Light up the Lake at Navy Pier

Courtesy of Navy Pier

Chicago’s largest indoor light experience is a family fun tradition. Light Up The Lake returns to Navy Pier through January 7, 2022, for lots of interactive activities.

Dive into twinkling holiday magic with Light Up The Lakes light displays, games, visits with Santa and more. This year, a new collection of activities have been added to the experience.

New to Light Up The Lake

Stomp Light Activity– A collection of 100 interactive light discs will create an engaging experience for all ages. Interactive LED floor pads instantly change color at the touch.

Light Memory Game – Guests will be able to play with interactive light structures through their smartphones. (Sponsored by Xfinity)

Reflecting Pond – The Frozen Pond is a beautiful area for relaxing and reflecting, with a dedicated spectacular photo op for guests.

Roseaux – Walking in fields has never been more fun than with Roseaux, a “particip’active” and playfully interactive art installation. Composed of 12 individual reeds that rise into the sky, Roseaux invites users to activate the base of the reeds by stepping on sensors, rhythmically propelling myriad colors up the stem. Alone or in a group, the fun and exciting race begins to give the reeds a single, solid color. The visual parade punctuated by a vibrant soundscape creates an energizing sensory experience.

Winter Wonderfest Forest – Guests will wind their way through a maze of more than 100 lighted, 8-ft. birch trees. Each right – or wrong–turn provides opportunities for immersive selfies along the way. 

Magic Wands – With one tap of their magic wand, guests can create their own color stories inside Light Up The Lake. Guests will be able to search for and interact with 30 different magic objects throughout the event. Wands are not included in the ticket price. They are available for purchase inside the main entrance for a nominal fee.

Returning Activities

Light-Sculpture Experience

The area’s largest indoor light show, boasting more than 600,000 lights, will feature oversized sculptures with holiday and toy box themes, including a giant Teddy Bear, a deer soaring 25-foot, high, 60-foot light tunnel and a 40-foot tree. 

Alpine Ice Rink

Guests are invited to come early, stay late and take a spin on the 165-foot Alpine ice rink. Guests can bring their own skates, but skates will be available at no extra charge, pending availability. Lockers also will be available.

Santa’s House

Kids can jump on the Holiday Train and explore Santa’s House where they can share their holiday wish with Santa Claus and meet Santa’s friends, neighbors, street performers and toymakers. Photo opportunities are available throughout. The European-style holiday market will offer seasonal wares, novelties, treats and unique holiday gifts. Guests are encouraged to visit Jolly Olde Post Office where they can post a letter to Santa.

Centennial Wheel

Each ticket includes a ride on Navy Pier’s iconic 200-foot Centennial Wheel, offering 360-degree views of the decorated city and frosty Lake Michigan. Guests can ride during their Light Up the Lake visit but the ticket is valid through 2023.