Don’t Miss This Magical Wisconsin Fall Walk-Through Light Display

Most of the time when you think about walk-through light displays, you probably think of something oriented toward the holiday season.

Over the years, dozens of holiday light shows in Wisconsin and Minnesota like Sam's Christmas Village in Somerset, the Bentleyville Tour of Lights in Duluth, or the GLOW Holiday Festival in the Twin Cities have become wildly popular.

This magical walk-through lights attraction in Wisconsin is a little different, offering a charming and beautiful experience over the course of several weeks each fall, and it's back again for 2024!

Get to know the China Lights Wisconsin Festival

This annual walk-through lights attraction has grown to be quite popular, drawing visitors not only from around Wisconsin, but from Minnesota, Illinois, and other places.

The China Lights Festival, held in Milwaukee, started back in 2016 as the first of its kind in the Midwest. It started off with the City of Milwaukee and Sichuan Tianyu Culture Communication Co., Ltd of Zigong City in China partnering to bring this incredible attraction to the region.

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It features an expansive walking path decorated with colorful handmade lit sculptures and archways inspired by traditional Chinese culture.

Where is the Wisconsin China Lights Festival?

Since its inception back in 2016, the multi-week lights festival has been held each fall at the beautiful Boerner Botanical Gardens in the Milwaukee suburb of Hales Corners.

Spread across nine acres of space at the botanical gardens, visitors can see dozens of handmade sculptural lantern displays along the path that meanders through the park.

What can I expect on a visit to the China Lights Wisconsin Festival?

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the 2024 festival will highlight "The Year of the Dragon" as part of a showcase of over 400 years of traditional Chinese lantern festivals.

This year, visitors can expect around 40 different large LED-lit light displays that will feature things like a beautiful flower tunnel, the "Dragon King", and much more.

In addition to the light displays, nightly entertainment and cultural performances, food and beverages of both Asian and American style, and educational displays are available as part of the experience.

When is the 2024 China Lights Wisconsin Festival?

This year's festival kicks off on Friday, September 13, and runs through Sunday, October 27, offering several weeks of opportunities to visit.

The light displays are open every day except for Mondays. Visitors purchase tickets for a timed entry slot, with the first visitors welcome at 5 pm, and the final group of visitors welcomed at 8 pm.

The grounds stay open until 10 pm each night, and once you arrive, you can stay as long as you'd like until the venue closes.

Is it worth the trip?

If you're considering a road trip to check this attraction out, I can tell you it is absolutely worth it! My visit in 2023 was a lot of fun, and whether you're planning to go as a family trip or a date night adventure, it's a fun time.

While you could easily see the tour in less than a half hour, there's plenty to keep you entertained to make a whole evening out of your visit.

For additional information about the light show or to get tickets, visit the China Lights website.