Navy Pier Santa Overview :
Navy Pier dedicates its west end, in the Family Pavilion, to Santa during the Christmas season. It's a good indoor choice for seeing Santa (as opposed to seeing him at Daley Plaza where you line up outside). He always has plenty of professional helpers to keep the line moving along. Seeing Santa here is free and open to the public. No tickets are required or purchases expected.If you go, I highly recommend you tack on a visit to Winter Wonderfest if you can swing it. It is the city's best indoor family event of winter.
Navy Pier Santa Location:
Navy PierFamily Pavilion Stage (West End of Pier near Imax)
600 E. Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
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Use the CTA Trip Planner
Navy Pier Santa Hours:
- Saturday, November 29, 2008: Santa's Grand Entrance. Fireworks at 5 p.m. followed by Santa's arrival via boat at the Dock Street Grand Staircase.
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Santa accepts photos and wish lists. - Sunday, November 30 to Tuesday, December 23, 2008: Daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 24, 2008 (Christmas Eve): 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Navy Pier Santa Tips:
- If you're driving, leave the coats in the car. The kids will be a bit cold 'til they get inside, but it will be worth not having to drag them around.
- If you have a child under the age of 8, okay, just kidding - 5 maybe - bring the stroller. There's a lot of walking and waiting, particularly if you decide to go to the Winter Wonderfest, too. It helps to have something to hold mom's purse, the snacks, etc. I trust you know where I'm coming from on this.
- Bring your camera. They'll have an official photographer next to Santa, but it can be pricey. Fortunately, you decide after they take the picture if you want it.
- My top three restaurant recommendations on the pier while there with kids are Twisted Lizard in the food court, Charlie's Ale House, and Billy Goat Tavern. All are original Chicago restaurants and serve reliably solid to very good fare.