CHICAGO, Nov. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It’s the most wonderful time at the Pier as Chicago’s iconic lakefront destination transforms its Festival Hall into a dazzling indoor wonderland! Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest, the Midwest’s popular winter tradition, is set to return with 170,000 square feet of holiday-themed fun over the span of five weeks, starting Friday, November 30, 2018 and running through Sunday, January 6, 2019.
At Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest, guests can expect to be greeted by festive décor and a glittering forest of nearly 500 trees decorated with 25,000 ornaments hung on a mile of wire. Under the shimmering white lights and across the wintery blue carpet that blankets Navy Pier’s Festival Hall lies dozens of activities and attractions – from the ever-popular indoor ice skating rink, to the Polar Extreme Obstacle Course. Those with an appetite for adventure are invited to soar across the 40-foot Cliff Hanger or scale the Polar Ice Peaks Climbing Walls. Young guests may enjoy a ride around Winter WonderTown on the Arctic Express Train or decorating cookies at the Cookie Cottage, a timeless holiday bonding activity. Of course, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for festive family photo opportunities and last-minute holiday gift requests!
This year, guests can also expect visions of “Sugar Plums” dancing over their heads as the talented aerialists of Aerial Ataraxia dazzle and delight guests with special performances while suspended in air. Brief presentations will be offered every Tuesday at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. and every Sunday at 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. throughout the duration of Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest.
Tickets to Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest can be purchased online or at the on-site box office. Ticket options vary based on date, height/age, time of sale (advance or day of) and location of sale (online or on site). Click here to view all pricing options.
In addition to access to Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest, every ticket purchase will once again include a complimentary pass to ride the iconic, 200-foot-tall Centennial Wheel – an $18 value. Opened in May 2016 as part of the Fifth Third Bank Centennial Celebration, this treasured Chicago attraction features enclosed and temperature-controlled gondolas, offering guests comfortable and enjoyable rides complemented by unparalleled views of the city and lake all year round. Centennial Wheel tickets provided with admission are valid from the time of purchase through March 31, 2019.
Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest will open at 10 a.m. everyday. Closing hours vary based on the day. Click here to view the full calendar and hours.
For those interested in a special preview of Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest ahead of its public opening, the Navy Pier Associate Board is hosting the first-ever Cheer at the Pier on Thursday, November 29 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets start at $15 for youth and $50 for adults, and include food, open bar for guests over the age of 21, and access to all activities and attractions with limited to no wait time in lines. Click here to purchase tickets to Cheer at the Pier. All proceeds from this premiere event will support Navy Pier’s free, year-round public programs.
Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest also offers opportunities to host private events with family, friends, co-workers, business partners and/or clients in an exclusive Navy Pier event space with all-inclusive package options. Packages include: private event space fitting the group size for up to four hours; discounted food and beverage selections to fit each experience; and a variety of Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest ticket options to meet the group’s needs. Call (312) 595-5300 or e-mail navypierevents@navypier.org for more information or to book a private event.
For the comfort and safety of all Navy Pier guests, those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Guests 18 years and older must present a valid driver’s license, state ID or military ID with their pass to enter Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest. Parents or guardians are responsible for the safety and conduct of minor guests in their respective parties.
For more information on Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest or to purchase tickets in advance, please visit www.navypier.org.
PHOTOS:Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest | Credit: Nick Ulivieri Photography
About Fifth ThirdFifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank, an Ohio-chartered bank. As of Sept.30, 2018, Fifth Third had $142 billion in assets and operated 1,152 full-service Banking Centers and 2,443 ATMs with Fifth Third branding in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. In total, Fifth Third provides its customers with access to approximately 53,000 fee-free ATMs across the United States. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending and Wealth & Asset Management. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of Sept. 30, 2018, had $376 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $38 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations through its Trust and Registered Investment Advisory businesses. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Fifth Third Bank was established in 1858. Deposit and Credit products are offered by Fifth Third Bank. Member FDIC.
About Navy Pier
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is one of the top-attended nonprofit cultural destinations in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming more than 9 million guests annually. 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. In 2018, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing pier-wide redevelopment efforts – including the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion, Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion, 220-room hotel and more – in addition to free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate and connect communities across the city and globe. For more information, visit www.navypier.org or download the free Navy Pier app for Android and iOS device users.
Navy Pier Mission Statement
Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder.