China Lights 2023: Nature's Glow
September 15 - October 29

Open Tuesdays - Sundays

Performances & Culture

There is so much to see and do at China Lights: Adventure in Lantern Wonderland. Celebrate Asian folk culture with professional entertainment, sponsored by We Energies, a bustling marketplace, and a variety of food and beverage selections. 

Parking

Close-up paid parking is available next to the entrance of the festival. The same parking lot has limited number of free ADA parking on a first come first serve basis. 

Close-up paid parking is sold on-site ONLY at a first come first serve basis. Paid parking is $10/car and payment by cash and card. More free parking is available throughout Whitnall Park, and shuttle bus runs nightly from 5:30 pm to 10:15 pm. Please follow signs and instructions from parking staff. 

Bag Policy

To enhance safety at China Lights, China Lights festival is prohibiting multi-compartment bags and implementing a single-compartment bag policy. Single-compartment bags 9’’x5’’x2’’ or smaller, clear single-compartment sized 12’’x12’’x6’’ or smaller, and one-gallon clear zip lock bags will be allowed. Exceptions will be made for diaper bags and medically necessary items (maximum size: 16’’x16’’x8’’).

The following items will be permitted to be brought into China Lights festival and might be subject to inspection at the entrance area: 

• Single-compartment Bags 9’’x5’’x2’’ or smaller 
• Clear Single-Compartment Bags 12’’x12’’x6’’ or smaller 
• One-gallon clear zip lock bags
• Strollers, Wheelchairs, Umbrellas 

The following items are not allowed to be brought into China Lights festival and might be subject to inspection at the entrance area: 

• All backpacks, regardless of size or style
• Any Multi-Compartment Bags 
• Laser Pointers 
• Noise Makers (including whistles) 
• Any outside food or drink (except for infant or medical use) 
• Pets (except for registered service animals)

Frequently Asked Questions

Be prepared for your visit to China Lights by reading through the most common questions our visitors ask.

Need additional help? Please contact us.

History of Lanterns

The tradition of lighting lanterns began centuries ago. Lantern festivals can be traced back to the beginning of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220). On the 15th day of the first month in the Chinese calendar people lit fireworks and lanterns to pray for good harvest and good fortune.