From swanky balls at luxurious hotels to a historic live broadcast event 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 spectacular fireworks displays, award-winning dining options, unique events, and more for New Year’s Eve 2026 in Chicago.

Chicago River fireworks & Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve

Fireworks explode over the Chicago river on New Year's Eve as boats float down the river
Chicago New Year’s Eve River Fireworks

For the first time ever, Chicago’s New Year’s Eve celebration will be broadcast live on ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, America’s most-watched New Year’s Eve celebration and an enduring holiday tradition.

This historic celebration will mark the first time in the show’s 50-year history that a Central Time Zone countdown will be featured. The free public event, hosted by Chicago native and Grammy Award-winning artist Chance the Rapper, will include on-the-ground updates and exciting live performances throughout the evening. 

The midnight countdown will conclude with the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Chicago River, lighting up downtown with a show-stopping display from the iconic bridges along the Chicago River. 

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026 airs Wednesday, Dec. 31, live on ABC beginning at 7 p.m. CT — so you can celebrate NYE in Chicago from anywhere in the world.

Chicago New Year’s Eve fireworks at Navy Pier

Colorful fireworks explode at Navy Pier above the ferris wheel as colors fill the sky

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.

  • LSDREAM at Navy Pier: The stunning Aon Grand Ballroom will be filled with bass-heavy soundscapes and psychedelic visuals this New Year’s Eve.
  • Offshore Rooftop: The nation’s largest rooftop bar offers sweeping views of the Chicago skyline and the midnight fireworks show.
  • New Year’s Eve dinner cruises: Set sail on an elegant dinner cruise on the lakefront. Enjoy dinner, dancing, DJs, champagne toasts, and a unique vantage point of the Navy Pier fireworks.
  • Bar Sol: Guests can enjoy live musicians, top-tier food, and multiple floors of celebrations at this ticketed Navy Pier event.

Find hotels near Navy Pier or book a room at the Sable at Navy Pier.

NYE dinner at Chicago restaurants

Scenic dinner setup at Alla Vita Chicago with candles and plates set across tables.
Alla Vita Chicago

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 NYE 2026 Chicago dinner guide.

New Year’s parties at Chicago hotels

Party goers dance and have fun at thePalmer House Hilton New Year's Eve Soiree as confetti falls from the ceiling
Palmer House Hilton New Year’s Eve Soiree

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.

Check out more hotels around Chicago.

New Year’s Eve parties in Chicago

Friends enjoying a girls night clank drinks together at TAO Chicago on new year's eve.
TAO 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.

  • Chicago’s Highest NYE Party at 360 CHICAGO: This uniquely-Chicago event will take over the 94th-floor observatory with champagne, a live DJ, and unlimited TILT rides.

Explore more New Year’s Eve events and parties happening in Chicago.

NYE events and shows in Chicago

Chicago musicians play music on a stage in front of a crowd dancing and having fun
Kingston Mines

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.

Explore more New Year’s Eve events and shows happening in Chicago.