Navy Pier Winter WonderFest (WinterFest) is one of Chicago’s top holiday attractions, offering family fun with food, live music, and thrilling rides. Now a beloved city tradition, each year it draws visitors from across the country and beyond. Since its 1995 reopening, Navy Pier has welcomed over 180 million guests. Want to see it for yourself? Mark your calendars, as this year’s WinterFest runs from Dec. 5, 2025, to Jan. 4, 2026.
A favorite for all ages, this event blends indoor and outdoor entertainment, festive treats, and joyful holiday spirit in one unforgettable experience.
The most convenient and comfortable way to reach Navy Pier with a group is Chicago Motor Coach’s charter bus rental. Skip the parking hassle, keep everyone together, and enjoy a smooth, festive ride to and from Winter WonderFest with a private charter bus tailored to your group’s needs.
Attractions to Visit at Winter WonderFest
Hosted at Navy Pier in Chicago, Winter WonderFest transforms more than 170,000 square feet into a lively indoor winter playground. Locals and visitors alike come to enjoy festive rides, holiday shopping, cultural exhibits, and daily fireworks. Between attractions, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and sample seasonal treats as you take in the sights and sounds of the season.
Kids will have a blast exploring favorites like the Cliff Hanger, Polar Ice Peaks climbing walls, Kringle Carousel, WonderWhirl tilt-a-whirl, and the indoor Wintertube hill for snow tubing fun. After skating across the ice, don’t miss your chance to soar nearly 200 feet above the lakefront on the Centennial Ferris Wheel — included with every Winter WonderFest ticket. Its enclosed gondolas offer stunning skyline views while keeping you warm and cozy. This is a view you won’t forget!
Guests under 46 inches can enjoy up to 10 rides, while taller visitors can access 11. Children aged three and older will need their own ticket, and some rides may require adult supervision. Although Santa won’t be inside Winter WonderFest this year, families can still find him spreading cheer in the Family Pavilion. Pier Passport Members also receive special discounts, making it even easier and more accessible to join the holiday fun at Navy Pier.
Some of the most popular attractions you shouldn’t miss are:
Chicago Blackhawks Ice Skating Rink: Are you into ice-skating? Good news! With an Activity Ticket, you can do as many pirouettes on ice as your heart desires. Just make sure to leave personal items in the locker.
Arctic Express Train Ride: Getting tired of walking through all 170,000 feet of Winter WonderFest? Hop on and enjoy the view from this trackless train that runs a 300-foot loop around the holiday village. As a bonus, you’ll get a souvenir photo of you boarding the train.
Polar Extreme Course: Let your kids try climbing the cliff hanger with various obstacles obstructing their way.
Candy Cane Lighthouse: This attraction is not for the faint-hearted! Let your kids test their courage as Candy Cane takes them up into the air and back to the ground at high speed!
Hot Cocoa Cup: Who would’ve thought that riding on the oversized cup could be this entertaining? Make sure not to take your actual cocoa cup with you.
Navy Pier Winter Wonder Market: Let your belly feel the Christmas spirit! Visit WinterFest Wonder Market for food specials and delicious drinks. Moreover, you can buy gifts, Chicago-centric souvenirs, and even meet Santa Claus!
Winter WonderFest 2025–2026 Hours
Get ready for Chicago’s most magical winter tradition! Check this year’s schedule below to plan your visit and make the most of the holiday excitement:
Skip the parking headaches and winter traffic by traveling to Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest with a private charter bus rental by Chicago Motor Coach. Whether you’re organizing a school trip, company outing, or family holiday adventure, a charter bus keeps everyone together, comfortable, and on schedule. With spacious seating, climate control, and professional drivers who know the city’s routes, you can sit back, relax, and focus on the fun that Navy Pier has to offer.
No matter your group size, our fleet offers a safe, reliable, and stress-free way to enjoy the magic of Winter WonderFest from start to finish.
Arrive in Comfort and Style This Holiday Season with Chicago Motor Coach
Make your Winter WonderFest trip as memorable as the destination itself. With our Chicago charter bus rental services, you can count on safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation for groups of any size. Contact us now to get a quote!
Plan your group’s stress-free ride to Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest with Chicago Motor Coach. Contact us today to reserve your bus and experience a smooth, festive, and safe journey from start to finish.
Experience Chicago's best winter activities from ice skating at Millennium Park to ZooLights. Let Chicago Motor Coach handle group transportation this season.
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