What are the dates of the Festival?
The 12th Annual Winter WonderFest presented by Bank of America runs from November 30, 2012 to January 6, 2013. The festival is closed on Christmas Day (Tuesday, December 25, 2012).
What are the hours of the Festival?
November 30 – December 14
Sunday through Thursday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
December 15 - January 6
Sunday through Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Special Holiday Hours:
Christmas Eve: Monday, December 24: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Christmas Day: Tuesday, December 25: CLOSED
New Year’s Eve: Monday, December 31: 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (NEW TIME)
Is Winter WonderFest open Christmas day?
Winter WonderFest is not open Christmas Day. However, the festival is open Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
How much are tickets to Winter WonderFest?
$16 Regular Activity Wristband (all rides and attractions, excluding indoor ice skating)
$20 Premium Activity Wristband (all rides and attractions, including indoor ice skating)
$55-$73 Free Parking Packages (includes 4 Regular or Premium Wristbands + Free Parking) available on-site at box office only
$45-58 Regular or Premium Four-Pack Wristbands available online and does NOT include free parking
Admission to Winter WonderFest is free. Activity Wristband purchase is required to participate in rides and attractions. With Seasonal Parking Discounts at Navy Pier, rates in the Navy Pier self-park garages have been reduced every day during Winter WonderFest, now through March 17, 2013. You can save 25% to 60% on parking at Navy Pier.
What's the difference in Wristbands?
Premium Wristband includes access to all Winter WonderFest rides and attractions, including indoor ice skating. $20 at box office / $19 online. Click here to purchase. No Service Fees when you buy online!
Regular Wristbandincludes all rides and activities, but EXCLUDES the indoor ice rink. $16 at box office / $15 online Click here to purchase. No Service Fees when you buy online!
Who needs a wristband?
Anyone who is participating in a Winter WonderFest ride or activity. You must have a wristband to rent skates, ride our rides or slides, and to participate in other activities.
My child is X years old, does he/she require a wristband for a ride or activity?
Yes, although Winter WonderFest is free to enter, anyone who is participating in a Winter WonderFest ride or activity is required to purchase a wristband, no matter their age. Please also see the height and other requirements
Does it cost to enter Winter WonderFest?
General entrance to Winter WonderFest is FREE. Only persons who are participating in Winter WonderFest rides or activities are required to purchase a wristband. For example, parents or grandparents who are just along to enjoy the experience are not required to purchase a wristband for entrance into the festival.
Can I combine one discount with another?
No, Winter WonderFest discounts cannot be combined.
What type of discounts or promotions are available?
Save when you purchase Winter WonderFest activity wristbands in advance online! There is No Service Fee when you buy online. Look for a Navy Pier website coupon to save $4 off ($5 off the retail price) when you purchase individual activity wristbands online through 11:59 p.m. Cyber Monday (November 26). You can also save with a Navy Pier website coupon good for $3.00 off wristbands purchased at the walk-up box office and advance online. This discount is valid only on Mondays – Fridays, November 30 – December 21. Discounts and promotions cannot be combined.
Plus, there are special parking savings including free parking packs with the purchase of four wristbands and 25% - 60% off parking rates in the Navy Pier Garages. Click here for promotions and coupons.
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
You may purchase tickets online prior to your arrival. There are additional savings when you buy in advance online and no service fees apply. Tickets are also available at the festival entrance.
How do I purchase tickets online?
Please click here to purchase tickets online. No Service Fee applies when you buy online!
I'm trying to purchase tickets online, but I have questions or I'm unable to print my tickets, what should I do?
Bring whatever message appeared on your computer, and your credit card, to the Winter WonderFest Ticket Booth. We will honor all online discounts and get you the wristband you tried to purchase.
Where is the best place to park?
Navy Pier has more than 1600 indoor parking spaces in our East and West covered parking garages. The East garage is closest to Winter WonderFest. If available, we suggest parking in the East Garage on Navy Pier.
How much is parking?
Special Seasonal Parking Discounts at Navy Pier save you 25% to 60% on parking every day during Winter WonderFest. Plus, the parking discounts continue through March 17, 2013.
$14 Monday - Thursday before 5 p.m.
$19 Friday - Sunday before 5 p.m.
$10 After 5 p.m. seven days a week
No coupon or validation necessary. May not be combined with any other parking promotion validation rate or valet. Valid at Navy Pier garages only. Discount based on time stamped on parking ticket when vehicle entered the Navy Pier Parking Garage.
I hear there's a new parking promotion at Navy Pier. Does this include Winter WonderFest?
How do I redeem this discount?
Yes, there are Bank of America Parking Discounts at Navy Pier and these include Winter WonderFest. No validation required. Discount based on time stamped on parking ticket when vehicle entered the Navy Pier Parking Garage. For more information, click here.
What are the age, height requirements for the rides?
For a full list of ride requirements, click here.
Are there wheelchairs/strollers available?
Strollers are not available at Navy Pier. Wheelchairs are available on a limited, first-come, first-serve basis at the main information booth located in the Family Pavilion and may be checked out with a valid state or military ID. Wheelchairs are not available in Festival Hall.
Is Winter WonderFest wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Winter WonderFest is wheelchair accessible.
Is there stroller parking inside Winter WonderFest?
Due to the amount of activity space, there is no designated location for strollers.
How do I find information on group discounts?
Please visit our group sales pageor you may contact the Group Sales Department at (312) 595-5200 or via email at groupsales@navypier.com.
What are the best times to visit Winter WonderFest?
Anytime is a good time to visit Winter WonderFest, however school groups are most frequently booked weekdays within the hours of 10 a.m and 2 p.m.
What kind of entertainment will be taking place on the Winter WonderStage?
There’s lots of great, free entertainment at Winter WonderFest. Click here for more information.
Is Santa at Winter WonderFest?
Navy Pier is the home for Santa and Ms. Claus during the holiday season, November 30 and December 2 - 24. Visits with Mr. & Mrs. Claus are available in the Family Pavilion (front of Navy Pier), rather than inside Winter WonderFest. Professional photos with Santa range from $20 – $30. Guests are welcome to use their own cameras to take their own photos.
What type of rides are at this year's Winter WonderFest?
Click here to see all rides and attractions at Winter WonderFest.
If I bring my own ice skates, do I need to purchase the premium wristband?
No, you may skate for free. The Premium Wristband covers the cost of skate rentals and your participation in other rides and attractions. A wristband is not required for ice skating but a wristband is required to participate in other ride rides or slides.
Is the Navy Pier Ferris wheel running during Winter WonderFest?
The 150-foot high Ferris wheel at Navy Pier runs all year long and weather-permitting, according to general Navy Pier general operating hours. Save 15% - 24% with special packages that combine a Winter WonderFest Premium Activity Wristband and other Navy Pier attractions. Click here to learn about NEW Winter WonderFest and Navy Pier attraction packages!
I would like to book Winter WonderFest for a private party.
Please call our Events staff at 312-595-5300 or e-mail at navypierinfo@navypier.com
At past Winter WonderFests, you could book birthday parties. Can I book a party this year?
This option is not available during this year's event; however, special occasion celebrations that purchase Winter WonderFest concession vouchers and activity wristbands through our Group Sales receive a lunch room, pending availability. You may bring a cake and your own serving supplies. Other outside food is prohibited.
Is there a coat check, bag check at Winter WonderFest?
Yes, coat check is located in Terrace A West, near the main entrance to Winter WonderFest for a cost of $3 per coat. Sorry, coat check cannot accept any valuables such as purses, cameras, book bags, etc. Bag check is not available.
Can I ice skate with my purse/bag/camera case/etc.?
No, for your safety you may not skate with any personal item.
I have a business that would like information on sponsoring future Winter WonderFests.
Please contact Jim Muno at 312-595-5056 or jmuno@navypier.com regarding Winter WonderFest sponsorship opportunities.
We're coming for New Year's Eve festivities at Navy Pier. How late will Winter WonderFest be open on New Year's Eve?
Winter WonderFest is a great place to celebrate the New Year. Winter WonderFest is open on Monday, December 31, from 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., with a special family-friendly fireworks show at 7 p.m. on Navy Pier's Dock Street. Navy Pier will also host a fireworks spectacular show at Midnight. So, you can actually see two fireworks shows on New Year's Eve.
Is Winter WonderFest open on New Year's Day?
Yes, Winter WonderFest is open Tuesday, January 1, 2013, from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Other than Winter WonderFest, what else is going on at Navy Pier?
Navy Pier is home to the IMAX Theatre, Chicago Children’s Museum, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Amazing Chicago Funhouse Maze, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants. Please visit www.navypier.com for more information about these attractions at Navy Pier. Click here to learn about NEW Winter WonderFest and Navy Pier Attraction Packages!
Is free parking included in the online family pack purchases?
Free parking is only available with the Bank of America Free Parking Package available for purchase at the Navy Pier Winter WonderFest ticket booth on the day of your visit. The online only Family Four-Pack Wristband is offered at a special low price set to reflect a discount equal to the value of Navy Pier seasonal self-park rates in effect during Winter WonderFest.
Is there someone to watch my child(ren)'s shoes or coat while they are participating
in the activities?
No, parents and/or chaperones are responsible for all personal belongings. Navy Pier staff is only responsible for the operations of the ride and/or activity. Navy Pier does not reimburse for personal items that were not left in our possession. i.e., ice skating rental.
Can I purchase the Park, Play and Stay package at the Winter WonderFest ticket booth and
use it on another day?
The Bank of America Free Parking Package is only redeemable on the day of the purchase.
I have a question about Winter WonderFest. Is there a number that I contact you?
Please call 312-595-5155. A Guest Services representative will be available to answer your questions seven days a week from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST. If after hours, leave a voice mail and your call will be returned with 48 business hours.
I visited Winter WonderFest, now I would like to provide management with Feedback?
Please email NPwebinfo@navypier.com. We appreciate your feedback.
