From the moment Santa disembarks from City Cruises’ Seadog on Navy Pier’s South dock, Chicago’s storied, mile-long “People’s Pier” will be transformed into an enchanting wonderland of one-of-a-kind seasonal experiences. Set against a backdrop of twinkling lights and spectacular skyline views across icy Lake Michigan, Navy Pier and its partners are pulling out all the stops to usher in the holidays in signature style.
Santa’s Arrival Aboard the Seadog by City Cruises
Fresh off his appearance at the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Santa will trade in his sled for the iconic Seadog operated by City Cruises and sail to Navy Pier on Sunday, November 24. Sleighbells in hand, he will make his grand entrance by boat at Noon as the Chicago Fire Department welcomes him into the harbor with an impressive water cannon salute. Upon his arrival at Navy Pier, Santa will greet waiting families and lead the procession to Harry Caray’s Tavern for brunch, photo ops, and live music in Harry Caray’s popular winter pop-up, the Lakefront Lodge.
Housegiving
Billed as the ultimate pre-Thanksgiving party, Navy Pier’s Housegiving will pump up the Aon Grand Ballroom with the best of house music from 4:30 to 11 p.m., Wednesday, November 27. From Chicago legends to rising stars, featured artists will include Bad Boy Bill, Julian Jumpin Perez, Celeste Alexander, CTRLZORA, Lori Branch, Ariana DJ, and host Czboogie. General admission is $15.
Light Up the Lake – Pier-wide
This year’s Light Up the Lake promises to be the most thrill- and chill-packed edition of Navy Pier’s popular, Pier-wide holiday celebration yet. From November 29 through January 5, festivities will include an eclectic array of immersive seasonal experiences, from two-story-tall ice slides to roaring bonfires, accented by award-winning fireworks, first-of-their-kind holiday drone shows, and millions of dazzling lights visible from DuSable Lakeshore Drive.
Santa Visits in the Family Pavilion
For the first time in multiple years, Santa will greet children in Navy Pier’s Family Pavilion every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 29 through December 22. Free-of-charge. Walk-up visits are welcomed starting at Noon. For prioritized reservations, click here. Professional photo packages will be available for purchase.
Santa will also be making a stop at Harry Caray’s Tavern on Sundays, December 8 and December 15, for Breakfast with Santa.
Holiday Artisan Markets & Crafting Workshops
Every Saturday and Sunday, from November 30 through January 5, visitors are invited to support local artisans while shopping an eclectic array of one-of-a-kind gifts and décor at Navy Pier’s Holiday Artisan Markets (Noon to 6 p.m.). On Sundays (Noon to 4 p.m.), guest artists will host a spirited series of free, holiday-themed Crafting Workshops in the Pier’s Culture Corner.
Winterland at Illuminarium
Guests are invited to step into a whimsical world of festive enchantment at Winterland, November 22 through January 5. The ticketed experience will take visitors on an immersive journey past snow-covered forests, festive photo backdrops, giant Christmas trees, oversized ornaments, and towering nutcracker soldiers around every corner. A joyful soundtrack will have family and friends singing along, while the opportunity to write a letter to Santa adds a magical touch.
Lakefront Lodge & Curling by the Lake at Harry Caray’s Tavern
At Harry Caray's Tavern on Navy Pier guests can enjoy the cozy comfort of a winter cabin without leaving the city. From November through February, the atrium of the popular eatery transforms into Lakefront Lodge – a festive winter retreat overlooking the city and mesmerizing icy Lake Michigan. Complete with a fireplace, leather seating, cozy rustic touches throughout, and access to a private, outdoor curling rink and heated igloo, Lakefront Lodge is the perfect venue for private parties and group gatherings. The Private Curling Rink & Heated Igloo are also available to book separately, as is Harry’s Winter Warming Hut, a second igloo for smaller groups, located on the tavern’s scenic lakeside patio. This private hideaway features patio games, an outdoor firepit perfect for s’mores, and a full menu, offering an intimate and fun seasonal escape for up to 10 guests.
Margaritaville’s Christmas Island
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bar and Grill is turning up the heat on holiday cheer with its Christmas Island, debuting on Friday, November 22. Guests are invited to make their spirits bright with an all-new holiday drink menu, surrounded by festive light displays. Reindeer Games will take place at 7 p.m. every Saturday through December 31, leading into the Pier’s winter fireworks over the lake at 9 p.m.
Prix Fixe Experiences at the Sable Hotel’s Lirica Restaurant
New traditions start at Lirica where vibrant, Latin-inspired flavors and endless lake views are the holiday gifts that keep on giving. With chef-curated, multi-course prix fixe dining experiences on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, the only view better than Lirica’s floor-to-ceiling lakefront vista is an empty sink at the end of the celebration.
“Retro Under the Mistletoe” at Offshore Rooftop
For another holiday season, the world’s largest rooftop is transforming itself into the world’s largest snow globe. This year, Offshore Rooftop is decking its halls with the best relics of grandma’s attic for a retro holiday jubilee complete with holiday happenings, seasonal sips, and stunning panoramic views of the Chicago skyline and wintry Lake Michigan. Offshore’s 360-degree glass atrium provides a brilliant snow globe effect, the perfect backdrop for nifty, holiday-themed activations from paint-and-sip soirees to winter wellness classes. For more information, click here.
Holiday Dining with City Cruises
City Cruises Chicago is taking the hassle out of holiday cooking this year with festive Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day brunch and dinner experiences, complementing its ongoing, year-round brunch, lunch, and dinner cruises on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Diners are invited to experience regularly departing cruises featuring delectable chef-prepared menus, accompanied by live DJ entertainment and unparalleled skyline views. Special Holiday Fireworks and Drone Show Dinner Cruises offer a front-row seat to Navy Pier's spectacular winter fireworks and first-time holiday drone shows. For a complete list of public holiday cruises and private event packages, visit the City Cruises Chicago website.
Shoreline Sightseeing’s Holiday Water Taxi
Shoreline Sightseeing is bringing back its Holiday Express Water Taxi, one of the most colorful ways to traverse the hustle and bustle of the city. Decked out in twinkling lights and holiday décor, this seasonal service is running Saturdays and Sundays, weather-permitting, shuttling passengers from Navy Pier to Michigan Avenue and Union Station/Willis Tower. Tickets are available at Shoreline Sightseeing ticket booths located at Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue, and the 200 South Wacker Drive dock.
Santa Hustle® Chicago
With festive music, outrageous holiday decorations, and a plethora of ugly sweaters, the Santa Hustle® has become one of Chicago’s most anticipated holiday gatherings. Starting and ending at Navy Pier, the officially-timed 5K kicks off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, preceded by a Kids Rudolph Run at 8:30 a.m.
Chicago’s Christmas Tree Ship
The reenactment of Chicago’s Christmas Ship is a beloved holiday tradition, bringing free Christmas trees and seasonal joy to more than 1,000 deserving families throughout Chicago. Commemorating its 25th anniversary voyage in 2024, the US Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw will arrive at Navy Pier on Friday, December 6, in preparation for tree off-loading (starting at 8:30 a.m.) and the official Christmas Tree Dedication Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 7. Free public tours of the ship will be available from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, and again on Saturday from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Note: All activities, times and dates are subject to change.
ABOUT NAVY PIER
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and typically welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 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 iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. Today, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts – including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurant and retail partnerships, and thrilling new attractions such as Flyover Chicago and Illuminarium. The Pier is proud to present free, year-round cultural programming designed to inspire, educate, and connect communities across the city and globe. Click here to donate to Navy Pier, a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit NavyPier.org.