Winter Wonderfest Returns to Navy Pier

Dec. 2, 2013 - PRLog -- This December 16, 2013 to January 12, 2014 Winter Wonderfest (http://www.conciergepreferred.com/component/k2/5390-winter-wonderfest-at-navy-pier.html) will once again set up shop at Navy Pier. Featuring rides, holiday decorations, and winter-themed activities, Winter Wonderfest offers fun for the whole family. Winter Wonderfest is free to attend, but most rides and attractions require the purchase of a wristband.

Crowd favorites like the 170,000 square feet Chicago Blackhawks Indoor Ice Skating Rink are back this year, as well as a 50-foot indoor Ferris wheel. They are joined by several newcomers, such as Winter Wonderfest's spinning Hot Cocoa Cups, which family and friends may ride in together, along with an Arctic Plunge dual lane inflatable slide decorated with furry friends from the North Pole. Other new attractions include an Ice Line Express Zip Line, which speeds participants along 28-feet of zip line, as well as a 38-foot tall Snowman Bouncer, in which kids can bounce.

Other options for active visitors include rides like the Cliff Hanger, a hang glider that sweeps participants 40-feet in the air. Or, there's the Candy Cane Lighthouse, which lifts little participants 16 feet in the air before returning them with a hop back to the ground. A Snowy Summit Climbing Wall will test climber's mettle as they pull themselves to the top, while Wonder Whirl and Zero Gravity rides spin participants in the air at exciting speeds.

For those looking for more subdued activities, taking in the sight of Winter Wonderland's 42-foot tall decorated Christmas tree is a good option. At the center of the Winter Wonderland fairgrounds, the tree glitters in multicolored ornaments, lights, and gift boxes beneath. Children will also enjoy the Kringle Carousel or taking a photo on Winter Wonderland's giant rocking horse.

The festival also offers a Pepsi Create-A-Cookie Cottage for participants to decorate sugar cookies in festive holiday designs. A Reindeer Express Train Ride through the Winter WonderTown takes participants through over 300-feet of a festive holiday village, home to many favorite Winter WonderTown characters. A Winter Wonderstage with live music and dance performances rounds out the fun along with Winter Wonderfest video games, Santa's Workshop Bounce, Tinsel Tunnels, a Snowball Blitz, and a Toddler Obstacle Course.

Wristbands to purchase for admission on rides and activities range from Premium and Regular. A Premium wristband, $20 at the box office and $17 online, includes Chicago Blackhawks indoor skating, while a Regular one does not. A Regular wristband costs $16 at the box office and $13 online.

Winter Wonderfest hours change throughout each month, though the festival routinely opens every day 10 a.m. except for Christmas Day, during which it is closed.

Concierge Preferred is Chicago's leading source for holiday guides (http://www.conciergepreferred.com/chicago-neighborhoods/5...). From winter to summer holiday fun, Concierge Preferred keeps Chicago in the up-to-date on holiday happenings.