Inside Navy Pier's Light Up the Lake

The first thing you notice are the lights, millions of them, once you enter this magical wonderland all enclosed within the warm, inviting Festival Hall at Navy Pier. This first time attraction is a great way to welcome the holidays and offers so many experiences.

First off, being enclosed is a big plus for families with kids who want to keep them comfortable and warm during our cold winters. Another plus is the carpeting, very thoughtful for one and all AND it provides traction for the kiddos as they dart around the sparkling exhibits--lighted ornaments, ginormous teddy bears, Christmas boxes, tunnels of lights, a 3-story Christmas tree and more.  

It was so heartwarming to see so many families out enjoying themselves after our long period of isolation. Couples walking hand in hand and taking photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children squealing with delight on the mini-train tooling around Christmas cottages. Adults sipping spiked hot chocolate and enjoying a variety of delicious foods--funnel cakes, loaded latkes, smoked brisket sandwiches, cotton candy, funnel cake sundaes, beer, tequila cocktails, pastrami-spiced turkey sandwiches and so much more. There's even a cookie decorating kit for the kids!  

As we wandered throughout the 170,000-square-foot space, we felt the spirit of Christmas that is alive and well here. We sat for a while by the ice-skating rink watching as skaters, with varying levels of talent, swooped around to the sounds of the holidays. Beyond the rink, picnic tables were set up for dining with large fireplaces projected on screens above the tables.

Thank you Navy Pier for all you do for the city of Chicago and its vital tourism trade. You are always thinking of ways to make us smile. (www.NavyPier.org)