- When is New Year’s Eve? It’s Dec. 31 — and Chicago has dozens of ways to celebrate.
- Major highlights include Chance the Rapper co-hosting Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve and a Riverwalk fireworks show.
- Options range from chef-driven dinners and rooftop parties to family-friendly Noon Year’s events and New Year’s Day hangouts.
- Book tickets early — many events sell out or require reservations.
H2: Overview — Chicago’s big New Year’s weekend
Wondering when is New Year’s Eve and what to do? New Year’s Eve falls on Dec. 31. Chicago offers everything from fine-dining prix-fixe meals and rooftop parties to family-friendly daytime celebrations and multiple fireworks displays. Below are top picks across dining, nightlife, fireworks and family events so you can plan quickly.
H3: Dining experiences for a quieter countdown
Several Chicago restaurants are serving special multi-course menus Dec. 31. Highlights include the New Year’s Supper Club at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel (chef-curated three-course dinners, Dec. 29–Jan. 1), Casa Chi’s boozy tea service (Dec. 31 afternoon), and seven-course dinners at Tanta Cocina Peruana. Many spots — The Smith, Tre Dita, Sifr and Kindling — offer prix-fixe menus and optional pairings. Reserve early; prix-fixe meals range from about $75 to $275 depending on venue and inclusions.
H3: Parties, late-night shows and rooftop views
If you want to dance until the early hours, choose from rooftop bashes and late-night clubs across the city. Notable options: 360 Chicago’s “Highest New Year’s Eve Party” 94 floors up, LondonHouse rooftop celebrations, The Promontory’s final toast party, and large-scale events at Palmer House, The Metropolitan (Willis Tower) and Morgan Manufacturing’s Gatsby-themed gala. Prices and dress codes vary — check event pages and arrive early.
H3: Fireworks, the Riverwalk broadcast and Chance the Rapper
Chicago will host large public celebrations along the Riverwalk. This year’s city-led New Year’s Eve Celebration includes a special broadcast of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve hosted with Chance the Rapper. The TV event begins at 7 p.m., features live musical performances, custom art projections and a midnight countdown with fireworks launched from Riverwalk bridges. Navy Pier will also host its traditional midnight fireworks display visible from multiple lakefront venues.
H3: Family-friendly options and New Year’s Day plans
Families can celebrate early with daytime events like the Noon Year’s Eve Concert at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (sing-alongs, crafts and kid-friendly countdowns). New Year’s Day offers low-key options: pajama bashes, free-donut mornings, onesie parties and half-price happy hours at neighborhood bars. Many venues broadcast bowl games and host relaxed weekend programming.
H4: Tickets and tips
Buy tickets or reserve seats in advance. Check start times carefully (some events begin early evening; others run late into Jan. 1). Dress for winter weather for outdoor viewing areas and allow extra travel time on Dec. 31. For large public gatherings, arrive early and consider public transit.
Chicago’s New Year’s Eve lineup spans casual to lavish — pick the mood you want and book now.
Image Referance: https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/26/40-ways-to-celebrate-the-new-year-in-chicago-midnight-parties-fireworks-fine-dining-and-family-fun/
