China Lights at Boerner Botanical Gardens (Hales Corners)

Bring your family to experience an evening of beautifully illuminated lantern displays at Boerner Botanical Gardens. This special event features more than 40 handcrafted lanterns designed around the theme "Legends Come Alive," transporting visitors through ancient Chinese traditions, magical oceans, and fantastical worlds. The gardens transform into an interactive wonderland where kids and adults can play with illuminated displays and become part of the experience themselves. Throughout the evening, live performances bring extra magic to your visit—catch traditional Asian folk art and acrobatic shows at three different times (6:15 PM, 7:30 PM, and 8:45 PM). A free audio tour available through the STQRY Guide app on your phone shares the stories behind each lantern display at your own pace. Two food courts on-site offer snacks, meals, and beverages to keep everyone fueled for the evening. This is an ideal outing for families looking for something festive and visually spectacular that works for guests of all ages.