A fantasy land awaits you in the Milwaukee area. In September, a festival of lights is coming to Hales Corners and it just might send you down a rabbit hole of wonder or have you grinning like a Cheshire cat. The event is called China Lights and it’s a colorful and glowing Alice in Wonderland themed event that you have to see to believe. Here’s what’s waiting for you at the festival.

The China Lights Festival takes place at Boerner Botanical Gardens, a garden that’s located in the northeast of the grounds of Whitnall Park in the village of Hales Corners. It’s just 14 miles from the heart of downtown Milwaukee.

Facebook / Boerner Botanical Gardens

The 2022 festival’s theme is “Adventure in Lantern Wonderland.” The event is filled with flowing lanterns that light up the night sky.

China Lights

The event promises to take visitors “down the rabbit hole” to be met by the Mad Hatter, the Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts.

China Lights

At the end of this colorful journey, you can enjoy a tea party for a photo opportunity with all the characters in this nighttime adventure.

China Lights

The only returning display is a crowd favorite – the impressive 200 feet long Chinese Dragon that’s been a fixture since 2016 will once again command the lawn at the back of the botanical garden.

China Lights

The displays also include an interactive display zone that has 12 glowing installations that visitors can can touch and play with.

China Lights

The Alice in Wonderland festival includes nightly entertainment with a stage that showcases acts like face changing and foot juggling. Learn more about the event, including dates and ticket information, on the event website. The botanical gardens are a hidden treasure in Milwaukee, even when the event is not talking place – it has some really gorgeous roses.

Facebook / Boerner Botanical Gardens

China Lights

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Address: Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Dr, Hales Corners, WI 53130, USA