China Lights at Boerner Botanical Gardens; 40+ displays bringing “Legends Come Alive” to life

Ancient legends, enchanted oceans, and fantasy worlds are lighting up Berner Botanical Gardens at the return of China Lights. Brian Krampus in Hale's Corners for a first look at more than 40 displays bringing this year's Legends Come Alive theme to life. I'm jealous of this assignment, Brian. Yeah, I'll tell you what, being out here, it just makes you smile because it's not only the lanterns, it's the beautiful grounds of Berner Botanical Gardens. And Max, I know this is the first time for you being out here, but the event has been out here several years. My goodness, what's your perspective when you walk into a place like Berner Botanical Gardens, knowing that this is a blank canvas for you guys to put up 40 different lanterns and all these beautiful light displays? Yeah, absolutely. So when I first got to Milwaukee and stepped into this garden, it was literally just a blank spot. And then after like a month, it's like a different entire world here, especially bringing the artistic lanterns here and the Asian culture. These lanterns definitely make this place a different world. Yeah, well, and I tell you what, at nighttime, it is a different world. We step into this luminous display, which is so stunning. I will say at nighttime, during the day even, the craftsmanship that goes into these lanterns, it's second to none. What are these made out of? They are made out of a basic fabric. I wouldn't be able to tell you which kind, but the fabric is very light and it's very thin. And what shines the lanterns inside is basically like a light bulb. But the miraculous part is the painting on the outside of it. So all of our artisans in China do paint each one individually. And so all the art is unique to itself. And at night, you can kind of see the differences when they do light up. Well, there's time that's put into it. And I know we have some time with you this morning. We're going to go through a lot of it. A month and a half, this is here, too. We really get different perspectives. You can come several different times and kind of enjoy it. Here at dawn, we get the light shining through the trees. Let's walk over to some of those zodiac over there. I just love the backdrop of Berger Botanical Gardens, the way the rays of light are just popping through the trees. But you get also to witness how amazing that artistry is, too. This year is the year of the horse, and you guys are leading into that with an amazing display right here, which is normally a water fountain. Yeah, luckily this year, it's my year. So 2026 is the year of the horse. I was born in the 90s, so it's supposed to bring everyone good luck. And the Chinese zodiacs do rotate animals, as you can see around you. Every year will represent a different, it's kind of like the horoscopes in America, right? And so you guys can come here and look at what each individual animal means and what it means to your personality, characteristics, traits. And on the bottom, it'll show you what year you're born, and you can find your animal. And I know that as you're looking through these, this is just a small portion, but it's such a great welcome to the entire event. As you're walking through that tunnel, you get to see these characters from the sheep to the horse to the monkey and more. That's not it, though. There are acrobats, literally. You have displays where there are people performing throughout the evening. Talk about that. Correct. So we do have a team from China that do perform at the stage we built behind the peacock section, which is really cool. Definitely see the peacock when you come. But the performers do Chinese acrobatics, for instance, balancing porcelain bowls and spinning tables on their feet. It's wild to watch. Another guy does face changing and then Chinese yo-yo performances. Yeah, so it's a lot. We have three shows per day. So anytime you come, you're going to definitely catch one show at least. Yeah, well, and take time, too. Don't rush through it at all. There's going to be some beverages. There's going to be some light bites to eat as well here. Berger Botanical Garden and Hill's Corner is home once again to China Lights, guys. And it officially kicks off later on today. We're going to get a look at the grounds. Some of the work that's been done here at Berger Botanical Garden over the course of last year that's new. But also, of course, the light displays and lanterns from China Lights 2026. Thanks, Max. Appreciate your time. Looks so pretty. I can't wait to get to see more. I've got to go. I know. Same. Sign us up, Brian. Okay, so what started as a new attraction has turned into a cherished fall tradition at Berger Botanical Gardens. Brian Cramp is finding out how China Lights has grown and also changed as it returns to the gardens for its ninth year. Dan, the gardens look absolutely stunning. I will say that, too. And without the gardens, we can't have China Lights here. And, Jennifer, you know all about the gardens because as a garden director, a lot of the work that you do is out here