to-Table Activity Ideas for Kids:

There are several ways to enjoy farm-to-fork activities with kids. For example, first invite children to join you on a trip to the pumpkin patch. Next, show them how to make homemade pumpkin puree, pumpkin cranberry bread, or fresh pumpkin pie with the pumpkins you pick. Don’t worry; making pumpkin puree is easier than you think!

Children also love to pick apples and make apple cider, apple pie, oatmeal, and gluten-free apple crisp–yum! (This links to my family’s favorite gluten-free peach raspberry fruit crisp recipe. Substitute apples and add cinnamon to the recipe as instructed to make an apple crisp.) Another great idea is to navigate a corn maze and then head home to cook and enjoy corn on the cob. Or make cornbread or grits with freshly ground corn from a local farm. It can also be fun to ask kids to go with you to the farmers’ market and help you prepare something for your fall harvest feast.

Each of these farm-to-table ideas helps children connect with the bounty nature provides to nourish us, understand where food comes from, and develop reverence for Mother Nature and respect for Planet Earth. Enjoy the abundance of autumn by inviting children on a field trip to a local farm this fall. Try the fun field trip ideas above—each includes links to fall arts and crafts and activities that the kids will LOVE!

7. Bake Seasonal Treats:

Baking seasonal treats is a fantastic way to celebrate the harvest and the season’s abundance before winter’s fallow. Bake pies, breads, muffins, cookies, cakes, and other seasonal treats and confections using fall ingredients such as pumpkin, apples, squash, nuts, and cinnamon. Several options are included in the farm-to-table ideas above. Enjoy baking seasonal treats for the fall equinox with children, family, friends, or as a solo baking adventure. It’s fun to create seasonal treats to enjoy with a harvest feast, for a bake sale at a festival, to share with family, or to give to others.

8. Attend a Fall Harvest Festival:

Many farms, schools, and communities host a fall harvest festival around the autumnal equinox. Many include fun seasonal activities and games to enjoy, such as sack races, talent shows, bake sales, seasonal arts and crafts, face painting, obstacle courses, treasure hunts, hay rides, a pumpkin patch, petting zoos, pony rides, a sunflower garden, or even a corn maze. Look in your local community resource guide or Google for a harvest festival that the whole family or classroom can enjoy this autumn.

9. Preserve the Harvest:

Prepare for the darker, colder months ahead by preserving the harvest. Engage in harvest activities such as canning, drying herbs, or storing root vegetables for winter. Even making jam counts! Here’s an excellent book that simplifies the art of home food preservation, offering reliable, equipment-free techniques inspired by generations who thrived without modern technology: The Amish Canning & Preserving Bible for Beginners. Whether you’re preserving the harvest, stocking a pantry, reducing food waste, or seeking true independence, you’ll find everything you need to preserve food safely within its pages.

10. Visit Stonehenge, the Great Pyramid, or another Megalithic Monument or Structure on the Equinox:

Most megalithic monuments and structures provide a remarkable example of how ancient civilizations had advanced knowledge of astronomy and celestial events, which they incorporated into their architectural designs, religious practices, and seasonal celebrations. Spending time at a megalithic monument on the equinox provides an opportunity to witness ancient rituals, celebrate the changing seasons, immerse oneself in the site’s rich history, and connect with the Earth’s natural rhythms. Because the Fall Equinox is a time of balance and reflection, it’s also an ideal moment for spiritual or meditative practices amidst the monument’s natural positive energies.

What happens at megalithic structures on the equinoxes?

