Eek! Our team is SO excited!! We’ve gone the past few years and are in awe every year of the amazing talent and beauty that is China Lights! We are so so SO excited about their return to Milwaukee in fall 2025!
The highly anticipated China Lights lantern festival returns to Milwaukee County’s Boerner Botanical Gardens from September 12 through November 2, 2025 (closed Mondays). Now in its eighth year, the event celebrates Asian art and culture with a brand-new theme, “Magical Forest,” and will feature more than 40 new larger-than-life lantern installations and community events.
Presented by Tri-City Bank, China Lights is a collaboration between Milwaukee County
Parks and Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. The 2025 theme will transform the Botanical Gardens into a glowing world of fantasy and nature, featuring immersive displays, interactive elements, and breathtaking artistry.
New at China Lights Milwaukee in 2025:
- 40+ New Lantern Displays – Highlights this year include a butterfly dome – 20-feet high for guests to walk through, and a group of Halloween talking pumpkin lanterns.
- Adult-Only Night – Monday, October 13, 6:00–9:00 p.m. (21+ only). Includes live performances, a DJ, glow accessory, and more. Limited tickets available online ONLY at ChinaLights.org.
- 8th Anniversary / Year of the Snake Celebration – Celebrate the Year of the Snake with commemorative photo frame photo ops at select Tri-City National Bank branches.
- Community Blood Drive with Versiti – August 16, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Donate blood and receive one free ticket to China Lights.
Live Entertainment
Included with admission, enjoy nightly stage performances on the We Energies Stage at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 9:00 p.m., featuring acts like hat juggling, face-changing, balancing, and more.
Food & Drink
Savor a variety of Asian and Western cuisine from local vendors, along with beer, soda, and hard seltzers.
Online Ticket Prices:
- General Admission (12+): $23 weekday / $28 weekend
- Children (3–11): $16 weekday / $18 weekend
- Infants (under 3): Free
Walk-Up Tickets (Limited Availability):
- General Admission: $35
- Children: $20
A limited amount of tickets valid for any date during the event are available at five Festival Food stores and the Boerner Botanical Garden Atrium.
Entry Times: 5:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.)
Parking
Paid Parking: Available in the paved lot nearest the festival entrance. Sold on-site, first-come, first-served. ADA parking is available with proper identification.
Free Parking & Shuttle Service: Available throughout Whitnall Park with complimentary shuttle service running from 6:30–10:30 p.m. The Hales Corner Park & Ride Lot will also be used for event parking on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with free shuttle service between this free parking lot and the event entrance.
Lodging
Out-of-town guests can enjoy special hotel rates at the Hampton Inn Franklin, the official hotel partner of China Lights.
For tickets, schedules, and full event details, visit ChinaLights.org.
