Skydeck Chicago hosts holiday programme from 13 November
Published on 10/31/2026 at 15:30 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSHoliday programme and visitor access
- Skydeck Chicago begins Holidays @ Skydeck on 13 November 2026 at Willis Tower, presented by the attraction operator.
- Santa Photo Sessions run from 14 November to 24 December 2026, except on Thanksgiving Day.
- The Ledge remains on the 103rd floor, 1,353 feet above Chicago, during the seasonal programme.
Skydeck Chicago begins Holidays @ Skydeck at Willis Tower in Chicago on 13 November 2026, bringing seasonal displays and photo opportunities to the observation deck. The attraction, also presented as Skydeck Chicago in its public information, will continue the programme through 4 January 2027.
Holidays @ Skydeck starts on 13 November
The operator says the programme will cover the lower-level Chicago Museum and the observation deck. Thousands of twinkling lights, holiday decoration and themed photo opportunities are planned across the visitor route, making the seasonal programme part of the standard Skydeck experience rather than a separate city event.
The official programme includes a decorated L train replica, a giant gingerbread model of the Chicago skyline and seasonal entertainment. The operator’s holiday programme also lists Santa Photo Sessions from 14 November to 24 December, with no sessions on Thanksgiving Day.
Santa is scheduled to appear on The Ledge on 5 and 12 December. The programme also lists a Willis Tower Holiday Market from 8 to 10 December, while event dates and times remain subject to change according to the operator.
The seasonal programme reaches the 103rd floor
The holiday decorations connect the lower-level museum with the main viewing experience above Chicago. In December, the programme lists student string performances in Catalog at Willis Tower and a choir performance, while visitors can continue to the 103rd floor and The Ledge.
The Ledge consists of glass-floor balconies extending 4.3 feet from Willis Tower. It stands 1,353 feet above the city, so the seasonal display adds indoor decoration and activities to a visit that already includes views from a high observation deck. Details about The Ledge identify its position on the 103rd floor and its projection beyond the building.
That layout gives the programme a clear route through the building: seasonal displays begin in the Chicago Museum, continue towards the observation deck and finish with the city views and glass balconies above. The event therefore changes the visual setting of the visit without changing the principal attraction’s location.
Santa sessions add fixed dates in December
Santa Photo Sessions are scheduled daily from 14 November to 24 December, apart from Thanksgiving Day. Separate appearances on The Ledge are planned for 5 and 12 December from 10am to 1pm, according to the operator’s published programme.
The seasonal programme also includes a gingerbread scene depicting Chicago. Its listed elements include 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.
Visiting Skydeck Chicago: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Holidays @ Skydeck runs at Willis Tower from 13 November 2026 to 4 January 2027, covering the Chicago Museum and observation deck.
- The seasonal programme adds lights, decoration, photo opportunities, a decorated L train replica and a gingerbread Chicago skyline; Santa Photo Sessions run from 14 November to 24 December, except Thanksgiving Day.
- The venue is at 233 South Wacker Drive in Chicago. The Skydeck entrance is on Jackson Boulevard, on the south side of Willis Tower.
- The Ledge comprises glass-floor balconies on the 103rd floor, extending 4.3 feet outside the building and standing 1,353 feet above Chicago.
Searching for Skydeck Chicago on social platforms
These links open searches for Skydeck Chicago on each platform.
Frequently asked questions about Skydeck Chicago
When does Holidays @ Skydeck take place at Skydeck Chicago?
It runs from 13 November 2026 to 4 January 2027 at Willis Tower in Chicago.
What can visitors see during Holidays @ Skydeck?
The programme includes seasonal lights, decoration, photo opportunities, a decorated L train replica and a gingerbread Chicago skyline. Santa Photo Sessions run from 14 November to 24 December, except Thanksgiving Day.
Where is Skydeck Chicago and how do you get there?
Skydeck Chicago is at 233 South Wacker Drive in Chicago. The entrance is on Jackson Boulevard, on the south side of Willis Tower.