Visiting megalithic structures and monuments on the Fall Autumnal Equinox provides a unique chance to marvel at the precision of our ancestors in tracking the equinoxes and solstices. Believe it or not, most megalithic structures are designed to showcase these celestial events in their own unique ways. The following are a few examples of this magical phenomenon:

• On the Autumn Equinox, Druids, Pagans, and other visitors from around the world gather at Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England (United Kingdom) at dawn to mark the Equinox and to watch the sunrise above the stones.
• The only time you can “see” that the Great Pyramid of Giza has eight walls instead of four (other than from above) is at the spring and fall equinox.
  • The sun’s position on the equinoxes causes a pattern of shadows to fall upon the pyramid’s walls, making all eight walls visible.
• The Mayan pyramid of El Castillo in Chichen Itza (also known as the Temple of Kukulcan) is constructed with precise astronomical alignments that create a spectacular visual effect during the equinoxes.
  • As the sun sets, shadows cast by the pyramid’s steps align with a carved serpent’s head at the base of the staircase.
  • For about 20 minutes, the shadow appears to slither down the steps, creating the illusion of a serpent descending the pyramid.
  • This captivating event attracts numerous tourists and researchers to Chichen Itza annually, making it one of Mexico’s most renowned equinox celebrations.

11. Add Fall Decor: Decorate for Autumn at Home, School, or Work:

Decorate your home or outdoor space with harvest and autumn-themed decorations. Fall harvest decorations are a fun way to celebrate the autumnal equinox and add to your DIY home decor. Decorating with pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, colorful leaves (fresh, preserved, or artificial), acorns, pinecones, walnuts, candles, and other symbols of harvest or fall can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

It can also be fun to decorate your home for harvest with beautiful fall arts and autumn crafts to welcome the autumn season. (Click either link to see several creative projects you can try. Or check out these nature crafts made with natural materials. One of our favorite ways to decorate for fall in our homeschool is with a Gratitude or Thankful Tree and a Fall Nature Table (photo below). Many families like to add Halloween decorations to their fall decor after the equinox. You might also enjoy making a fall equinox altar using the ideas in the next section.

12. Create an Autumnal Equinox Altar:

Honor the turning of the seasons with a seasonal altar with autumnal symbols. Creating a Fall Equinox altar, also known as an Autumnal Equinox altar or Mabon altar, is a pagan ritual performed at the equinox to celebrate the Mabon festival. An autumnal equinox altar is a specially crafted space or arrangement of symbolic items people create to mark and celebrate Mabon at the Autumnal Equinox. This altar can be a place of reflection, intention-setting, and connection to the changing seasons. It is often adorned with seasonal decorations and other items that reflect the colors and themes of autumn, such as leaves in various shades of red, orange, and yellow, as well as gourds, pumpkins, and dried flowers.

Creating an Altar for Mabon:

Harvest symbols such as fruits, vegetables, and grains are often placed on the altar to symbolize a bountiful harvest. These can include apples, corn, acorns, and other fruits and vegetables. Burning incense or herbs like sage, cedar, or lavender can cleanse and purify the altar space, creating a soothing ambiance.

Candles are commonly used to represent the balance of light and dark during the Equinox. Place a white candle (symbolizing light) and a black or dark-colored candle (symbolizing dark) on the altar. Or decorate your sacred space with autumn’s vibrant and earthy colors to match nature’s grand finale before the grey days of winter.

Some people also incorporate crystals and gemstones associated with autumn and balance, such as citrine, carnelian, and clear quartz, on their autumnal equinox altar. Many individuals also add personal items or souvenirs that hold significance, such as photographs, handwritten intentions, or other items that represent their connection to nature and the autumn season.

13. Host or Attend a Bonfire, Enjoy a Fall Fire Pit, or Light Candles:

Hosting or attending a bonfire is a traditional way to celebrate the autumnal equinox. But lighting candles, especially on an equinox altar, is another way to honor this transformational time of year. Light a fire or candles to celebrate the sun’s last rays of intense light before the descent into winter. As you do so, reflect on what you’re ready to release and what you want to carry into the darker months.

If safe and allowed in your area, lighting a bonfire or gathering around a fire pit is an excellent way to celebrate the fall harvest. It can not only provide warmth but also add to the ambiance of a fall equinox party. Invite friends and family to join in the celebration. Sharing the joy of the harvest season with loved ones or your community can make the occasion even more memorable. Dance, sing, beat drums, play music, and celebrate the fall. But please be safe and follow city or county laws and regulations. For more information, read about building a campfire and how to keep everyone safe.

