As the holiday spirit takes over Chicago, Navy Pier and its partners are ensuring that guests can make the most out of the magical season with an incredible lineup of festive programming. In addition to the return of the iconic Winter WonderFest, Navy Pier will become a one-stop destination for anyone looking to celebrate the season, complete with visits to Santa, holly jolly river cruises, specially crafted festive food and drink menus, and more!
Holiday happenings include:
Winter Fireworks (Nov. 29 thru Dec. 27) Navy Pier’s award-winning fireworks display returns to dazzle guests this winter season every Saturday at 8 p.m. starting on Nov. 29. For the best views, Navy Pier invites visitors to cozy up on the Wave Wall Staircase to behold the spectacular displays.
Cheer at the Pier (Thurs. Dec. 4, 6-9 p.m.) Serving as the official preview party of ‘Winter WonderFest,’ this ticketed event allows guests the opportunity to enjoy all rides, attractions, and ice skating before the official opening of Winter WonderFest. Santa will be available to take photographs and officially ring in the holiday season. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.
Harry Caray’s Tavern
- Lakefront Lodge (Nov. 17 – Feb. 28) Escape to a festive, alpine-inspired oasis without ever leaving the city. From November through February, the atrium and patio of Harry Caray’s Tavern transform into the Lakefront Lodge—a cozy winter retreat overlooking downtown Chicago and the icy expanse of Lake Michigan. With warm leather seats, a glowing fireplace, and rustic holiday décor, Lakefront Lodge provides the perfect setting for seasonal celebrations, corporate events, and intimate gatherings.
- Curling on the Lake (Nov. 17 – Feb. 28) Embrace the cold weather with the quintessential winter sport of curling at Harry Caray’s synthetic ice rink. Guests can enjoy a competitive curling match while Lake Michigan glitters in the background, then catch a quick break in the heated igloos with a quick bite or a delicious cocktail. For more information, visit www.harrycarays.com/curling-by-the-lake.
- Harry’s Winter Warming Hut (Nov. 17 – Feb. 28) The Warming Hut, a private, cozy hideaway nestled on Harry Caray’s scenic lakeside patio, provides a perfect blend of warmth, fun, and seasonal charm. Along with patio games and an outdoor firepit for s'mores, it's ideal for families, friends, or groups of up to 10. For more information, including group reservation options, visit www.harrycarays.com/winter-warming-hut.
- Breakfast with Santa (Sun. Dec.7 & Dec. 14, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) Treat the whole family to a festive breakfast buffet filled with holiday-inspired favorites. Round out the day creating memories that will last all season long with photo-ops with Santa and classic carols filling the air. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.
Chicago Children’s Museum
- ‘Take Care with Peanuts’ (thru Jan. 4) Don’t miss the opportunity to hang out with the iconic Peanuts gang as part of this immersive exhibit that creatively engages children as they focus on self-care, empathy, and environmental stewardship. Click here to get your tickets before time runs out.
- ‘Thanksgiving Week of Play’ (Nov. 28-29) Join the Chicago Children’s Museum this Thanksgiving for instrument making workshops inspired by the life and music of beloved children’s musician Ella Jenkins. A world of music and wonder await.
City Cruises:
- Holiday Fireworks Cruises (Nov. 29 – Dec. 27) Climb aboard City Cruises’ magnificent ships for unencumbered views of Navy Pier’s spectacular Winter Fireworks, as well as specialty holiday cocktails and an exclusive dining menu to sip and savor. Tickets for the Premiere Plus Dinner Cruise, which run from Nov. 29 to Dec. 27, can be purchased here. Chicago Holiday Fireworks Signature Dinner Cruise tickets are available here.
- Christmas Cruises (Dec. 24, Dec. 25) Celebrate Christmas in style this year aboard either of City Cruises’ two signature dining cruises. Tickets for the Christmas Eve cruise, which can be purchased here, boasts an evening of holiday cheer and fine dining for all. For those looking to spend Christmas Day aboard a beautiful vessel with breathtaking views, City Cruises offers the Premiere Dining Cruise.
- New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31, Jan. 1) Say goodbye to 2025 and give a warm welcome to 2026 with spectacular views of iconic Chicago spots aboard City Cruises. For those looking to join City Cruises on Dec. 31, there are three dinner options including Signature, Premiere, and Premiere Plus. For those looking to start 2026 off on a high note, ring in the New Year with a lovely Signature Brunch on Lake Michigan with City Cruises. Tickets can be purchased here.
Margaritaville’s ‘Christmas Island Holiday Bar’ (Nov. 28 – Jan. 11) This holiday season, trade snowflakes for sea breezes and escape to Christmas Island, where the warmth of the islands meets the magic of the holidays. Sip your way through festive island cocktails like the Sleigh Ride or Beachside Grinch. Get ready to unwrap this year’s surprise: the new Secret Santa drink that comes with a side of holiday cheer.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ (Nov. 18 – Dec. 21) Just in time for the holiday season, Chicago Shakespeare Theater proudly presents its namesake’s wittiest rom-com, ‘Much Ado About Nothing.’ Experience the thrill of electric romance and the hilarity of the battle between the dazzling wits of the original “enemies to lovers” couple, Beatrice and Benedick. Tickets are available here.
Offshore Rooftop’s Arctic Adventure (Starting Dec. 2) Step into a winter wonderland at the completely transformed Offshore Rooftop. Complete with scenic, snow-dusted corridors, wonderfully winter birch trees and evergreen pines, as well as festive backdrops and twinkling snowflakes, guests are transported to the enchanting holiday forest of their dreams. With hidden mascots and scavenger hunt opportunities for younger guests and a robust holiday food and drink menu for adults, Arctic Adventure has something for everyone to enjoy.
Sparkle Maze at Chicago’s Funhouse Maze (Dec. 6 – Dec. 31) Lighting up Navy Pier with a brand-new, limited-time holiday transformation is the Sparkle Maze at Chicago’s Funhouse Maze. Guests can make their way through a glowing, festive maze filled with holiday décor, twinkling Christmas lights, and classic seasonal music. Each ticket includes a pair of special holiday glasses that make the lights burst into magical shapes. This joyful, family-friendly experience is perfect for the holiday season. Tickets are $15.99 per person plus tax and can be purchased at the Chicago’s Funhouse Maze ticket booth.
Shoreline Sightseeing
- Hot Chocolate Cruises (Dec. 5 – Dec. 28) Fridays thru Sundays from 5-7 p.m., the Skyline Lake Cruises will offer guests complimentary hot chocolate and quintessential holiday tunes. Tickets for the Hot Chocolate Cruises can be purchased here or at any Shoreline kiosk.
- Holiday Express Water Taxi (Dec. 5 – Dec. 28) Enjoy spectacular views from a water taxi decked out to the nines in seasonal decor from 12-6 p.m. Thursday thru Sundays this holiday season. Tickets for the Holiday Express Water Taxi can be purchased here or at any Shoreline kiosk.
Bluey Activation (Dec. 5 – Dec.7) Inspired by the snow globe in Bluey’s “Verandah Santa” episode, this free pop-up brings the Heeler family’s Aussie Christmas to life. The giant Sand Globe is bringing sunshine, sand, and summer fun to Chicago this winter. Enjoy Bluey-themed games, activities, and a photo booth with free keepsakes. On Friday, Dec. 5, guests can experience the sensations of an Australian summer from 3 to 6 pm and from 11 am to 8 pm on Dec. 6 and 7.
Navy Pier Event Center
- Pier Pressure Chicago ft. Subtronics & Allison Wonderland (Dec. 26, Dec. 27) The Aon Grand Ballroom is hosting two nights of unforgettable performances to kickoff New Year’s celebrations. High-energy beats, special guests, and exceptional vibes create the perfect atmosphere to say goodbye to 2025. Tickets can be purchased here.
- LSDREAM NYE 360 Chicago (Dec. 31) Join LSDREAM at the Aon Grand Ballroom for a heart pounding night of bass-heavy sounds and vibrant visuals to ring in the new year. To start the year off right, LSDREAM has partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 per ticket goes to supporting organizations working for equity, access, and dignity for all. Tickets can be purchased here.
New Year on the Pier at Bar Sol (Dec. 31 – Jan. 1, 9 pm – 1:30 am) Don’t miss the ultimate lakefront celebration to start your 2026 in style. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a front-row view of Navy Pier’s iconic midnight fireworks show, paired with live music, gourmet food, and premium drinks. One night, endless possibilities. Tickets won’t last, secure your table today here.
New Year’s Eve at the Sable Hotel (Dec. 31 – Jan. 1, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.) Celebrate the start of 2026 with an unforgettable celebration at Sable. From 9 pm until 1 am, guests are invited to enjoy an open bar and stations filled with delicious appetizers. A live DJ will keep the party going all night long and a champagne toast at midnight, accompanied by fireworks, will send off 2025 in style. Tickets for the event can be purchased 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.