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 2026!
The highly anticipated China Lights lantern festival returns to Milwaukee County’s Boerner Botanical Gardens from September 11 through November 1, 2026 (closed Mondays). Now in its ninth year, the event celebrates Asian art and culture with a brand-new theme, “Legends Come Alive,” and will feature more than 40 new larger-than-life lantern installations, including a Unicorn and Bear Forest and a Coral Reef Corridor.
Presented by Tri-City Bank, China Lights is a collaboration between Milwaukee County Parks and Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. The 2026 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 2026:
- 40+ New Lantern Displays – This year’s all-new lantern experience features stunning illuminated installa5ons throughout the
gardens, including:- Unicorn and Bear Forest
- Coral Reef Corridor
- Interactive and immersive displays
- Photo-worthy installations
- Twinkle Tail Night September 29
- Dog lovers won’t want to miss Twinkle Tail Night on Tuesday, September 29, when well- behaved, leashed dogs are admitted free with a paid owner ticket.
- China Lights is also partnering with local animal shelters to support pet adoption efforts.
- Individuals who adopt a pet from participating shelters between August 8 and November 1 will receive a complimentary pair of China Lights tickets, while supplies last.
- Live Entertainment
- Included with China Lights admission, guests can enjoy nightly performances on the WE Energies Stage at:
- 6:15 p.m.
- 7:30 p.m.
- 8:45 p.m.
- Performances showcase a variety of traditional and contemporary acts that celebrate Asian culture and artistic expression.
- Included with China Lights admission, guests can enjoy nightly performances on the WE Energies Stage at:
PRO TIP – THE MOSQUITOES ARE ALSO EXCITED – so be prepared when you go at night!
Food & Drink
Visitors can enjoy two food courts offering a diverse selection of Asian and Western cuisine from local vendors throughout the festival grounds.
Online Ticket Prices:
- General Admission (12+): $26.50 weekday / $32.50 weekend
- Children (3–11): $19 weekday / $21 weekend
- Infants (under 3): Free
- Season pass for 1: $68.50 (unlimited visits)
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.
Absolutely beautiful! These artworks from China are so vibrant! They’re like they’ve transported us into a wonderland. I’m sharing another article I saw with you all; it seems to be very well-researched on the history of Chinese lanterns:https://www.paintinglantern.com/chinese-lantern-a-chinese-heart/
This would be my first time. I heard it’s very beautiful. I would enjoy seeing it with my family.
We love china lights, it is always so beautiful.
We love China lights!
Would be first time seeing China lights
China Lights is such a great event. So much talent and work goes into each show.
We would love to experience this as a family!
I would love to go for the very first time with my family!!!
Always wanted to go. I have a 7yr.old granddaughter I would love to take. She is my one and only grandchild.It would be an awesome place to make memories with her.
Would love to go for my first time
My nephews are Asian, and they go every year, this would be a good opportunity to go for my 1st time 🐉
Itll be my 3rd time.
Would be my 1st time
WOW THIS LOOKS FANTASTIC! Thank you for the opportunity! It would be very special to see 🙂
It’s always been too expensive for our family of 6. I hope we get to go this year.
I would absolutely love to take my father
My kids would love this!
I’ve never been to China Lights but would love to attend this year with my siblings! So excited! Thank you
I would love to win tickets to China Lights. It is an amazing experience.
I would love to take my 3 children for us all to experience this as a 1st!
This would be my first time! 😍
This will be my first time!
China Lights is always such a good experience and beautiful to see