15. Read Books about Autumn and the Fall:

This is a great activity to do with children on or near the autumn equinox. Reading books about autumn aloud with children at home or in the classroom is a great way to celebrate the fall equinox with kids and help them learn more about the magical transformation that happens in nature at this time of year. Check out a few of our favorites HERE–> Fall Books for Kids: Autumn Stories Kids LOVE!

16. Serve, Volunteer, and Commit Random Acts of Kindness:

Since harvest celebrations often involve abundance, consider giving back to your community by sharing some of your “harvest” or resources with those in need, whether through donations or acts of service. Donating to a local food bank or volunteering at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen can be a meaningful way to give back to your community. These autumn equinox activities embody the spirit of generosity and shared abundance, and make the world a better place.

Commit random acts of kindness, such as baking cookies for a neighbor or doing something thoughtful for someone else, whenever the opportunity arises. Even a smile across a crowded room will do. My daughter loves to give acorn marble necklaces to people. Paying it forward with simple acts of kindness is a great way to help people and communities thrive as the days grow darker and the light continues to wane. Shine your light near and far.

17. Get Outside and Connect: Take a Nature Walk or Relax at a “Sit Spot.”

Get outside and connect with nature on the equinox. One way to do this is to go for a nature walk or enjoy a “sit spot.” A “sit spot” is a specific outdoor location, such as a large boulder, the base of a large tree, a bench, or a clearing in a natural setting, where you sit regularly to observe your surroundings and become more mindful of the natural world around you.

Each of these outdoor activities can help you slow down and strengthen your connection with nature and the rhythms of the earth. Take a hike or a stroll in nature, or take your seat to observe the changing colors of the leaves and the signs of the season. Begin by observing how nature transitions into autumn, taking note of the first signs of the season. If you’re planning to have young children join you in this activity, try this fun fall scavenger hunt for kids.

Both scavenger hunt ideas enable children and adults to connect with the natural world and appreciate its beauty as summer transitions into autumn in a stunning display of gold, orange, and crimson. Click the link for more information about Get Outside & Connect. You may also like this fantastic collection of outdoor learning activities for kids.

18. Enjoy Fall Foraging:

Another fun idea is to go on a fall foraging adventure in the autumn after the equinox. Encourage children and adults of all ages to take a walk outdoors to collect leaves, nuts, twigs, acorns, pinecones, and other natural treasures that can be used to create autumn arts and crafts throughout the season. These natural treasures and crafts can also be added to your fall nature table or altar.

For example, gather fall leaves to make autumn crowns, tiaras, or homemade leaf lanterns. Another is to forage for acorns to create acorn marble necklaces, ornaments, or adorable little peg doll toys for kids with acorn caps. Or go wild foraging simply for the fun of it. Children love getting outside to hunt for nature’s treasures.

These types of fall activities and autumn nature crafts offer a fun way to educate children about the changing seasons and the biome in which they live. Outdoor fall activities (like those mentioned here and on this bucket list of ideas) are also an excellent way for adults to do something creative and relaxing outside the everyday grind when the days grow shorter and darker after the equinox.

19. Design a Seasonal Mandala:

Creating a nature mandala on the fall equinox is a fun outdoor art activity for kids and adults of all ages. Designing a seasonal nature mandala with naturally sourced autumn materials is an excellent way for children to learn about nature and the seasonal changes within the “Wheel of the Year.” As the seasons change, the natural materials available for making mandala crafts also change.

Create mandala arts and crafts on the solstices and equinoxes, and take photos to compare them easily. Crafting nature mandalas outdoors is a therapeutic and spiritual practice with several educational and psychological benefits for both young and old. Visit the tutorial to discover how to make a nature mandala and see a few beautiful examples of these exquisite nature arts and crafts.