as well as behind the scenes. Hey, congratulations. The gardens look beautiful. Thank you so much. They really do. What's it like just knowing that for about two, three months or so, because there's prep and then teardown, that you're going to be, I guess, taken over by a bunch of lanterns that are made in China and brought here to Wisconsin? Yeah, we're thrilled that China Lights is back for its ninth year with us. Tianyu Arts and Culture is such an amazing partner. And it's really amazing to see just the incredible horticulture that happens here and the great plant displays and then see those enhanced by this backdrop of these incredible, beautiful lanterns. Right. Yeah. And let's not sell yourself short because lanterns are beautiful, but so are the plants and the flowers and things are blooming right now. Let's walk into one of the most stunning areas, I guess, that's right by the walkway when you come through the Lantern Garden. This right here is a special place because I know that, like I said, you've been hands-on here for about three years or so. But also, you get to kind of oversee how things are done. What are we looking at here? I want this in my backyard. Absolutely. Yeah. So this year, the theme for the annual garden was the four seasons. So we're actually in the autumn quadrant, which feels appropriate on a crisper morning like today. But yeah, so these are annual displays. They're still going to be up for quite a while. So even on these cooler mornings, you still get to come and see a little bit of, you know, taste of summer still. A lot of flowers, a lot of beauty to be seen. I'm glad that you said that, too, because I think that people feel like this is just something that they can do at nighttime. That's not the case because burners actually open during the day. You can get a good perspective of what these lanterns look like because they pop in color the way they're painted as well. But also, as you look over some of these plants, which are huge because you can see they're much taller than I am, you get to kind of witness how big these light displays are as well. So they have to be very particular when placing those things around the plants, too, because you guys take care of your plants like they're your children. Absolutely. Yeah. So we are open seven days a week from nine to four. The lanterns are beautiful next to the flowers during the day. So we'd love for people to come and visit us. And the team, the horticultural team, the staff and the China Lights team, they do such a good job working together, making sure that the plants are taken care of and everything is placed gently around. It does seem cohesive, too. And also, I want to point out what we're walking on right now. You guys have made some improvements to the grounds. I think a lot of people will thoroughly appreciate, too. Added some ramps, made paths a little bit more walkable for some. Absolutely. Yeah. So one of the main paths for China Lights, we widened that by about four feet. So guests will flow a little bit better through there, have a little more time to admire the lanterns. And then we did widen some ramps as well, remove some stairs. So, again, just that accessibility lens and safety at night. We want people to be able to move comfortably through the gardens. And thank you for that, too. As a parent who's brought our son here for the past nine years, that is something, too, you want them to be able to navigate, as well as elderly and those with some disabilities as well. But parking a little bit easier, traveling in and out. How do we park? Where do we find tickets? Absolutely. So you can find tickets for the show online. Parking, there is free parking in the grass lots behind the garden. There's paid parking in the lot. And parking is just on site. You pay when you come. There you go. And you can go to Berner Botanical Gardens, their site. You can go to China Light's site, too. Fox Local, all morning long, take us with you because we're going to be going around the grounds here. Berner Botanical Garden obviously looks great because of the lights and China Lights. But you know what? It's the garden, and it's always stunning here in Hale's Corners. Thanks so much, Jennifer. Thanks. Absolutely gorgeous. Beautiful, beautiful. And beautiful day to celebrate a birth. Well, welcome back to Wake Up Here. We are out in Hale's Corners at Berner Botanical Garden. And the reason I have a parasol is because somebody left it behind. There was a wedding yesterday. And Jennifer, this is a beautiful spot for weddings. So thanks for hosting us today. China Lights is going on in the background. This area is off limits. But we wanted to step over here to kind of show what Berner Botanical Gardens is all about. And it is quite the experience. The koi pond is a special place for a lot of people. You're about to feed them, so go ahead. I want to see how the fish react before we get going. Wow! What was that big thing that just jumped out of the water? Was that a fish? That's Pearl. Pearl is, I would say, at least 30 years old of what I've heard. The koi go back to the zoo to