Get ready to deck the halls and light up the dance floor! Join us for Holiday House Party, where house beats meet holiday cheer. Rock your ugliest holiday sweater and vibe out with the legendary DJ Sundance and DJ Heather all night. Don’t miss the chance for up-close animal encounters and other joyful aquatic experiences during this festive celebration!
Grab your friends, bring your holiday spirit and let’s make this an evening to remember!
We are in the process of transforming our building as part of Shedd's Centennial Commitment. You may see construction fences, walls and trailers that indicate these changes are in progress. We appreciate your patience and look forward to sharing these incredible updates with you!
The event includes all exhibits, touch experiences and entertainment. Some exhibits may close early due to animal care needs, and lights in certain habitats will be dimmed to create a natural nighttime environment for the animals. Wild Reef closes at 9 p.m. Oceanarium and Amazon Rising close at 10 p.m. Please refer to event signage for more information.
Please note, this year’s event festivities are fully indoors - the North Terrace will be unavailable as we build new exhibits that will enhance your future visits and make events even more spectacular!
Sundance is a legendary figure in the music world, celebrated for her work as both a DJ and producer. A Chicago native who was raised in Inglewood, California, she made her mark on the music scene when she returned to her hometown in 1989 to co-create the genre-defining hit "Git On Up" with Fast Eddie. After a 26-year career as an iHeartRadio personality, Sundance became a globally recognized DJ in the house music community. She eventually shifted her focus to music production, backing her artistry with a degree in Sound Audio Engineering. Her highly anticipated debut album, “Pink Noise, Ugly Sunday,” is on the way, with the first single, "120 Me," already creating a buzz.
DJ Heather, born in Brooklyn and shaped by Chicago’s vibrant music scene, has become a respected and versatile selector in the industry. What began as a “happy accident” behind the decks at the Artful Dodger quickly evolved into a lifelong pursuit that’s taken her from local residencies at Red Dog and Gramaphone Records to global stages and festivals like Movement, the Winter Music Conference, and the Detroit Electronic Music Festival. Known for her seamless fusion of house, hip-hop, jazz, soul, R&B, disco, and rare groove. She’s shared the stage with Chicago house legends including Derrick Carter, Mark Farina, Diz, and Green Velvet, earning her place among the city’s elite. Whether spinning at iconic venues like Smart Bar and Spybar or performing internationally in London, Paris, Berlin, and beyond, DJ Heather continues to embody the soulful, inclusive, and ever-evolving spirit of Chicago house music.
Last entry for the event is at 10 p.m., one hour before the event concludes.
Entrées Pulled turkey sliders with cranberry chutney Tofurkey sliders with cranberry chutney (vegetarian) Jingle wings (choice of lemon pepper, garlic parmesan, Cajun or plain; served with carrots, celery & ranch) Bourbon Blitzen bacon bites - thick-cut smoked bacon glazed with honey bourbon and topped with pickled onions Plus a selection of freshly made sandwiches, wraps and salads
Sides & Snacks Holiday house fries (vegan) Merry mac bites (vegetarian) Crispy Christmas sprouts with crispy bacon and balsamic drizzle (can be vegan)
Desserts Cozy cocoa dip served with graham crackers (vegetarian) North Pole bark - peppermint candy cane chocolate bark (vegetarian)
We believe there should be no boundaries to your Shedd Aquarium experience. If you have an accommodation request related to a disability, please contact us at [email protected]
