Site Meter Chicago, IL » Blog Archive » The 12 Days of Chicago, Day 5: Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest

The 12 Days of Chicago, Day 5: Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest

by Winnie McCarthy

Navy Pier is the top tourist destination in Chicago and for good reason. Whether the weather is hot or cold, there is plenty to see and do for young and old alike. There are a wide variety of shops, eateries, and entertainment and you could spend an entire day there and still not experience it all.

Now that winter is here, Navy Pier is about to start their Winter Wonderfest event. It begins this Friday, December 7th, and runs through January 6th. Admission to the event is free, although you have to get a wristband to have access to the rides and activities. There are two different wristbands, one for $15 and one for $18. They both include an unlimited access to the rides and activities. The more expensive wristband allows you ice skating rental.

So what do you get for that money?

navy-pier-indoor-ice-skating.jpg

Arctic ice rink: A fun indoor ice skating rink which is an alternative to the outdoor skating rink at Millenium Park. The photo above is from the rink.

Ferris wheel: Although Navy Pier is famous for its outdoor ferris wheel, in the cold weather they have a great 50 feet indoor ferris wheel. Although you won’t get the great city views that you would from the outdoor ferris wheel, you will have a great view of the wonderfest.

Rides: There is a matterhorn spider web and a hand gliding ride. Also, there is a reindeer express train which allows you to see the whole fest while saving your energy for ice skating. There is also a carousel, inflatable games, and a ropes course.

Other Activities: You can watch a cabaret show or join your child in decorating holiday cookies.

For more information on attractions, visit the official site.

This post is part of the 12 days of Chicago series, which brings you 12 fun and interesting things that you can do for the holidays in Chicago. In conjunction with the series, this blog is sponsoring a holiday contest, which you can read about here.

, ,

Did You Enjoy this Post? Subscribe to Chicago, IL. It's Free!

One Response to “The 12 Days of Chicago, Day 5: Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest”

  1. Chicago, IL » Blog Archive » The 12 Days of Chicago, Day 10: Take to the ice! Says:

    [...] Pier Now through January 6th Cost: part of Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest; Skating and skates rental included in cost of upgraded wristband, which is $18. Hours: [...]

Leave a Reply


About Chicago, IL

Known for its Midwest charm, despite its big city persona, Chicago just may be your kind of town! This is the place to learn all about Chicago including its history, attractions, events, and the best place to get deep dish pizza.

Chicago, IL Author(s)
    » Winnie-McCarthy

Blogging Flair

American Cities Channel Posts

Hot Off The Press

  • Underwhleming Talent Example
    I present exhibit A. Having a mage myself but rarely, if ever, speccing fire (I prefer arcane, if you can believe that), I hadn't given much thought to the new fire talents other than "I guess [...]
  • Looking for an Eco-Alternative for Fertilizer?
    Turn your own yard leaves in the fall into fertilizer in the summer. Get started these season with these tips. 1. Gather the fallen leaves from your own yard or contact your municipality to [...]
  • Brown bag lecture, "A Summer Story at the Gardens...
    "A Summer Story at the Gardens,"Free for members, price of admission for general public 294-2710 [...]
  • Weekly Forecast: Grab the Pepto-Bismol, We're Going to Have Some Fun
    July 24, 2008 Astrology for the Week of July 25 to July 31, 2008 For us, in this hemisphere, when the Sun slides into hedonistic Leo, it is the height of the summer season when we’ve shed [...]
  • San Diego Comic Con: The Star Wars Saarlac Pit Playset
    While I couldn't make it to the San Diego Comic Con this year (big sigh), I am following the goings on with much interest via the internet like the rest of you slobs... and I mean that in a nice [...]
  • Coco Sumner does her dad proud
    Performing before a large crowd at a charity benefit, Coco Sumner, only 17 years old, is sure making her daddy proud. This young chick's dad only happens to be none other than the legendary Sting, [...]
  • Day One Highlights from Media Days
    The RazorVision team provides quotes and notes from the first four teams appearing at the Southeastern Conference Football Media Days. Click on the video link for your free view of RazorV [...]
  • The Birth of Religion - Part 13
    by Seeker Some of the new knowledge we have come to from science tells us that the Earth is in flux. The surface of the planet is still recovering from the Ice Age, both in climate and in physical [...]
  • The Mind of the Matter (Part Two)
    Yesterday I confessed to the fact that I don’t trust myself to have chocolate in the house with me when I’m alone during the day. After having a talk with my husband, I began to realize just how [...]
  • Sherri Shepherd Discusses Precious Times Article (video)
    Here is a video clip of The View on Wednesday July 23 where Sherri Shepherd sought to clarify comments that she made in an interview with Precious Times about her prior history of abortions and [...]