'Year of the Dragon': China Lights to return to Boerner Botanical Gardens, tickets on sale now

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Tickets are now on sale for the popular China Lights lantern festival, set to return to Milwaukee County's Boerner Botanical Gardens Sept. 13-Oct. 27. 

The theme for this year's installment is "Year of the Dragon," featuring more than 40 "larger-than-life" themed lanterns, said to be 99% new for 2024. 

Among the new lanterns, a dragon, 48-foot-tall Palace of Heaven, Zodiac lanterns, a flower tunnel and more will make their debut.

Milwaukee County Parks says visitors can also enjoy more interactive light displays throughout the gardens this year, including the lantern group Cape Leadwort, where guests can control the brightness of the flowers. 

“We cannot wait to unveil this year’s lantern festival to the people of Milwaukee, celebrating the Year of the Dragon during China Lights at Boerner Botanical Gardens,” said Huiyuan Liu, event manager of Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. “We are proud to continue this tradition, while highlighting Asian culture and art with the community.”

China Lights will open at 5 p.m. each evening (closed on Mondays).

For more information on admission, parking, and to buy tickets, click here.