To give the hall a truly festive look, more than 20,000 icicle lights in 100-foot long swags of specially assembled sections are strung across the ceiling. The halls are decked with more than 500 brightly lit trees, many of which are decorated by corporate sponsors and foreign consulates. Those trees surround a 42-foot-tall Christmas tree that is erected in the center of the hall to delight visitors both young and old.

Families find plenty to do at this new holiday tradition in Chicago. The main performance stage, under an edge-lit gazebo roof, is home to the many performers that entertain guests with Christmas carols, puppet shows, and other live performances. Kids find fun projects at the craft and cookie decorating areas, and test their skills on huge inflatable climbing walls, obstacle courses, and giant slides.

The Reindeer Express, a trackless electric train that takes kids and their parents around the event, and a colorful carousel are also must-sees, along with the traditional Santa’s village, where Santa greets kids from his giant gingerbread house.

Perhaps the most dramatic attraction at Winter WonderFest is the indoor Arctic Ice Rink, complete with music, hot chocolate, and rental skates for all. This event was so popular in its first year that the Pier drew in more than three times the number of anticipated guests, and it continues to expand attendance each year.