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NYE fireworks on the Chicago RIver
Photo by Barry Butler

Chicago hosts

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve

Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2026 in Chicago

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You’re invited to a once-in-a-lifetime New Year’s Eve celebration in Chicago.

For the first time ever, Chicago’s midnight countdown will be featured live on America’s most-watched New Year’s Eve broadcast — ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.

This historic event will mark the first time in the show’s 50-year history that a Central Time Zone countdown will be featured. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience in Chicago.  

Chicago New Year’s Eve River Fireworks

About the Chicago NYE Countdown

The free public event will be hosted by Chicago native and Grammy Award-winning artist Chance the Rapper.

Enjoy a diverse lineup of acts representing Chicago’s rich musical legacy, including DJ Mike Dunn, DJ Mike P, J. Ivy, Shemekia Copeland, and Chance the Rapper.

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.

The Chicago New Year’s Eve event will take place on the Chicago Riverwalk at Wacker Drive from Wells Street to Lake Street. This event will be free and open to the public, no tickets required.

Chicago NYE event schedule

5 p.m.
Event entry opens to the public

7 to 9 p.m.
Custom audio/visual projection from ART on THE MART

9 p.m.
Live music performances from:

DJ Mike Dunn
DJ Mike P
J. Ivy
Shemekia Copeland

11:50 p.m.
Chance the Rapper performs and drone show begins

Midnight
Midnight countdown with fireworks along the Chicago Riverwalk with music from DJ Mike P

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve will air Wednesday, Dec. 31, live on ABC beginning at 7 p.m. CT.

Know before you go: New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Chicago

The Chicago New Year’s Eve countdown event will take place on Wacker Drive along the Chicago River, with entrances at Wells Street and Lake Street.

The main stage will be located at West Wacker Drive and North Franklin Street.

Fireworks will be launched at midnight from Chicago River bridges between Orleans and Columbus Streets, with the best viewing along Upper Wacker Drive.

Additional viewing opportunities of the evening’s performances and the midnight fireworks display will be available via big-screen displays along Wacker between Lake and Wells Streets. There will also be a livestream of the entire event at chicago.gov.


This historic event will include:

  • Live performances from top local acts, spanning Chicago-born genres
  • A countdown celebration hosted by Chance the Rapper
  • An original Art on the Mart projection
  • A midnight fireworks show along the Chicago River

The festivities will be broadcast live on ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.


No! The event is free and open to the public, no advance registration or tickets required.
For security reasons, guests are only permitted to bring bags sized 12”x6”x12” or smaller into the event. All guests will be required to pass through security checkpoints and will be subject to bag checks.
The best way to get to Chicago’s New Year’s Eve countdown event is via public transit. Plus, all CTA trains and buses will be free from 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, until 4 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1.

Take the ‘L’ to any of the following CTA train stations:

  • Merchandise Mart (Brown and Purple lines)
  • Clark/Lake (Purple, Blue, Pink, Green, Brown, and Orange lines)
  • Washington/Wells (Purple, Pink, Brown, and Orange lines)

Reserve discounted parking at Millennium Garages for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Visit Millennium Garages to pre-purchase parking online and save up to 20% off daily and extended stay rates.

If you plan to travel via car, be prepared for road closures near the event:

  • Wacker Drive from Lake to Wells and Orleans St. bridge will be closed beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31
  • Franklin St. from Lake St. to Wacker Dr. will close on Monday, Dec. 29, at 10 a.m.
  • Additional street closures will go into effect on the Dearborn St. Bridge, Clark St. Bridge, LaSalle St. Bridge, Wabash St. Bridge, and Columbus Dr. Bridge on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 11:30 p.m.


There are plenty of hotels within walking distance of the countdown event on the Chicago Riverwalk. Explore nearby hotels and book your New Year’s Eve weekend in Chicago.
The New Year’s Eve event will take place in the heart of downtown Chicago, surrounded by nightlife, dining, theatres, music venues, and more.

Check out New Year’s Eve boat cruises like the premier dinner cruise on the Chicago River from City Cruises, offering panoramic fireworks views aboard a stunning glass-enclosed vessel.

Looking for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve dinner? Discover restaurants and bars near the countdown event.

And find more exciting events, concerts, parties, and beyond all over the city in our New Year’s Eve guide.


 

Book your NYE hotel in Chicago

Make the most of your time in Chicago by booking an NYE getaway. Explore Chicago hotels within walking distance of the downtown celebrations.

Moxy Chicago
The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago
Hotel Chicago Downtown an Autograph Collection
SpringHill Suites Chicago Downtown/River North
voco Chicago Downtown – Riverwalk
Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
Level Chicago
theWit Chicago- a Hilton Hotel
The Langham, Chicago

Chicago NYE dinner inspiration

End the year on the right note with these Chicago restaurants perfect for a celebratory meal. Discover downtown dining just steps from all the action.

Hawksmoor Chicago
Bar Goa
Gilt Bar Chicago
Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse, River North
Celeste
Ema
Kinzie Chophouse
Beatnik on the River
Coco Pazzo
www.AdamAlexanderPhoto.com©Adam Alexander Photography 2019

New Year's Eve Guide to Chicago

Cheers to 2026 this New Year’s Eve in Chicago! Find more things to do on NYE in Chicago with our guide to top spots for dinners, parties, live shows, and more throughout the city.

Explore the Chicago NYE 2026 guide
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