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Milwaukee is in for a treat again this fall!
Last year, our family visited the incredible China Lights festival at Boerner Botanical Gardens, and we were blown away! The vibrant lanterns, intricate displays, and beautiful gardens lit up at night left us in awe. The crowds were large, but it was worth it.
This year, China Lights is back with the “Magical Forest” theme, and it’s set to be even more breathtaking.
The festival kicks off this Friday, September 12th, and runs through November 2nd, 2025. One of the main highlights this year is a butterfly dome – 20-feet high for guests to walk through, and a group of Halloween talking pumpkin lanterns.
Along the three-quarter mile route, you’ll encounter over 40 new larger-than-life lanterns, many of which are immersive and interactive. There’s no way that your kids won’t love it!
In addition to the lanterns, live performances take place each night on the We Energies stage, showcasing traditional Asian folk arts. The performances are included with admission!
You’ll also find plenty of delicious food and beverage options throughout the gardens so you can enjoy a snack under the lantern-lit sky. The performances are included with admission!
Don’t miss the playground area near the food and beverage options with immersive and interactive play, light, and laser features. (And, be sure to save time for another play area on the way out of the gardens. There are light-up swings, see-saws, and more.)
The show runs September 12th through November 2nd, and tickets are now on sale.
Plan Your Visit
To make the most of your visit, plan ahead! The festival opens at 5:00 p.m. each night, and tickets are available online in three time slots (5:00, 6:30, or 8:00 p.m.).
We highly recommend buying tickets in advance, as walk-up tickets are limited and more expensive. Weekday tickets are $23 for adults and $16 for children, while weekend prices are $28 for adults and $18 for kids. Infants and toddlers under three get in for free.
Parking Details
The closest paid parking lot is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are also free parking lots throughout Whitnall Park, with complimentary shuttles running from the outer lots.
Don’t Miss It!
If you’ve never been to China Lights, you’re in for a treat. The festival is a spectacular celebration of Asian culture and a perfect family-friendly outing.
For more details and tickets, visit ChinaLights.org.
We can’t wait to go back!
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
