Holidays @ Skydeck Chicago!
Celebrate the season 103 stories above the city. Holidays @ Skydeck runs November 13, 2026 to January 4, 2027 at Willis Tower, with thousands of twinkling lights, holiday décor, festive photo ops, and Santa Photo Sessions throughout Skydeck’s lower-level Chicago Museum and observation deck. It’s Christmas in Chicago from the highest view in town, all indoors and warm.
In This Guide: Everything you need to plan a holiday visit to Skydeck in 2026, including the season’s event lineup, the day-by-day Santa photo schedule, the giant gingerbread Chicago skyline at Willis Tower, Holiday Market dates, what to expect between Christmas and New Year’s, how groups can book a holiday performance, and answers to common questions about tickets and holiday hours.
- Nov 13 – Jan 4Holidays @ Skydeck 2026
- 103 Floors UpIndoors, warm, and festive
- Santa PhotosNov 14 through Christmas Eve
- Gingerbread SkylineOn display all season
What’s Happening at Holidays @ Skydeck in 2026?
This season brings Santa Photo Sessions, a holiday-decorated L train replica, live student performances, a giant gingerbread Chicago skyline, and a Holiday Market at Willis Tower, plus festive décor from The Chicago Museum to the 103rd floor.
- Holiday Décor & Photo Ops: November 13, 2026 to January 4, 2027
- Santa Photo Sessions at Skydeck: November 14 to December 24 (daily times)
- Buddy the Elf Visits Skydeck: December 8, time to be announced
- Willis Tower Holiday Market: December 8 to 10, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Merit School of Music String Student Performances: December 9 and 16, 10:00 a.m.
- Willis Tower Gingerbread Display: On display throughout Holidays @ Skydeck
Event dates and times are tentative and subject to change.
Step aboard the holiday-decorated L train replica, pose at festive photo ops throughout The Chicago Museum, and catch Merit School of Music string students performing in December. Then head up to the 103rd floor, where The Ledge puts you 1,353 feet above a city dressed for the season.
When Can You Get Photos with Santa at Skydeck?
Santa Photo Sessions run daily from November 14 to December 24, with no sessions on Thanksgiving Day. Times shift throughout the season, so check your date before you go:
| Dates | Santa Hours |
|---|---|
| Sat, Nov 14 to Sun, Nov 15 | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Mon, Nov 16 to Fri, Nov 20 | 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Sat, Nov 21 to Wed, Nov 25 | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Thu, Nov 26 (Thanksgiving) | No sessions |
| Fri, Nov 27 to Sun, Nov 29 | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Mon, Nov 30 to Thu, Dec 3 | 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Fri, Dec 4 to Sat, Dec 5 | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Sun, Dec 6 | 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Mon, Dec 7 to Thu, Dec 10 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Fri, Dec 11 to Sat, Dec 12 | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Sun, Dec 13 | 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Mon, Dec 14 to Thu, Dec 17 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Fri, Dec 18 to Wed, Dec 23 | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| Thu, Dec 24 (Christmas Eve) | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Santa may also make informal “Selfies with Santa” appearances during the season.
What Is the Willis Tower Gingerbread Display?
The Willis Tower gingerbread display is a giant gingerbread Chicago skyline, planned at roughly 25 feet wide, 20 feet deep, and 23 feet tall. It’s on display throughout Holidays @ Skydeck.
The design features Chicago icons including the Wrigley Building, the Hancock Building, the Bean, a Ferris wheel, and bridges over the Chicago River, with lights, moving elements, and a snow effect. Willis Tower itself stands about 5 feet wide in the display. Most pieces are made from edible bakery creations, with the two largest towers built by Willis Tower carpenters.
Why Visit Skydeck for Christmas in Chicago?
Skydeck gives you a holiday view of Chicago you can’t get anywhere else: up to 50 miles across four states from the highest observation deck in the United States, without the winter chill.
- Step out on The Ledge: Glass balconies extending 4.3 feet from Willis Tower, 1,353 feet above the city.
- Explore a festive Chicago Museum: Holiday photo ops, twinkling lights, and the decorated L train replica on your way up.
- Make it a celebration: Pair your visit with Pie in the Sky, Giordano’s Chicago-style pizza served 99 or 103 floors up.
Make it your family’s highest holiday tradition. Holidays @ Skydeck is a warm, indoor celebration high above the city, and there’s more to see at Willis Tower, from the giant gingerbread Chicago skyline to the Willis Tower Holiday Market, December 8 to 10.
When Is the Willis Tower Holiday Market?
The Willis Tower Holiday Market is scheduled for December 8 to 10, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It’s an easy add-on to a Skydeck visit for gifts and seasonal shopping.
What Is There to Do at Skydeck Between Christmas and New Year’s?
Holiday décor and photo ops stay up through January 4, 2027, so the week after Christmas is still a great time to visit. Santa Photo Sessions end December 24, but the twinkling lights, holiday L train, and festive Chicago Museum remain, along with the views from the 103rd floor and The Ledge.
Can Groups Perform at Skydeck During the Holidays?
Yes. Holiday performance opportunities are available for groups. Email sales@theskydeck.com to book your group’s holiday performance. Planning a visit instead? Learn about group tickets and visits.
#HOLIDAYSATSKYDECK
Plan Your Holiday Visit to Skydeck
One ticket includes The Chicago Museum, The Ledge, and the 103rd-floor observation deck, all dressed for the season. Book ahead and make Holidays @ Skydeck part of your Chicago holiday plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Holidays @ Skydeck 2026?
Holidays @ Skydeck runs November 13, 2026 to January 4, 2027. Holiday décor and photo ops are open throughout the season, and Santa Photo Sessions run November 14 to December 24. Event dates and times are tentative and subject to change.
What is Christmas at Skydeck Chicago?
Christmas at Skydeck Chicago is a seasonal experience at Willis Tower featuring thousands of twinkling lights, holiday décor, a holiday-decorated L train replica, themed photo ops, and Santa Photo Sessions, all 103 stories above the city.
When can I see Santa at Skydeck?
Santa Photo Sessions run daily from November 14 to December 24, 2026, with no sessions on Thanksgiving Day. Times vary by day, generally starting between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and ending between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Event dates and times are tentative and subject to change.
Is there a holiday market at Willis Tower?
Yes. The Willis Tower Holiday Market is scheduled for December 8 to 10, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Event dates and times are tentative and subject to change.
Is Skydeck open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day?
Yes. Skydeck is open 365 days a year, including holidays. Winter hours (October 1 to February 28) are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with extended hours until 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Last entry is 30 minutes before close. Hours are subject to change.
Do I need tickets to visit Skydeck during the holidays?
Yes. Admission is required to visit Skydeck, including during Holidays @ Skydeck. Your ticket includes The Chicago Museum, The Ledge, and the 103rd-floor observation deck, all with holiday décor during the season.
Can groups perform at Skydeck during the holidays?
Yes. Holiday performance opportunities are available for groups. Email sales@theskydeck.com to book your group’s holiday performance.
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