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.
NYE 2026 in Chicago
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Chicago
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 will include on-the-ground updates and exciting live performances throughout the evening.
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.
New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Chicago Riverwalk
Ring in 2026 with the New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacular on the Chicago River. When the clock strikes midnight, downtown Chicago will be lit up with a show-stopping fireworks display from the iconic bridges along the Chicago River.
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 dinner cruises: Set sail on an elegant dinner cruise on the lakefront that departs from Navy Pier. Enjoy dinner, dancing, DJs, champagne toasts, and more with panoramic views of the glittering city skyline.
- 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
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
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.