20. Make Fall Crafts and Create Autumn Art:

Create a fall craft or try a fun fall art project on the fall equinox or anytime this autumn to celebrate the beautiful, warm colors this magical season brings. Engaging in creative activities, such as making autumn wreaths and leaf garlands, carving pumpkins, creating a seasonal mandala, or painting autumn scenes, can be enjoyable for children and adults. Creating seasonal arts and crafts with natural or foraged materials is a great way to express your creativity and bring the beauty of nature into your home. Here are some fantastic fall arts and crafts you can try to celebrate autumn:

• DIY Acorn Marble Necklaces or Ornaments
• Fall Leaf Lanterns
• Acorn Peg Dolls
• Fall Peg Doll Fairies
• Autumn Nature Craft Ideas
• Fall Leaf Crowns
• Nature Mandala
• Oak Apple Nature Craft
• Watercolor Fall Leaf Art
• Real Fall Leaf Nature Art Projects
• Best Fall Art Projects and Painting Ideas
• All-Season Handprint Tree—This seasonal handprint and fingerprint art tree is an excellent activity for introducing the concept of seasonal changes to young children. Feel free to create your masterpiece with all four seasons, or make a fall handprint art tree with golden autumn fingerprint leaves.

21. Make a Human Sundial:

Creating a human sundial is a fun activity to do around the fall equinox with kids, but adults will also enjoy this simple idea. My daughter and I are conducting this science experiment near each of the solstices and equinoxes to observe how our shadows change throughout the day and year. As homeschoolers, it has been an enjoyable learning experience and seasonal ritual for both of us, so I encourage you to try it. If you do, I recommend taking pictures to document your shadows at each solstice and equinox. For even more fun, paint your sundial with DIY Chalk Paint, take photos of your sidewalk chalk art, and record your experiment results in a homemade nature journal.

22. Create Your Own Mabon Ritual (Pagan/Wiccan Tradition):

Mabon rituals are typically performed to honor the second harvest and the spiritual balance between light and dark. These fall equinox activities often include creating a sacred space, such as a Mabon altar or casting a circle, and giving thanks to the earth. Rituals usually involve lighting candles, offering cider, wine, or bread, and reciting seasonal incantations, in addition to some of the celebration ideas mentioned above.

Mabon Fall Equinox Celebration Ideas

There are many ways to celebrate the autumnal equinox in September. It is a lovely time of year to appreciate the changing seasons and the abundance of nature. You can adapt these fall equinox traditions, rituals, and celebration ideas to fit your personal beliefs and preferences, creating a meaningful and enjoyable celebration for you and your loved ones.

Mabon celebrates balance, gratitude, and the cyclical nature of life. It reminds us of the importance of embracing change, giving thanks for the blessings we have received, and connecting with the natural world and our ancestral roots. Create something meaningful for you and your family; you can’t go wrong.

How do you celebrate the fall equinox? We’d love to hear all about it. Please share the fall equinox rituals you enjoy most in the comments below. You might also enjoy this list of autumn activities. It includes a printable fall bucket list of fun activities to help you have the best autumn ever!

You may also be interested in ways to celebrate the spring vernal equinox, summer solstice, or winter solstice. Click on the links to learn more about the solstices and equinoxes.

Do you have a question about the fall equinox that we didn’t answer? Please use the comments below, and we will do our best to address them.

Learn more about Nell Regan Kartychok, author of these Autumnal equinox traditions and celebration ideas HERE, and Rhythms of Play HERE!

Seasonal Celebrations in the Wheel of the Year:

• Samhain (Halloween, Day of the Dead)
• Yule (Winter Solstice)
• Imbolc (Candlemass, St. Brigid’s Day, Groundhog’s Day)
• Ostara (Spring Equinox)
• Beltane (May Day)
• Litha (Summer Solstice)
• Lughnasadh (Lammas)
• Mabon (Fall Autumnal Equinox)

If You Liked Fall Equinox Celebration Ideas, You Might Also Enjoy:

• Fall Tree Collage
• 10 Ways to Have Fun Outside with Fall Leaves
• Fall Leaves Watercolor Art
• Signs of Autumn Scavenger Hunt for Kids
• Squirrel Facts and Fun Ways to Learn About Squirrels