Navy Pier’s indoor winter wonderland will return for the 19th year this December – here’s what’s on!
If you’re looking for thrills without the chills this holiday season, Fifth Third Bank Winter Wonderfest promises exactly that, with a forest of 500 trees decorated with 25,000 ornaments to enjoy. There’ll be over 20 rides and attractions to experience, including the new-for-2019 ‘Wind Chill’, which promises to take visitors soaring 50 feet above the central Festival Hall. [All photos: Nick Ulivieri / Navy Pier]
Pop by on Saturday or Sunday afternoons and you’ll spot The “Sugar Plums” from Aerial Ataraxia (pictured above), acrobat aerialists who dangle daringly from the Wonderfest room. Or, go for a spin on the Xfinity Ice Skating Rink and take a twirl of your own!
Mini golf, inflatable obstacle courses, climbing walls and carousels are just a few of the other activities popping up inside the Festival Hall, while kids will love The Arctic Express Train Ride and arctic slide.
Elsewhere, the Winter Wonder Market (actually opening a little sooner, on Black Friday, Nov 29) will be offering gifts, seasonal treats and food specials until Christmas Eve. And Santa Claus himself is rumoured to be in residence, if you know where to look…
Feeling super-keen to check out the fun? There’s a special ‘night before opening’ party, ‘Cheer for the Pier’, on December 5, with its own set of tickets available, from $75. And yes, there’s an open bar! Otherwise, regular tickets (available to book in advance) are from $20 for grown-ups and $10 for kids.
Practical information
Juniors and seniors: $10 - $14