NIGHT. WELL, THE POPULAR CHINA LIGHTS WILL RETURN THIS FALL. YEAH. AND 12 NEWS. GOT A BIT OF A SNEAK PEEK AT THE LANTERN FESTIVAL TODAY. THIS YEAR’S THEME IS MAGICAL FOREST AND WILL CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE. THERE WILL BE OVER 40 NEW LANTERN DISPLAYS, INCLUDING A BUTTERFLY DOME AND HALLOWEEN TALKING PUMPKIN LANTERN, AS WELL. I BELIEVE THE EVENT IS POPULAR WITH PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND ALL BACKGROUNDS, AND THAT’S WHY WE LOVE ABOUT IT, BECAUSE IT’S VERY INCLUSIVE. SO WE’RE TRYING TO MAKE IT AS A WINDOW OR A BRIDGE TO SHARE A DIFFERENT CULTURE. AND IT’S I’M JUST REALLY GRATEFUL THAT PEOPLE REALLY LOVED IT. THAT’S WHY THEY KEEP COMING BACK. THE FESTIVAL RUNS FROM SEPTEMBER 12
China Lights returns Sept. 12 with ‘Magical Forest’ theme
Tickets now on sale online
Updated: 4:46 PM CDT Aug 8, 2025
Tickets are now on sale for the China Lights lantern festival at Boerner Botanical Gardens.This year’s theme is “Magical Forest” and highlights include a butterfly dome — 20-feet high for guests to walk through — and a group of Halloween talking pumpkin lanterns.The botanical gardens will be turned into a glowing world of fantasy and nature, featuring immersive displays, interactive elements, and breathtaking artistry. Now in its eighth year, the event celebrates Asian art and culture.The festival runs Sept. 12 through Nov. 25. Entry times are at 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.)TicketsTickets are on sale online at https://chinalights.org.Online ticket prices:General admission (12+): $23 weekday / $28 weekendChildren (3-11): $16 weekday / $18 weekendInfants (under 3): FreeWalk-up tickets (limited availability):General admission: $35Children: $20 ParkingParking is available in the paved lot nearest the festival entrance. Passes are sold on-site, first-come, first-served. ADA parking is available with proper identification.Free parking and shuttle service are available throughout Whitnall Park, with complimentary shuttle service running from 6:30 p.m. to 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. Other misc. informationAdult-Only Night is from 6-9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13 (21+ only). It includes live performances, a DJ, a glow accessory, and more. Limited tickets available online Out-of-town guests can enjoy special hotel rates at the Hampton Inn Franklin, the official hotel partner of China Lights.Included with admission, there is live nightly entertainment on the We Energies Stage at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 9 p.m., featuring acts like hat juggling, face-changing, balancing, and more.
Tickets are now on sale for the China Lights lantern festival at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
This year’s theme is “Magical Forest” and highlights include a butterfly dome — 20-feet high for guests to walk through — and a group of Halloween talking pumpkin lanterns.
The botanical gardens will be turned into a glowing world of fantasy and nature, featuring immersive displays, interactive elements, and breathtaking artistry.
Now in its eighth year, the event celebrates Asian art and culture.
The festival runs Sept. 12 through Nov. 25. Entry times are at 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.)
Tickets
Tickets are on sale online at https://chinalights.org.
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
Parking
Parking is available in the paved lot nearest the festival entrance. Passes are sold on-site, first-come, first-served. ADA parking is available with proper identification.
Free parking and shuttle service are available throughout Whitnall Park, with complimentary shuttle service running from 6:30 p.m. to 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.
Other misc. information
- Adult-Only Night is from 6-9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13 (21+ only). It includes live performances, a DJ, a glow accessory, and more. Limited tickets available online
- Out-of-town guests can enjoy special hotel rates at the Hampton Inn Franklin, the official hotel partner of China Lights.
- Included with admission, there is live nightly entertainment on the We Energies Stage at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 9 p.m., featuring acts like hat juggling, face-changing, balancing, and more.