overwinter. And then they come and spend the summers with us. She's very food motivated. And she's one of the largest fish in the pond. Well, I'll tell you what. That was impressive to see because she kind of just took over the entire space. Just went right for it. And these fish are taken care of. You actually have a specific type of food for this type of weather. We do, yep. They get a warm weather food. They have a different spring diet. And our rose garden horticulturist, Sam, she's the one who takes care of the fish. She knows all of their names. I know a few, but she knows them all. Well, I'll tell you. Let's talk about the grounds here. Because this, like I said, this part's off limits. And a lot of people don't get to see it. It is stunning. It feels like we are just taking a vacation in another country. Talk about the gardens and how it's used over here throughout the year. Yeah, absolutely. So, the rose garden is one area that China Lights isn't set up in. So, during the day, it's open for guests to visit. We also, like you mentioned, had a wedding. And it's a beautiful spot and a beautiful backdrop to get married under the arbor. Yeah, it just feels like you're going for a stroll in the English countryside. It really does. Especially when you have a parasol. Yeah, especially when they have a parasol. But by the way, too, the koi pond, fish don't stay in here year-round. They then go to the zoo. And you had said something that was really revealing. That there are some guests that have said that they've seen pearl maybe for the past 30 years. Because of that back and forth to the zoo and out here. Yeah, yeah. It's especially heartwarming when people are then bringing their kids to see the fish that maybe they visited when they were younger. And so, we love our flowers and our fish here. Well, and we love the fact that you guys care to the grounds as well as the fish as well. Fox Local, for more information, come back in the 8 o'clock hour. We're going to be joined by Max again with China Lights. And of course, more Fox 6 Wake Up this morning as well. Thanks, Jennifer. The glowing lanterns at China Lights are more than something beautiful to photograph. They're part of an art form with centuries of history. Brian Krampus in Hale's Corner is learning about the craftsmanship and all of the traditions behind the lanterns that make China Lights shine. Hey, Brian. It's definitely shining, too. And even in the morning with the sun coming up, too, you can see the colors popping from some of those lanterns in back of us. Max, I've got to say it's beautiful, the craftsmanship. We talked about this earlier on this morning when we could see them glowing. But wow, it is something special here for its ninth year. Congratulations. Thank you. I know this is your first year in Hale's Corner, Wisconsin specifically, but you've been on the road with this show. What have people been saying about that and how the ties are to the culture? For sure. I mean, I don't think everyone's saying anything but spectacular. Great, great feedback from all of our guests. Just because it's such a friendly family environment to be in, our show does contain lanterns, but just so much more, like vendors, food, performances, and the interaction with the lights. I mean, it's just all age-friendly. So all the kids and families get to enjoy it together, and that's why I think it's such a big hit. I'm glad you said that interaction, too, because it is interactive. Over here, we have a memory challenge going on with a beehive, and that's lit up at nighttime as well. You can poke around at that, you know, give it a chance. Some hand cranks over here to create a water tornado. And as we get walking, too, this big giant peacock, probably one of the tallest, if not the tallest. It would be our tallest this year, yes, sir. I mean, the work that goes into that, how much time would you estimate them when it comes to starting and then finishing once the lights go in? Man, well, this peacock took maybe, I would say, about a week and a half with a good handful of guys. Right. But our entire project, maybe a month and a half or in, that would potentially finish our project from start to finish. Yeah, and it starts in China, then it's brought over here as well. I know you have a warehouse that's out of the state that a lot of the stuff is kind of finished, then brought here. But no shortage of members of the team are making this happen. You kind of joked earlier on that right now, it's basically yourself and a couple other people. Right. Because for the next month and a half, it's go time. The event starts today. With that in mind, tickets, what's the best way to go about getting the tickets? Our tickets are sold on Chinalights.org. And I definitely recommend anyone to purchase because we do sell out fast because it's the ninth year. And everyone knows about it here in Milwaukee. Isn't that the truth, too? I bet you came into this thinking like, oh, yeah, it's going to be pretty good. But no, it's pretty big as well. Absolutely. We joked earlier on that there is a number board right along the way over