China Lights is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm (closed Mondays). The onsite box office is open from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, but it may close early if attendance exceeds the venue’s capacity limit.  The Visitor and Education Center building will be closed at 4:00 p.m. daily during China Lights.

Guests may get near displays, but please do not touch, climb on, or go over rope lines around displays. We want to reduce wear and tear as much as possible.

Limited complimentary parking is available on a first come, first served basis. There are 6 fully lit lots. Follow the signs, maps on tickets, and radio broadcasts to gain access to the parking areas. There are shuttle services from outer lots (Lots #4,5,6) to the entrance. *Wet and/or muddy conditions may close grass lots for a 2-3 day dry out procedure.

Regular admission rates to Boerner Botanical Gardens apply during daytime hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Sunday. The Gardens will close at 4:30 p.m. Both will reopen for China Lights at 5:00 p.m. 

Persons presenting a ticket assume all risks incidental to the event. Tickets are all date and time specific. There is no refund due to rain, power outages, and/or other unforeseen conditions. There are no refunds for unused tickets. In the unlikely event of a weather caused cancellation, patrons on the grounds will be given rain checks for a subsequent show. No reciprocal garden admissions or Friends of Boerner Botanical Garden Memberships are valid during the China Lights special event.

Photography of the displays and performances is allowed but please do not touch, climb on, or go over rope lines around displays. By attending the event, you give permission to have your image and/or likeness reproduced for promotional and/or advertising purposes and/or by the media in print or digital formats.

These items are not allowed into China Lights: carry-in food or beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), illegal drugs and controlled substances, weapons or objects that could be used as weapons, outside brochures or pamphlets, pets/animals (except service animals), lawn chairs, skateboards or skates, kites, Frisbees, or other carry-ins as determined by management. Outside vendors are not allowed into China Lights or on Milwaukee County Parks property without a valid permit. China Lights Officials reserve the right to eject any person violating any law, rule, or policy.

Yes, China Lights will offer closeup paid parking. These will be limited (approximately 100 spots per night) in the paved lot closest to the front gate. The cost of this parking will be $10.00 and will only be sold onsite at a first-come-first servce basis. Both cash and card will be accepted. 

This parking lot is accessed through the entry at 92nd Street and College Aveune. 

The lost and found is operated in the office inside the Garden House during show hours. During daytime hours the information stand inside the Boerner Botanical Garden atrium can assist with lost items. 

For the enjoyment of all those attending this event, we do not allow animals except for registered service animals. 

This event is a smoke-free event. No smoking of any kind will be allowed. This includes vaping. 

Sorry, we do not offer refunds for unused tickets, but you may transfer or change the date and time of your tickets. 

Absolutely! Guests may take photos, but please do not touch, climb on, or go over rope lines around displays. Due to the large volume of people only monopods are allowed until 9:30 p.m. each night.  After 9:30 p.m. you would be welcome to use a tripod.  Keep in mind the show does close at 10:00 p.m.