As the memories of “Turkey Day” pass, thoughts of the “holiday season” start to process in our heads- the holiday shows, the shopping, the ice skating rinks and for my grandkids, Navy Pier’s “Winter Wonderfest” re-opens. For the older ones, they have been going for 10 years and as they grew and were allowed to go on more of the featured activities, along came our others who now participate and await the arrival. This is the opening week-end of the 11th annual Wonderfest” at Navy Pier which this year will have extended dates- all the way through January 8th, 2012.
Haven’t been to Wonderfest? This is a fun for the family experience at Navy Pier. An enchanting 17,000 square feet of another world. When you enter the doorways into this fantasy land, you will forget that you are in what is often an exposition hall at the rear of a Chicago tourist attraction. The decor is Christmas, the music and entertainment ( actual stage areas) very holiday and then you will see The Chicago Blackhawks skating rink, huge inflatable slides, rides and activities for “kids of all ages”!.
There are live bands on Fridays and saturdays for the older “kids” in the “beer garden”, an indoor Ferris Wheel and this year a brand new Winter Wonder-whirl ( tilt-a-whirl) adds to the excitement. Once again, on New Year’s Eve, a special early fireworks for the little ones and of course Navy Pier’s gigantic display for the city of Chicago.
The cost to enter the Wonderfest is ZERO, to enter and explore, but to partake of the rides and slides, a wristband is required. Two such bands are available. The $15 band allows all activities except ice skating and the premium, at $18 includes the skating, These costs are made affordable because of the sponsorship of Bank of America, who hope that all will partake of this fun filled escape from the real world into the world of fantasy.
Buy your tickes online and save www,navypier.com or www.winterwonderfest,com
here you can find details, hours and parking discounts.
Happy Holidays
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