Illustration of skaters in knitted hats on an outdoor ice rink ringed with trees and string lights (Wintrust Winter WonderFest)
Other Christmas Activities

Wintrust Winter WonderFest

Navy Pier transforms into an indoor holiday destination filled with festive décor and seasonal attractions for visitors of all ages. Guests can take to the ice on the rink, with ice skating included with entry. Visitors can also experience the Centennial Wheel as an add-on ride.

Nov 27, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

General admission is $27 when purchased online at least 24 hours before the visit, or $32 when purchased less than 24 hours before the visit or at the door. Children ages 2 and under are admitted free; guests ages 3 and older require a ticket. Ice skating is included with every admission. A Centennial Wheel ride add-on costs $10 and is valid the same day as admission.

Hours

Opens daily at 10:00 AM. Listed closing times: 10:00 PM on November 27–28, December 4–5, 11–12, 18–19, 21–23, 26, 28–30, and January 1–2; 8:00 PM on November 29, December 6, 13, 20, 27, and January 3; 5:00 PM on December 3, 7–10, 14–17, 24, and 31. Closed to the general public November 30–December 2 and closed December 25.

Neighborhood

Streeterville

Parking

Navy Pier offers advance parking reservations.

Location

Festival Hall, Navy Pier · 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and visitors seeking indoor holiday fun

Vibe

Festive and family-focused

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Purchase tickets for the date you plan to visit, since admission is date-specific.
  • Look for Early Bird pricing before prices increase if you are buying tickets in advance.
  • Avoid November 30 through December 2 unless you have a pre-booked group reservation; the event is not open to the general public then.
  • If you want to ride the Centennial Wheel, add it to your visit; the ride add-on is valid on the same day as admission.
  • Reserve parking in advance through Navy Pier to save time on arrival.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Children ages 2 and under enter free.
  • Early Bird pricing offers a discount before prices increase.
  • Group reservations are available for parties of 20 or more.
  • November 30–December 2 are exclusively for pre-booked groups; the event is closed to the general public on those days.
  • The event is closed on Christmas Day.

Links & Contact

Run by Navy Pier, Inc.

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Winter WonderFest suitable for children?

The event is for all ages. Children aged two and under are admitted free; guests aged three and older need a ticket.

Should I buy tickets in advance?

Buy a ticket for the date you plan to attend. Early Bird pricing is available before prices increase, and tickets can also be bought at the door.

What can visitors do at Winter WonderFest?

The indoor event has festive décor and seasonal attractions, and ice skating is included with admission.

Can I ride the Centennial Wheel with my admission?

A Centennial Wheel ride is an optional add-on, valid on the same day as your Winter WonderFest admission.

Can groups attend on every public day?

November 30 through December 2 is reserved for pre-booked groups, with reservations available for parties of 20 or more. The event is closed on Christmas Day.

Browse Christmas in Chicago

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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