New Year's Eve in Chicago 2024-2025

Festive Chicago will surely leave plenty of fantastic holiday memories. On New Year's Eve, a lot is going on in the city. Hop on one of the luxurious dinner cruises to watch the midnight fireworks, or opt for a hotel gala with champagne and live music. Chicago has some of the best nightclubs in the country, and most of them host New Year's Eve parties. There is always an option to simply welcome New Year on the streets, where cheerful crowds gather to watch dazzling pyrotechnic shows, greet each other, and share joy.

Chicago's New Year's Eve Fireworks Spectacular

A free fireworks display over the Chicago River happens each year at midnight on December 31. A mile-long trail of dazzling blasts is set off from barges and bridges in downtown Chicago. The best views for this spectacular display are along the Chicago River from Upper Wacker Drive, stretching from McClurg Court to Franklin Street. The festivities will kick off at 7:30 pm, followed by a stunning fireworks show launched from six bridges at midnight. Admission is free for all, making it a perfect way to ring in the New Year in Chicago!

Hotels and restaurants overlooking the Chicago River are also among the best places to enjoy the fireworks. Alternatively, you can simply take a stroll on the Chicago Riverwalk or hop on a river cruise boat. New Year's Eve cruises usually offer DJ music and serve champagne. Some cruises last through the whole night with an open bar and dancing.

Light Up The Lake at Navy Pier

Navy Pier remains one of Chicago's top destinations for ringing in the New Year, with its reimagined Light Up The Lake festival, formerly known as Winterfest. As the largest indoor and outdoor holiday experience in Chicago, this festive event features dazzling lakefront light displays, an outdoor ice-skating rink, and cozy firepits for all to enjoy. Don't miss the chance to take a ride on the enclosed Centennial Ferris Wheel, and if you bring your skates, skating is free!

The festivities generally run from late November through New Year's Eve, with operating hours typically from 12 pm to 8 pm, though on New Year's Eve, celebrations continue until midnight. Be sure to arrive early to secure your spot on the pier and enjoy Chicago's award-winning fireworks display as the clock strikes midnight, welcoming the New Year in spectacular style.

Chicago's New Year's Eve Party at Congress Plaza Hotel

Another fantastic spot to dance into the New Year is Chicago's New Year's Eve Party, attracting about 2,500 partygoers to the historic Congress Plaza Hotel. With newly remodeled hotel rooms and elegant ballrooms, the excitement is palpable from the moment you step inside. This venue strikes the perfect balance between a luxury gala and a nightclub-style party, making it an ideal destination for ringing in the New Year.

The festivities kick off at 8 pm for VIP ticket holders, with general admission starting at 9 pm. The celebration peaks at midnight with a spectacular balloon drop, yet the entertainment keeps going well into the early hours. General Admission tickets are priced at $89 per person, while VIP Admission is available for $109 per person. The event is 21+, and an upscale semi-formal dress code is required. Don't forget to bring proper ID for entry, as this New Year's Eve bash is not to be missed!

For those looking for holiday light displays, click here for events in Chicago and here to discover even more Christmas lights throughout Illinois.