Whether you are at Navy Pier checking out Light up the Lake, Flyover Chicago or one of the other seasonal immersive attractions downtown, Winterland Illuminarium at Navy Pier is a seasonal activity you may have considered. Want the inside scoop before you make plans to go? We were invited to experience Winterland so we could give you a preview. Winterland Illuminarium is open at Navy Pier, now through January 5, 2025.
The Winterland Illuminarium is located on the West side of Navy Pier, on the second floor at the top of the stairs. As you enter the Winterland Illuminarium, there are a few, festive activities leading to the main attraction: the 360° Immersive Festive Theatre. The Winterland Illuminarium has been redesigned from years past, and ticket prices have been lowered to reflect that. This seasonal attraction would make for a good place to slow down between activities with the kids, if you are already downtown or at Navy Pier.
Hot Chocolate Station & Winter Forest
As you approach the Hot Chocolate Station, the path is surrounded by a Winter Forest of snow covered, lit trees which make for a nice photo opportunity. There are piles of artificial snow everywhere, however, we were told not to touch the snow for safety reasons.
The Hot Chocolate Station serves a variety of hot chocolates. The baristas are very knowledgeable about allergens present in the drinks. There are not snacks available for purchase within the Illuminarium, however, there are many restaurant options within steps of the Illuminarium on Navy Pier. I would recommend everyone eat at least a snack before entering the Illuminarium, as this is a self guided experience with no time limit.
Note: The only bathrooms for the entire experience were located next to the Hot Chocolate Station, so be sure to use it before entering the Immersive Festive Theatre. Both bathrooms were working while we were there, and both restrooms were equipped with baby changing stations in the entry ways.
Family Creative Station
The Family Creative Station is the spot my family spent the most time. The space is geared towards preschool to grade school children, and gave visitors and their families a chance to sit down, slow down and draw together. While enjoying their hot chocolate, children can sit down at tiny picnic tables and be creative. They can write a letter to Santa and put it in the North Pole mailbox, or color a coloring page to hang up on the display.
The space is large enough for younger kids to run around, but covered in artificial snow that we were again told not to touch. Adjacent to the Family Creative Station was a light display with a few stand up decorations, blow ups and a sleigh suitable for additional photo ops.
360° Immersive Festive Theatre
As you leave the Family Creative Station, you must climb a few stairs to enter the Immersive Festive Theatre. Note: There is not a ramp for strollers, or wheel chairs. The Immersive Festive Theatre itself is the focal point of this year’s Winterland Illuminarium exhibit. It is a massive open space with couches, cushions, and a soft play area for young children.
Families can enjoy the Christmas music and light display set to Christmas music from anywhere inside the Immersive Festive Theatre. There are a few different Christmas music displays the Immersive Festive Theatre rotates through. To view them all, it takes between 30-40 minutes.
Soft Play Area for Young Visitors
Within the Immersive Festive Theatre, you find the Soft Play Area for Children in one corner. The space is designed for toddlers up through preschoolers, but my 6 & 8 year olds were enjoying it as well. The area was filled with loads of soft blocks to build and create with. There were also soft tiles lining the floor for the smallest of visitors and their parents to play comfortably.
Winter Express Locomotive Train
Within the Immersive Festive Theatre, a large metal locomotive train was front and center, ready for pictures. The locomotive was a hit with my train loving kids, and most children there. It was the only not soft, padded attraction within the Immersive Festive Theatre.
Ticket Pricing and Busiest Times
Ticket pricing was lowered this year in comparison to years past. To ensure entry at your desired time, purchase tickets ahead of time. They are also available at the door, depending on availability.
As with most attractions, nights and weekends tend to be busiest. However, we visited on a Friday night and almost had the entire place to ourselves. Unlike other Winter attractions that are better at night time, this activity can also be enjoyed during the day to avoid crowds.
Ticket Pricing:
Adults: $15
Children (Ages 0-12): $12.50
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday & Sunday 2:00p.m.- 7:00 p.m. (venue closes at 8:00 p.m.)
Friday-Saturday: 2:00p.m.- 8:00 p.m. (venue closes at 9:00 p.m.)
Parking
We parked in the Navy Pier West Parking Garage. This is the closer of the two parking garages to the Winterland Illuminarium. Parking was significantly discounted on SpotHero and we had no issues finding a great spot right by the door, even on a Friday night. Parking is available at Navy Pier Garage West with no advance reservation as well.
