From swanky balls at historic hotels to live DJs at underground clubs to unforgettable meals at Michelin-starred restaurants — there are tons of memorable ways to ring in the New Year in Chicago.
Here are a few of our favorite NYE celebrations this year, including live shows at cool music venues, award-winning dining options, unique events, spectacular fireworks displays, and more for New Year’s Eve 2026 in Chicago.
NYE 2026 in Chicago
Chicago New Year’s Eve fireworks at Navy Pier
The annual New Year’s Eve fireworks at Navy Pier are an iconic Chicago tradition. The spectacular display will light up the sky over Lake Michigan at the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31, 2025.
The show can be seen along the lakefront, but the best views are from Navy Pier’s official New Year’s Eve parties. Check out these parties and events on the Pier where you can watch the Navy Pier fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.
- Offshore Rooftop: The nation’s largest rooftop bar offers sweeping views of the Chicago skyline and the midnight fireworks show. The all-inclusive event includes an open bar, a midnight champagne toast, appetizers, and much more.
- New Year’s Eve lakefront cruises: Set sail on an elegant dinner cruise that departs from Navy Pier. Enjoy dinner, dancing, DJs, champagne toasts, and more with panoramic views of the glittering city skyline.
Find hotels near Navy Pier or book a room at the Sable at Navy Pier.
NYE dinner at Chicago restaurants
Say goodbye to 2025 with an unforgettable meal courtesy of Chicago’s award-winning dining scene. The city’s restaurants are going all out for New Year’s Eve dinner, with special menus, champagne toasts, luxe add-ons, and more.
Check back for our full guide on restaurants open on New Year’s Eve in Chicago this year.
New Year’s parties at Chicago hotels
Chicago hotels are pulling out all the stops for New Year’s Eve 2026. Sip champagne in historic ballrooms, marvel at a midnight confetti drop, and dance the night away to live DJs and bands. And don’t forget to reserve a room for the night for an all-in-one NYE getaway.
- Chicago New Year’s Eve Party at Congress Plaza Hotel: The historic Congress Plaza Hotel will host a multi-ballroom all-inclusive New Year’s Eve soiree. Party the night away on multiple dance floors featuring Chicago’s hottest DJs.
- New Year’s Eve Party at The Metropolitan: Dress your best and spend an evening partying in the iconic Willis Tower with top DJs, skyline views, and more.
- New Year’s Eve Party at Palmer House: One of the city’s most historic hotels is hosting a glamorous New Year’s bash to be remembered. Head to the elegant ballroom for specialty drinks, an appetizer buffet, chocolates, and more.
- New Year’s Eve at LondonHouse Chicago: Bring in the New Year with a breathtaking view of the midnight fireworks display. Enjoy a live DJ, an open bar, a selection of appetizers, and a photo booth at this stunning rooftop.
Check out more hotels around Chicago.
New Year’s Eve parties in Chicago
Go back in time with a retro-themed evening, sip cocktails in a candlelit bar, dance the night away on a packed dance floor, and so much more. Check out these unique parties and events ringing in the New Year in Chicago.
- The Final Toast: NYE 2026 at The Promontory: Dance to the city’s best DJs under one roof at this energetic party in Hyde Park. Tickets include admission, party favors, and a midnight toast, with an optional open bar and VIP tables.
- TAO Chicago NYE 2026: In River North, this chic club is hosting a black-tie-optional celebration across two floors. Expect live entertainment, generous hors d’oeuvres, and lots of champagne.
- Gatsby’s Prohibition NYE at Morgan Manufacturing: Roll back the clock to the Roaring Twenties at this late-night soiree. Dress in your best Prohibition-era attire and enjoy premium drinks, lavish desserts, and a unique midnight celebration.
Explore more New Year’s Eve events and parties happening in Chicago.
NYE events and shows in Chicago
Whether you’re looking for live sports, theatre, dance, comedy, or music, Chicago is home to exhilarating events, shows, and concerts that will start your new year off on an exciting note. Check out some of the live events happening this New Year’s Eve in Chicago.
- Live jazz at Andy’s Jazz Club: Enjoy dinner and a show at this River North jazz club featuring Mario Abney & The Abney Effect.
- Kasablanca at Radius: In Pilsen, Kasablanca will be playing melodic techno until midnight and beyond.
- Live blues at Kingston Mines: Enjoy nonstop music at this legendary blues bar, featuring three performers throughout the night.
- Comedy at The Second City: Grab tickets to an evening comedy showcase at this legendary club.
- House music at Spybar: DJ Matt Sassari will bring his innovative take on tech house to this iconic house music club in River North.
Explore more New Year’s Eve events and shows happening in Chicago.
