CHICAGO, Nov. 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ‘Tis the season for magic, memories and more at Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier! For the 17th consecutive year, Chicago’s mission-driven cultural district is transforming its Festival Hall to offer families from near and far the holiday thrills without the wintery chills! From Friday, December 1, 2017 through Sunday, January 7, 2018, guests are invited to escape the Chicago cold and step into the dazzling indoor wonderland that is Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest.
To further elevate the experience this year, a ride on the 200-foot-tall Centennial Wheel will be included with every ticket purchase. Opened in May 2016 as part of the Fifth Third Bank Centennial Celebration, the iconic attraction features enclosed and temperature-controlled gondolas with state-of-the-art entertainment systems and video screens, offering guests comfortable and enjoyable rides complemented by unparalleled views of the city and lake all year round.
“Navy Pier is taking the holiday spirit to new heights this year as guests who experience the magic of Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest will be treated to a spin on the Centennial Wheel,” said Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner. “We are thrilled to offer this opportunity as part of our annual marquee event, further enhancing the guest experience and making Navy Pier the perfect place for the entire family to come together and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!”
As in years past, Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest guests will be greeted by festive décor and a glittering forest of nearly 500 trees decorated with 25,000 ornaments hung on a mile of wire. Under the shimmering white lights and across the wintery blue carpet that blankets Navy Pier’s Festival Hall lies dozens of activities and 170,000 square feet of entertainment for all ages – from the ever-popular Chicago Blackhawks Ice Skating Rink to the Polar Extreme Obstacle Course. Those with an appetite for adventure are invited to soar across the 40-foot Cliff Hanger or scale the Polar Ice Peaks Climbing Wall. Younger guests may enjoy a ride around Winter WonderTown on the Arctic Express Train or decorating cookies at the Cookie Cottage, a timeless holiday bonding activity. And of course, Santa Claus will be on hand for festive family photo opportunities and last-minute holiday gift requests!
“For the second year in a row, we are proud to serve as the title partner of Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier,” said Fifth Third Bank Market President Eric S. Smith. “We look forward to celebrating this time-honored tradition as we welcome families, friends and guests of all generations and walks of life to Chicago’s lakefront treasure for what is sure to be a magical and memorable experience.”
Tickets to Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest can be purchased online or at the on-site box office. Ticket options include General Admission ($28) for guests over 42 inches and under the age of 65; Junior Admission ($13) for children between 36 inches and under 42 inches; and Senior Admission ($13) for guests 65 years and older. Children under 36 inches are permitted for free. All ticket options include one complimentary Centennial Wheel ticket – a $15 value – valid from the time of purchase through March 31, 2018. Guests may save $1 on Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest tickets when purchasing online in advance. Click here for other special pricing and offers.
Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest also offers opportunities to host private events with family, friends, co-workers, business partners and/or clients in an exclusive Navy Pier event space with all-inclusive package options. Packages include: private event space fitting the group size for up to four hours; discounted food and beverage selections to fit each experience; and a variety of Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest ticket options to meet the group’s needs. Call (312) 595-5300 or e-mail navypierevents@navypier.org for more information or to book a private event.
Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with the exception of special hours as listed below:
- December 4–6 and 11–13: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Christmas Day: Closed
- December 26–28: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Click here to view the full calendar and hours.
For the comfort and safety of all Navy Pier guests, those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Guests 18 years and older must present a valid military ID, state ID or driver’s license with their pass to enter Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest. Parents or guardians are responsible for the safety and conduct of minor guests in their respective parties.
For more information on Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest or to purchase tickets in advance, please visit www.navypier.org.
PHOTOS:
Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest | Credit: Heidi Zeiger Photography / Navy Pier
About Fifth Third Bank
Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had $140 billion in assets and operated 1,155 full-service Banking Centers and 2,471 ATMs in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending, and Wealth & Asset Management. As of March 31, 2017, Fifth Third also had a 17.8 percent interest in Vantiv Holding, LLC. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of March 31, 2017, had $323 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $33 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations through its Trust, Brokerage and Insurance businesses. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Fifth Third Bank was established in 1858. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.
Navy Pier Mission Statement
Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder.
About Navy Pier
Visit our new website, navypier.org. This change is small, but impactful. We’re excited to move in to our second century as a mission-driven cultural district, welcoming all and inspiring our more than 9 million guests.
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is one of the top-attended nonprofit cultural destinations in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming more than nine million guests annually. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more. In 2017, Navy Pier continues to celebrate its centennial with a series of special events and programming, year-round rides on the Centennial Wheel and ongoing pier-wide redevelopment efforts as part of the Centennial Vision. Navy Pier, as a nonprofit organization, maintains and manages the 50-acre pier that is being redeveloped as a contemporary, environmentally responsible urban space. More information is available at www.navypier.org.
Attachments:
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