here. We'll go get to it. It has like 2,100 visitors already. Well, wait a second. It doesn't start until tonight. If that's the amount of people that already stopped by, what do you guys see per day during the weekend? I mean, definitely I would say, I don't know, 4,000 to 5,000 people may attend on the weekend. And just a little bit less over the weekdays. But for sure a good crowd of people come through all around Wisconsin to come to our show. And it is so much more than just pictures and selfies. It's absorbing kind of that culture. Let yourself be immersed with the music as well as the performances and straight down the path right there. We spoke about this earlier on. Some amazing performances will unfold three times a night here. China Lights is back tonight here in Hell's Corners. It is Berner Botanical Gardens, guys. Nine years they've been lighting up the area over here. And they're continuing with a giant peacock and plenty of lights here in Hell's Corners, Wisconsin. Thanks, Max. Thank you. Well, with nine acres to explore and dozens of displays to see, a little planning can certainly help you get the most out of China Lights. Brian Kramp is at Berner Botanical Gardens with tips to make this trip one to remember. Okay. Some gorgeous blooms behind you. Yeah. I mean, look at this. This pathway in itself is something when it's lit up and just spectacular too, Max. You kind of pointed us in this direction. I can see why because as we walk down a little bit further, it kind of takes you deeper into Berner Botanical Gardens. And at the end, we can see that mythological, I think, am I seeing a unicorn? It is. Yeah, absolutely. And I believe, if I'm correct in saying this, at that end is where there's a smoke machine, fog machine, there's bubbles, and it's like a magical mystery wonderland. You're absolutely right. Yeah. So this is kind of like where the path starts or ends depending on where you come through the garden. But I just wanted to show you that this is a beautiful setup, and it's a great place to just take a walk and take pictures with the family. And also because legends come alive, and this is a great path to go in and see the unicorn and see the magical sea creatures. And it just kicks you on a guided tour through our beautiful Lantern Festival. And that's the thing too. It is kind of a guided tour. But in the past, there were one way only. That's not the case this year. We can kind of roam and go wherever, right? Exactly, yeah. So we're trying to make an open path, a more open version. And I think you make it open to all ages as well too because as we go through this path, the kids are going to like it. There's room, obviously. And also there have been some renovations that the park has made. As you see down this path, you can see that there's a ramp that's accessible as well that used to be steps down there, tables ready for people to sit down. But then there's this playful area over here too. It's very interactive. I love the fact when you can allow parents and kids to kind of be in a space together and have fun. And that's exactly what this is. Yeah, so this, I mean, yeah, number one, the park did a great job to make it more accessible to all ages, families to come together and space it out. And that gives our lanterns more space. So in our interactive section here, we were able to put in more interactive lights so that kids can play in this field. For instance, you know, the whack-a-mole that you guys have over there, the talking birds. These are always fun too. Yeah, they're so fun. I don't know what he's called. I don't know if it's going to make a form of us if we step through it. The birds, let's look at that whack-a-mole real quick because I see the Fox 6 logo on there. Obviously, we've been a sponsor down here. Yeah, thank you guys. Yeah, I mean, you see other local companies down here as well like Blue Mels. You know, it means a lot to us that you continue to do this. When does the planning start for something of this size though? Gosh, I mean, the building of it starts months ago, but the planning of it probably starts, you know, after this project that concludes every year. So after we do the show and the planning starts right after, you know, for the next year. Yeah. So the 10th annual will start right after it ends this year, November 1st. Can you give us a little idea of what that theme might be? I don't know. We don't know yet. Got to talk to China's team. And I appreciate that as well. Well, we know that it starts tonight. The best place to go for tickets is? Chinalife.org. Yeah, there you go, Max. Nice hanging out with you. And by the way, that whack-a-mole over there that we've sponsored with Fox 6, an interactive reflex game, I did have a chance to play that earlier on, and we're on our drive back to the station. I'm going to be showing that video. It was pretty fun and definitely something that the kids are going to love when they come out here to Burnham Botanical Gardens for China Nights. Awesome. Thanks, Max. Do we think he did a good job? I think he won. I'm sure. We'll have to see at 9. You were eyeing that.