HALES CORNERS, Wis. — The China Lights lantern festival has returned to Milwaukee County’s Boerner Botanical Gardens for its eighth season, transforming the venue into a “Magical Forest” from September 12 through November 2. The event, produced by Tianyu Arts and Culture in partnership with Milwaukee County Parks, features more than 40 large-scale illuminated displays and nightly cultural performances.
According to Huiyuan Liu of Tianyu Arts and Culture, this year’s theme is based on a narrative concerning a 7-year-old boy named Coda who journeys through a forest. The design includes mythical creatures and flora intended to create an otherworldly atmosphere. Organizers stated that more than 95% of the lanterns are new for the 2025 display. Highlights include a 20-foot-tall walk-through butterfly dome, a section featuring bubbles and fog, and a group of interactive, talking pumpkin lanterns for Halloween.
Liu noted that the event draws upon the Chinese tradition of lantern festivals, which typically occur on the 15th day of the Chinese New Year to mark family gatherings. In addition to the light displays, the festival hosts nightly stage performances on the We Energies Stage at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. Acts include face-changing, hat juggling, and balancing. The festival also offers Asian and Western cuisine, along with beer and other beverages.
The festival operates Tuesdays through Sundays from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tickets are sold for specific entry times at 5:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. General admission tickets purchased online are priced at $23 for weekdays and $28 for weekends, while walk-up tickets are available in limited quantities for $35. A special “Adult-Only Night” for visitors aged 21 and older is scheduled for October 13.
Paid parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the paved lot nearest the entrance. Complimentary parking is provided throughout Whitnall Park, with shuttle service running from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Additionally, the Hales Corners Park & Ride Lot offers free parking and shuttle service on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Event Information
- Date: Sept. 12 – Nov. 2, 2025
- Time: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Tuesdays – Sundays)
- Venue: Boerner Botanical Gardens
- Address: Whitnall Park, Hales Corners, WI
- Ticket Page: chinalights.org
