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A view down the chicago river towards fireworks over downtown for new years celebrations

Celebrating New Year's Eve in Chicago

Welcome the New Year in Chicago!

As the year 2026 approaches, Chicago rises as one of the top destinations for New Year's Eve celebrations. Whether you're in the mood to ring in the new year on a rooftop bar surrounded by skyline views, at a restaurant with a delicious culinary feast, enjoying fireworks on the river, or at a city-wide celebration, Chicago is ready to make this New Year's Eve one to remember. 

New Years Eve Fireworks

Chicago Hosts Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve

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! It's the first time in the show's 50-year history that a Central Time Zone countdown will be featured. The event will be hosted by Chicago native and Grammy Award-winning artist Chance the Rapper. Don't miss this unforgettable experience!

Rooftop Bars

Godfrey Hotel

Celebrate New Year's in style with stunning Chicago views, great company, gourmet bites, and craft cocktails at The Godfrey Hotel’s rooftop. With 10,000 square feet to party, grab a General Admission ticket—or reserve a table or igloo for your group!

Godfrey Hotel Event Godfrey Hotel Event
Rooftop decorated for Christmas

LondonHouse

Ring in 2026 in style and luxury at LondonHouse Chicago with two ways to celebrate! Sip on a 4-hour premium bar on the 21st floor and enjoy the rooftop views or head to the 3rd floor Grand Ballroom with sweeping views of the city.

LondonHouse Event LondonHouse Event
Fireworks 4th july

Navy Pier Fireworks

Chicago's Navy Pier illuminates the midnight sky over Lake Michigan in a blast of colorful fireworks. Visitors can enjoy the stunning emanations from various points around the pier, which also happens to be home to special NYE events and activities throughout the evening. Navy Pier's roster of restaurants, bars, and entertainment facilities will be open late, offering a myriad of indoor options to celebrate before or after the outdoor display.

Skyline Views & Fireworks Aboard a Cruise

All Inclusive New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise aboard Anita Dee II

Enjoy the New Year's Cruise Luxury on Lake Michigan with great views of Chicago's skyline and landmarks. It will be an all-inclusive event featuring top-shelf drinks, desserts, sparkling wine, and one of the hottest DJs that Chicago can offer across three floors, two of which are indoor and climate-controlled. Dance to your heart's content in the cruise's very own dance floor and make the memories through an after-party photo contest on social media. VIP tickets include an additional 45 minutes of luxury drinks. This is a 21+ event; attendees must arrive with a valid ID. Absolutely no refunds will be given for late arrivals or anyone not dressed to impress.

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New Years Eve Cruise on the The Midnight Kiss

Ring in 2026 in style aboard the luxurious Chicago Elite yacht on The Midnight Kiss cruise. This exclusive, fully heated yacht event runs from 9:00 PM until 12:30 AM, with spectacular views of the Chicago skyline and fireworks displays. Enjoy a 3-hour top-shelf open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, a full three-course dinner buffet, and live DJ entertainment. Party favors and a magnificent countdown at midnight make up this VIP cruise to herald the new year in a most unforgettable way. Capacity is limited to 150 guests, so don't miss this memorable celebration on the water.

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Fireworks over the Chicago skyline on New Year's Eve

City Lights & Fireworks at 101 Club

Ring in the new year with stunning views on top of Michigan Avenue at the 101 Club. This all inclusive event includes food, drinks, and entertainment on the 19th and 20th floors- right above the Magnificent Mile! Tickets for the event are 21+.

New Year's Eve Dinner

Ring in 2026 with an unforgettable meal. Chicago restaurants are going all out for New Year's Eve dinner, with special menus, champagne toasts, luxe add-ons, and more.

  • Moody Tongue – This Michelin-starred brewery is offering diners two options for New Year's: a casual meal at The Bar or an elevated ten-course tasting menu in The Dining Room.
  • Rose Mary – Offering a family-style feast, enjoy a four-course Italian-Croatian dining experience curated by Celebrity Chef Joe Flamm.
  • Alinea – Celebrate with an immersive, multi-sensory tasting menu that spotlights unexpected ingredients and tableside theatrics. Late seatings include a champagne toast at midnight.

Additional Parties to Ring in the New Year

City buildings

New Year's Eve Party at The Metropolitan

New Year's Eve at The Metropolitan will make for a night full of unforgettable memories. This trendy party on the 66th floor of the Willis Tower will feature exquisite skyline views, various party acts, fireworks, live music, and a special midnight celebration. There are plenty of different ticket packages to choose from, making this a great event for a group of any size. 

The outside of the Congress Hotel in Chicago during the daytime.

New Year's Eve Party at Congress Plaza Hotel

This all-inclusive event features food, premium drinks, live entertainment, and top Chicago DJs. With 2,500 attendees, enjoy 6 party areas, multiple ballrooms, and a midnight confetti storm. GA tickets and VIP tickets are available.

New Year's Eve Party at Congress Plaza Hotel New Year's Eve Party at Congress Plaza Hotel
Cocktails on the bar at Martinis on Water Street, Peoria

Gatsby's Prohibition New Year's Eve Party

Ring in 2026 at Gatsby's All-Inclusive New Years Eve Party at Morgan Manufacturing, a prohibition party mixing a luxury gala, nightclub, & industrial warehouse. The all inclusive event includes drinks, entertainment, celebrations, and more!

Gatsby's Prohibition New Year's Eve Party Gatsby's Prohibition New Year's Eve Party
Spend New Years Eve 1,303 ft. Above Chicago at 360 CHIICAGO 

This party will take over the 94th-floor observatory with champagne, a live DJ, unlimited TILT rides, and unmatched views of Chicagoland's New Year's Eve fireworks displays! One glass of sparkling wine is included with every ticket. Full cash/credit bar all night with specialty cocktails and a selection of mixed drinks, wine, and beer. GA starts at $100 or a VIP table experience is also available.

Event Details

New Year's Eve Party at The Palmer House Hilton

Celebrate NYE 2026 in style at the Palmer House Hilton! This all-inclusive party includes food, top-shelf drinks, live music, DJs, and access to multiple ballrooms and party areas. With 1,500 attendees, enjoy appetizers, desserts, a midnight celebration, and exclusive pre- and post-parties. GA tickets offer a 4-hour open bar, while VIP tickets include 5 hours, private bars, and bartenders. Discounted hotel rooms are available for $160/night.

Event Details

LSDREAM at Navy Pier

The stunning Aon Grand Ballroom will be filled with bass-heavy soundscapes and psychedelic visuals this New Year's Eve. LSDREAM is set to guide fans into 2026 with a night of high-vibrational energy. Don't miss a night that blurs music, art, and community. GA tickets start at $96, VIP tickets are also available starting at $160.

Event Details

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