Winter WonderFest

Winter WonderFest is located in Navy Pier’s Festival Hall. The event is fully indoors, heated, and accessible. Guests may enter through any exterior or parking garage entrance of Navy Pier and follow signage to the event.

Guests ages 3 and up are required to have a ticket to enter Winter WonderFest.

Yes, Winter WonderFest tickets may be purchased on site; however, to guarantee access and avoid crowds, we strongly recommend purchasing tickets online in advance, especially for weekends and holiday dates. Tickets can sell out.

Yes. Your Winter WonderFest ticket allows unlimited re-entry for the full day for which it was purchased. Simply show your valid wristband upon return. Be sure to check out all of the restaurants, attractions, and experiences Navy Pier has to offer!

Tickets are non-refundable but may be transferred to another guest. Guests may make date changes online using their order confirmation number, proceeding to “Manage Tickets”, then “Transfer Order”.

Most guests spend 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size of their group and interest in rides.

Absolutely! Personal photography is encouraged. Professional setups, tripods, or commercial shoots require prior approval.

Santa is not located inside Winter WonderFest. Guests can visit Santa in the Family Pavilion, across from Starbucks, during his seasonal appearance hours. Visits begin at 12:00 PM, and walk-ups are welcome throughout the day until closing. See Santa’s full schedule at Navy Pier HERE.

Small personal items such as kids’ water bottles, kids’ snacks, and baby bottles/baby food are allowed. Coolers are not permitted. Food purchased from Navy Pier restaurants is allowed.

Light snacks, sweet treats, and beverages will be available for purchase inside Winter WonderFest. Guests are also strongly encouraged to explore Navy Pier’s restaurants and shops during their visit.

Coat check is available for a per-item fee of $7. It is open on weekends until December 19 and open daily starting December 19 through January 4. Backpacks and diaper bags may be checked.

There is no designated stroller parking area inside Winter WonderFest. Most guests choose to bring their stroller or wagon with them throughout the event. Open spaces near attractions may be used for temporary parking at your own risk.

Rides require guests to be 42″ to 46″ tall. Junior inflatables are designed for children under 42″.

Under-42″ attractions include all Jingle Jim Junior inflatables, including:
Arctic Wonder Obstacle Course
Snowball Blitz
Gumball Bounce
Blue Bounce Castle
Navy Pier Bounce House

Attractions requiring riders to be 42″ or taller include:
Bumper Cars
Polar Extreme
Arctic Plunge
Mount Reindeer
Ice Palace Slide
Alpine Slide
Red & Blue Slide

Guests must be 46″ or taller:
Zero Gravity
Cliff Hanger

Activities for All
The Verizon | Google Pixel Ice Rink (Guardian required under 42″)
Arctic Express Train (Guardian required under 42″)
42’ Holiday Tree
Kringle Carousel (Guardian required under 42″)
Arctic Arcade
Winter Wonder Stage
Fun Slide (Guardian required between 32” – 42″)
Slippery Snowflake Slide (Guardian required between 36” – 42″)

Yes. Shoes and loose items must be removed before entering inflatables. Socks are required.

Yes! All Winter WonderFest tickets include one complimentary ride on the Centennial Ferris Wheel, soaring to heights of 200 feet in fully climate-controlled gondolas. Centennial Wheel tickets valid through March 15, 2026.

Guests may inquire at the Winter WonderFest Guest Services desk for found items. Guests may also visit our website Lost & Found | Navy Pier anytime after their visit.

Rental lockers (cashless) are available inside Winter WonderFest and are located near the ice-skating rink.  All personal items must be removed from the lockers by the end of event operating day.