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.

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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.

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No! The event is free and open to the public, no advance registration or tickets required.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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