China Lights to return Sept. 12 with ‘Magical Forest’ theme

HALES CORNERS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The China Lights lantern festival will return to Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners on Friday, Sept. 12, according to an update posted Thursday, Aug. 7 on the event’s website.

Organizers posted that this year’s theme is "Magical Forest." The display will run through Sunday, Nov. 2 on Tuesdays through Sundays from 5:30 to 10 p.m. More details are expected to be announced Friday morning, Aug. 8.

"With more than 40 sets of larger-than-life lantern displays, Boerner Botanical Garden in Whitnall Park will be transformed into a magical forest for this 2025 season," the website states.

Stage performances will be held nightly at 6:30., 7:30 and 9 p.m., weather permitting. Acts include hat juggling, face changing, balancing and more.

Food and beverages, including Asian and Western cuisine, soda, beer and hard seltzers, will be available from new and local vendors.

Click here for more details, and CBS 58 will have continued updates about China Lights as they become available on Friday.