Navy Pier Announces the Triumphant Return of Winter WonderFest
CHICAGO – Navy Pier today announced the return of Chicago’s beloved holiday experience, Winter WonderFest. Back and better than ever, Winter WonderFest returns December 5 through January 4, bringing 30 days of spectacular family fun.
Once again taking place completely indoors in Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, Winter WonderFest will offer showstopping holiday décor and seasonal displays, including a glittering forest of trees decorated with hundreds of ornaments. Under shimmering white lights, dozens of activities fill all 170,000 square feet. From the popular Ice-Skating Rink and Polar Extreme obstacle course to the Arctic Express Train and Alpine Slide, there’s something for everyone at Winter WonderFest. For a more adventurous experience, guests can soar across the 40-foot Cliff Hanger or suspend from midair in the Zero Gravity Ride. Santa Claus will be on hand for festive family photos and magical moments. And of course, no Navy Pier celebration is complete without fireworks, with special holiday displays presented on Saturdays, in addition to a New Year’s Eve fireworks on December 31st at midnight.
“Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier has been a cherished memory for so many throughout the years. We are thrilled to bring it back in 2025,” said Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner. “We can’t wait to welcome families to Navy Pier this holiday season and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.”
Tickets to Winter WonderFest can be purchased online starting at $25. Ticket options include a general admission pass, which grants guests access to the event and over 10 activities, pending height requirements, as well as an all-access ticket, which includes access to the ice-skating rink and complimentary skate rental. Children under 3 years old are admitted free of charge and groups of 20 or more can purchase tickets starting at $19. All tickets will also include a complimentary ride on the climate-controlled Centennial Wheel. For more information on Winter WonderFest, including hours of operation and to purchase advance tickets, visit navypier.org/winterwonderfest. Hi-res photos from Navy Pier Winter WonderFest are available here.
About Navy Pier
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the most visited destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases over 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities, and more. The Pier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. Today, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing redevelopment efforts including the 223-room Sable hotel, the all-transient Navy Pier Marina, and thrilling new attractions such as Flyover Chicago. The Pier is proud to present free programming designed to inspire and engage communities across the city and globe, including the #1 Fireworks display in the nation. For more information, visit NavyPier.org.