The Winter Wonderland has returned to the John Hancock Observatory in the City of Chicago for the third year. This is a family friendly holiday attraction with a model train, holiday decoration, visits with Santa Claus and special events throughout November and December. This article includes a listing of special events at Winter Wonderland for 2010.
The holiday event, held 1,000 in the air above the Magnificent Mile. boasts different themes every weekend, including America's Next Top Elf and Breakfast with Santa. Santa stops by every weekend from 12-4pm for a FREE 3x5 family photo on his sleigh, with a special visit on Christmas Eve.
Kids get in free everyday, with an adult paying full fare, and receive a free child pass to the Museum of Science and Industry every day through the end of the year.
Daniel Thomas, General Manager of the John Hancock Observatory, stated in a press release; “We’ve brought back all of the Observatory features families love as part of their annual holiday traditions and have added additional opportunities for more people to join in the fun.”
Take in breathtaking views of Chicago’s holiday lights and décor from more than 1,000 feet above The Magnificent Mile®, with the city’s largest Christmas tree, the Tree of Lights, directly below on John Hancock Center’s Garden Plaza. Celebrating 17 years of lighting-up every child’s face, the celebrated Winter Wonderland Holiday Train takes center stage just inside the doors! Chicago’s world-famous skyline never looks better than when decorated with holiday lights, and never sounds better than when its stories and history are narrated by David Schwimmer on the always-FREE multimedia tour by Discovery Audio.
A Weekend High
Every weekend in November and December, there will be a special holiday event at the John Hancock Observatory.
- November 6, 7– America’s Next Top Elf – Dress kids in their best elf costumes: ! Radio Disney’s Road Crew will be onsite to help judge and bring the energy to this magical annual event. The winner will receive (4) tickets to meet and greet the Radio Disney artist at the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, presented by Harris.
- November 13, 14 – Face Painting - Face Painting more than a thousand feet up! Get decorated before or after your picture with Santa with Chicago's best face painters! We'll have professional and friendly face painters from 12-5pm.
- November 20, 21 – The World’s Highest Coloring Competition. John Hancock Observatory provides the crayons and holiday-themed pictures and you provide the talent and creativity! All completed pictures will be displayed on the Winter Wonderland Wall for the duration of the holiday season. the best pictures will win a family four pack of Sky High Annual Passes at John Hancock Observatory!
- November 27, 28 - Cookie Time! Design your own holiday cooking. All the fixings are provided for you.
- December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 – Breakfast with Santa Experience a magical holiday high more than 1,000 feet in the air, includes breakfast in the award-winning Lavazza Espression concept café.
- December 24 – Pictures with Santa Santa stops by before making his rounds around the world for an EXCLUSIVE photo opportunity. Get your last minute wish-lists in and smile for a FREE photo. Come by the Observatory to spend part of your Christmas Eve with Santa and the best views of a colorfully lighted Chicago.
Wonderland Express at Chicago Botanic Garden video
Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off holiday season festively
Christmas Tree Lighting, Santa Claus and German Market at Daley Plaza
Chicago Christmas Tree - Santa House and German Market
Winter Wonderland at Cuneo Mansion in Vernon Hills
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