China Lights 2025: Magical Forest Family Guide

NOTE: Tickets are on sale 8/8/2025! Early bird sale at Chinalights.org: For 15% off General Admission tickets, use code CLMF25 For 50% off VIP Night tickets, use code VIP25. VIP Night is Wednesday, September 10, at 6pm!

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 Cost Distance Shuttle Notes Lot 1 (Close-up) $15 Walking distance No Limited spots, cash/card, first-come basis Lots 2 & 3 (DIY) FREE Walking distance No Grass lots, may close in wet weather Lot 4 (Golf Course) FREE Shuttle ride Yes Tue-Sun, 5:45-10:15 PM Lot 5 (Park & Ride) FREE Shuttle ride Yes 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.