Navy Pier's "Light Up The Lake" will return bigger and better than ever

Navy Pier's "Light Up the Lake 2024," will be the most thrill- and chill-packed edition of its popular, Pier-wide holiday celebration yet! Kicking off on Friday, November 29, and running through January 5, this year’s Light Up the Lake festivities will include an eclectic array of immersive seasonal experiences, accented by award-winning fireworks, first-of-their-kind holiday drone shows and millions of dazzling lights.  

 Light Up the Lake 2024 Highlights

• Winter Wonderland Lights: Navy Pier will again transform the lakefront into a magical winter wonderland with outdoor light displays visible from DuSable Lakeshore Drive. Free-of-charge.
• Holiday Fireworks and Drone Shows: Marvel at the wintertime spectacle of the fireworks voted “best in the country” by readers of USA Today, 9 p.m., every Saturday. Enjoy two first-of-their-kind holiday drone shows – Friday, Dec. 6, and Friday, Dec. 13, at 9 p.m. Free-of-charge.
• Two-story Ice Slide: New for 2024, four lanes of super-fast, slippery action! Challenge your friends and family to the ride of the season. Open daily, Noon to 8 p.m. Ticketed attraction.
• Wave Swinger: Not for the faint of heart, Navy Pier’s high-flying Wave Swinger ride will take its first wintertime soars during Light Up the Lake 2024. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Ticketed attraction. 
• Centennial Wheel: Take in the best, 360-degree views of the Chicago skyline and a wintery Lake Michigan from the climate-controlled comfort of Navy Pier’s iconic Centennial Ferris Wheel. Open daily. Ticketed attraction. 
• Axe Throwing: Back by popular demand! Bundle up, bring your friends, and experience the thrill of outdoor axe throwing against the backdrop of Lake Michigan. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Noon to 8 p.m. Ticketed attraction.
• Roaring Bonfires at the Navy Pier Beer Garden: Toast to the holidays with family and friends against the glow of a raging bonfire while enjoying breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Saturdays, Noon to 4 p.m. Free-of-charge, with food and beverage available for purchase.
• Visits with Santa: Santa will greet children in Navy Pier’s Family Pavilion during most Pier operating hours, November 29 through December 24. Free-of-charge. Professional photo packages available for purchase.
• Holiday Artisan Markets: Discover and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and décor while supporting local artisans. Saturdays and Sundays, Noon to 6 p.m. Free-of-charge.
• Hands-on Craft Workshops: Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with a series of holiday-themed workshops hosted by guest artists. Sundays, Noon to 4 p.m. Free-of-charge.

For a complete schedule and more information, click here.

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.