Walk-through lantern installation
Happening NowChina Lights Wisconsin
Hales Corners, Wisconsin
September 11, 2026 – November 1, 2026
Last verified · 5 official sources
At a glance
Quick facts
- Season dates
- September 11, 2026 – November 1, 2026
- Venue
- Boerner Botanical Gardens
- Usual hours
- Tuesday through Sunday, 5:30–10 p.m. Central; closed Mondays. Online tickets use timed entry.
- Tickets
- 3 official ticket options listed
- Format
- Walk-through lantern installation
- Visit time
- The organizer recommends allowing about two hours for the exhibition.
- Organizer
- Tianyu Arts & Culture
Status & verification
Event status and verification
Happening Now The published season is September 11, 2026 – November 1, 2026. This label describes the season, not whether the gates are open right now.
Last verified · 5 official sources
China Lights Wisconsin festival website ↗Dates & hours
September 11, 2026 – November 1, 2026
Tuesday through Sunday, 5:30–10 p.m. Central; closed Mondays. Online tickets use timed entry.China Lights Wisconsin festival website ↗China Lights official tickets ↗
Tickets & prices
The official event source lists these options and prices.
View official ticketsPrices, fees, and availability may change. The organizer’s current terms control.
Location & directions
Parking & transportation
- The nearest paved lot costs $20 per vehicle on a first-come basis. Four other lots offer complimentary parking; grass lots may close after wet weather.China Lights location and parking ↗
- Limited accessible spaces near the entrance are free with a qualifying state-issued placard or plate.China Lights location and parking ↗China Lights visitor FAQ ↗
- Free shuttles run from Lot 4 Tuesday–Sunday and from Lot 5 on Friday and Saturday. The organizer lists a rideshare area at the garden atrium.China Lights location and parking ↗
What to expect
- An outdoor walking exhibition of more than 40 handcrafted lantern displays, with nightly live performances and interactive displays.China Lights Wisconsin festival website ↗China Lights visitor FAQ ↗
- The garden route is about three-quarters of a mile and includes some steps and uneven surfaces.China Lights visitor FAQ ↗
How long to visit
- The organizer recommends allowing about two hours for the exhibition.China Lights visitor FAQ ↗
Kids & family
- The 2026 ticket page has child prices for ages 3–11 and general admission for ages 12 and older.China Lights official tickets ↗
Food & drinks
- The festival has food and beverage vendors. Carry-in food and drinks are restricted except for infant or medical needs.China Lights Wisconsin festival website ↗China Lights visitor FAQ ↗
Accessibility
- The route has steps and uneven areas, though all displays can be viewed from garden paths. Wheelchairs are not rented at the event.China Lights visitor FAQ ↗
Weather & cancellation
- The outdoor event normally runs in rain, snow, or shine. Severe weather can close the site; the organizer describes rain checks for guests on the grounds when it cancels.China Lights visitor FAQ ↗
Tips before you go
- Online tickets are date- and time-specific. The organizer allows a ticket date or time change up to one hour before the event begins.China Lights official tickets ↗China Lights visitor FAQ ↗
- Pets are generally not admitted. The September 29 Twinkle Tail Night is an exception for leashed dogs; service animals are allowed under event rules.China Lights official tickets ↗China Lights visitor FAQ ↗
Frequently asked questions
How long should I allow?
The organizer recommends about two hours for the approximately three-quarter-mile route.
China Lights visitor FAQ ↗Is parking free?
Four complimentary lots are listed; the closest paved lot costs $20. Shuttle hours and grass-lot availability can change.
China Lights location and parking ↗Can I change my timed ticket?
The organizer says changes can be made up to one hour before the event starts, following the ticket platform’s instructions.
China Lights visitor FAQ ↗Official sources
These pages were checked on September 26, 2026. Follow the organizer’s current instructions if anything changes.
- China Lights Wisconsin festival website ↗Official event schedule · official name, 2026 dates and hours, format, performances, food
- China Lights official tickets ↗Official ticket options · address, 2026 dates and hours, timed entry, admission prices, family ticket ages
- China Lights visitor FAQ ↗Official visitor FAQ · route and duration, accessibility, weather, food and pet policies, ticket changes
- China Lights location and parking ↗Venue directions and parking · parking choices and prices, accessible spaces, shuttles, rideshare
- China Lights organizer contact ↗Official organizer contact · Tianyu Arts & Culture producer
Last verified · 5 official sources
Event details can change. Check the official event page before your visit.