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Light Up The Lake: Chicago's Newest Holiday Adventure

The indoor, temperature-controlled experience features a sprawling light garden of large-scale sculptures comprising more than 600,000 twinkling lights; an Alpine ice rink; authentic holiday beer garden; kiddie train rides; Santa’s Merry Main Street Presented By Brach's; and other family-friendly and date-night activities.

Light Up the Lake runs from Nov. 26 through Jan. 2. Tickets start at just $15.00, including a ride on the iconic Centennial Wheel, offering inspiring views of the city all decked out for the holidays.

Purchase Tickets for Light up the Lake
A couple walking along in front of Navy Pier, amid the fall colors

NAVY PIER®: ONE OF CHICAGO'S TOP ATTRACTIONS

Navy Pier is where you go in Chicago for events, free public programs, attractions, culture, dining, shopping and more. It's where fun lives large, whether you're a visitor or local, with family or friends.

As a nonprofit organization, the People's Pier™ offers a diverse and eclectic range of activities and experiences that ignite the imagination, stimulate the senses and allow your spirit to soar.

It's no surprise it's a place that continues to inspire discovery and wonder after more than a century. Find out what it has to inspire you...

Thank You, Chicago!

Together we gave Chicago's performing arts scene the "welcome back" it deserves, with Chicago LIVE Again! Take a look back with video, photos and our letters of thanks.

Look back on the event

Ring in the New Year on the Pier!

Opulence and indulgence will be on full display at Chicago's premier New Year's Eve Countdown! The timeless setting of the Aon Grand Ballroom plays backdrop to an over-the-top celebration highlighted by live entertainment on the big stage, Chicago’s largest dance floor, a countdown spectacular and a FIREWORKS show at midnight. The city’s most iconic landmark rings in the new year in grand fashion!

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FUN FALL EVENTS at Navy Pier

Be dazzled by the spectacular displays at Pier Pumpkin Lights, feel the thrill of Halloween Family Fun Days and kick back and groove to the sounds of local artists during Sequence Chicago and our Skyline sessions!

Light Up the Lake Event
Thursday, 2 December 2021

Light Up the Lake

Our Common Home Event
Thursday, 2 December 2021

Our Common Home

Tailgate at Harry Caray's Event
Sunday, 5 December 2021

Tailgate at Harry Caray's

View All Events

Enjoy the Flavors of Fall

We've got the rich culinary tradition of Chicago, all in one place. Our restaurants offer you authentic food, in one of the city's most iconic locations.

Harry Caray's Tavern

Harry Caray's Tavern

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Bar and Grill - Chicago

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Bar and Grill - Chicago

Offshore Rooftop & Bar

Offshore Rooftop & Bar

Billy Goat Tavern

Billy Goat Tavern

Giordano's

Giordano's

Lirica

Lirica

Browse All Your Fall Dining Options

Sable at Navy Pier: Wake up on the Lake

Created to continue the spirit of Navy Pier, Sable at Navy Pier offers exquisite accommodations, unique dining experiences, and a rooftop bar unlike any other. With an unmatched view of the lake, Sable at Navy Pier is the perfect place to plan your next getaway or staycation.

Reserve Now

Book Your Stay

Official Hotel Partner of Navy Pier Fifth Third Bank

Discover the Pier Life

 Our Navy Pier blog has all the inspiration you need for a fantastic trip to the Pier, including all the must-sees and must-dos.

Discover the Pier Life

Need inspiration? See what you can experience at Navy Pier

A Fall Family Day at the Pier

A Fall Family Day at the Pier
Navy Pier is a great destination for kids to get out of the house, learn, explore and have a great...
Navy Pier for First Timers

Navy Pier for First Timers
Each year, nearly nine million guests visit Navy Pier, Chicago’s iconic lakefront destination, and learn all that this destination has to...

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Support Navy Pier: A Mission-Driven Nonprofit Organization

Help Bring Free Public Programs to Life

Navy Pier produces nearly 250 free public programs annually. Your support helps maintain this world-class platform for local cultural organizations and artists.

Donate Today
An early image of Navy Pier's East End

Discover our History

Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder.

Since its reopening in 1995, more than 180 million guests have come to enjoy the Pier's 50 acres of unparalleled attractions and experiences.

History & More
SouthView Aerial Dusk

Hold Your Event at Navy Pier

Planning a special event in Chicago? Wow your guests with a private event venue unlike any other in the city: Navy Pier.

From weddings to corporate retreats to festivals to trade shows, Navy Pier’s breathtaking venues and unmatched service provide an unparalleled private event experience, ensuring that no detail goes unnoticed.

Book Your Event

We are the People's Pier

From selfies to gorgeous landscape shots, we want to see your #NavyPier photos!

Getting Here

Getting to Navy Pier has never been easier.
Click an option below to learn more about the many convenient ways to get to Navy Pier.

Getting Here & Parking

About Navy Pier

More Than You Imagine

Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder.

Since its reopening in 1995, more than 180 million guests have come to enjoy the Pier's 50 acres of unparalleled attractions and experiences. In 2021, Navy Pier continues to evolve into an accessible, year-round centerpiece for Chicago’s diverse arts and cultural treasures.

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Navy Pier

600 E. GRAND AVENUE
CHICAGO, IL 60611
1-800 595-PIER (7437)

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