China Lights 2025: Magical Forest Family Guide

Step into an enchanting world where traditional Chinese artistry meets the beauty of autumn in Wisconsin. China Lights: Magical Forest transforms Boerner Botanical Gardens into a breathtaking spectacle of illuminated wonder, featuring over 40 hand-crafted lantern displays that bring fantastical creatures and mystical forests to life.

This isn't just a light show—it's a cultural journey spanning 400 years of Chinese lantern-making tradition. Every display is meticulously crafted from thousands of components, covered in vibrant fabrics, hand-painted by skilled artisans, and brought to life with brilliant LED lighting. Your family will walk through a 20-foot butterfly dome, encounter talking Halloween pumpkins, and witness live performances of ancient Chinese arts.

Whether you're seeking a magical date night, a memorable family outing, or a unique way to celebrate the fall season, this guide will help you plan the perfect visit. From money-saving ticket strategies to insider parking tips, we've gathered everything you need to make your China Lights experience smooth, affordable, and absolutely unforgettable.

🗓️ Quick Event Details

When: September 12 - November 2, 2025
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Closed: Mondays (except Adult-Only Night on Oct 13)
Location: 9400 Boerner Dr., Hales Corners, WI
Theme: Magical Forest with 40+ lantern displays

Tickets & Pricing

Entry Times (90-minute windows)

• First Entry: 5:30 PM

• Second Entry: 7:00 PM

• Third Entry: 8:30 PM

• Last Entry: 9:30 PM

Ticket Prices

Adults (12+)

• Weekday Online: $23

• Weekend Online: $28

• At the Gate: $35

Children (3-11)

• Weekday Online: $16

• Weekend Online: $18

• At the Gate: $20

Infants (Under 3)

• Always FREE

Family 4-Pack

• Weekday Online: $72

• Weekend Online: $86

• Must include at least one adult

Season Pass (Unlimited Entry)

• $65 per person

• Valid any date/time

• No reservations needed

How to Get Discounts

💰 Biggest Savings:

• Buy Online: Save $7-12 per ticket vs. gate prices

• Choose Weekdays: $5 less per adult, $2 less per child

• Groups of 20+: Get 20% off General Admission tickets

• Season Pass: Pays for itself after just 3 weekday visits

🎫 Flexibility:

• Change ticket date/time up to 1 hour before entry

• Season Pass holders don't need reservations

Get Tickets: ChinaLights.org (sales start August 8, 2025)

🚗 Parking Options

Lot 1 (Close-up) $15 Walking distance. Limited spots, cash/card, first-come basis
Lots 2 & 3 (DIY) FREE Walking distance. Grass lots, may close in wet weather
Lot 4 (Golf Course) FREE Shuttle ride Tue-Sun, 5:45-10:15 PM
Lot 5 (Park & Ride) FREE Shuttle ride Fri-Sun only, 5:45-10:15 PM

Pro Tip: Rideshare drops off directly at garden entrance

✨ What to Expect

Magical Forest Highlights

• 🦋 20-foot butterfly dome you can walk through

• 🎃 Talking Halloween pumpkin lanterns

• 🏮 40+ hand-crafted lantern displays

• 🎭 Traditional Chinese artistry with 400+ years of heritage

Live Entertainment (FREE with admission)

• Shows: 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:30 PM

• Location: Shrub Mall

• Duration: 30 minutes each

• Acts: Face Changing, Hat Juggling, Balancing

• ⚠️ Canceled in rain/severe weather

Food & Drinks

• 🥢 Asian and Western cuisine available

• 🍺 Beverages include soda, beer, hard seltzers

• ❌ No outside food or drinks allowed

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Tips

Best Times for Families

• 🌅 5:30 PM entry on weekdays = fewer crowds + better prices

• 📱 Avoid Monday, October 13 (Adult-Only Night, 21+ only)

What to Bring

• 🧥 Warm layers - fall evenings get chilly

• 👟 Comfortable walking shoes for varied terrain

• 🚼 Sturdy stroller/wagon for little ones

• 📸 Camera - photography encouraged!

What to Expect

• 🚶‍♀️ Lots of walking on gravel, asphalt, and brick paths

• 🌙 Outdoor event - happens rain or shine

• 🚫 No access to daytime garden areas (they close at 4:30 PM)

• 🚫 No touching displays - look but don't climb!

♿ Accessibility

Parking & Entrances

• 🅿️ Accessible parking in front row of main lot

• 🚪 Automatic doors at east and south entrances

• ♿ Accessible restrooms on each floor near elevator

Special Services

• 👁️ Free Aira visual assistance for blind/low vision visitors

• 🔤 Braille signage throughout visitor center

• 📞 Contact: 414-425-8550 or emily.brown@milwaukeecountywi.gov

🌧️ Important Policies

Weather

• 🌦️ Rain or shine event - no refunds for weather

• ⛈️ Severe weather (lightning/flooding) may close event

• 🎫 Rain checks given if already inside during cancellation

• 🔄 Transfer tickets up to 1 hour before event

Rules

• 🚭 Smoke-free environment (including vaping)

• 🐕 No pets except registered service animals

• 📷 Photography permitted but no touching displays

• 🔍 Lost & Found at Garden House office

🚨 Special Dates to Remember

Adult-Only Night

Monday, October 13, 2025 (6:00-9:00 PM)

• 🔞 21+ only - families will be turned away

• 🎵 Features DJ, live performances, glow accessories

📍 Getting There

Address: 9400 Boerner Dr., Hales Corners, WI (Whitnall Park)

Directions:

• Close-up Parking: Via 92nd Street and College Avenue

• Follow signs and staff instructions for other lots

💡 Pro Tips for Success

1. Buy tickets early - weekends sell out fast

2. Arrive at 5:30 PM on weekdays for best family experience

3. Check weather before choosing grass parking lots

4. Bring layers - it gets cold after sunset

5. Plan for 2-3 hours to see everything comfortably

6. Time performances - shows at 6, 7, and 8:30 PM

7. Consider Season Pass if visiting multiple times

Have questions? Check ChinaLights.org for updates and additional information.