Spending New Year’s Eve in Chicago and looking for a fun way to celebrate? There are tons of unique things to do in Chicago on New Year’s Eve (12/31/2026) to ring in the New Year whether you are looking to party all night or enjoy an early celebration and head to bed early.
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Things to Do in Chicago on New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is a great time to visit Chicago. There are tons of things to do in Chicago on New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2026) including fireworks, unique activities, shows, concerts, holiday attractions, holiday lights, and more!
Below are the top unique things to do in Chicago on New Year’s Eve both for adults and families.
Chicago’s New Year’s Eve Celebration Along the Chicago River
Chicago will have two fireworks shows this year. “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” America’s most-watched New Year’s celebration, will broadcast live from Chicago with the first Central Time zone midnight countdown live broadcast in its more than 50-year history. Chicago native Chance the Rapper joins the festivities as the live host and countdown performer, along with performances from Chicago acts throughout the night.
See fireworks launched from bridges along the Chicago River at midnight for Chicago’s New Year’s Eve Celebration.
When: A custom audio/visual projection program from ART on THE MART will be displayed from 7 to 9 p.m. before on-stage performances begin. THE MART will then transform into the backdrop for the 2026 countdown as fireworks are launched from bridges along the Riverwalk.
Where: The festivities will take place along the Chicago Riverwalk at Wacker Drive from Wells Street to Lake Street, with the main stage located at Wacker and Franklin.
Cost: FREE Admission
Watch Fireworks Over Lake Michigan
Ring in the New Year with a free fireworks show at Navy Pier at midnight. Find a spot anywhere on the pier to welcome in the New Year with a dazzling fireworks display that will cast glows across the lakefront.
You can also see fireworks from various restaurants and bars at Navy Pier including Bar Sol.
You can also see fireworks from the water on various cruises including this New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise on the Chicago Elite Yacht or this New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise on a luxury yacht.
Chicago Magic Lounge New Year’s Eve Signature Show Celebration
Chicago Magic Lounge is having a special New Year’s Eve celebration event. See close-up magic performed by their house magicians at your cabaret table while enjoying their full-service bar and kitchen. After the Table Magic, there is a 60-minute magic stage show. All ticket holders will receive a souvenir champagne flute and join in a champagne toast.
Where: Chicago Magic Lounge, 5050 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640
When: 10pm (there is also a 7pm show for those that want an early night)
NYE Parties for Adults (21+)
Want to party all night long on New Year’s Eve? Check out these late NYE parties for adults (21+) that offer amazing views:
– New Year’s Eve at The J. Parker from 9pm
– New Year’s Eve Party at The Metropolitan – 66th Floor of Willis Tower from 9pm-1am
– New Year’s Eve Party at The Palmer House Hilton with Kiss FM from 9pm-1:30am
– New Year’s Eve Party at The 101 Chicago | City Lights & Fireworks from 9pm-1:30am
– New Year’s Eve Party at Congress Plaza Hotel from 9pm-2am
NYE Bar Crawls for Adults (21+)
If you want to have fun at a few different bars, check out these late NYE bar crawls for adults:
– New Years Eve Bar Crawl starts at 6pm
– All Access New Years Eve Bar Crawl (Downtown) from 8pm-2am
– New Years Eve Bar Crawl (Wicker Park) from 5pm-1am
Early New Year’s Eve Activities
Below are some fun things to do on New Year’s Eve for those that want to be home and in bed by midnight:
Laugh at a Comedy Show
If you want to do something fun earlier in the evening, there are several shows taking place in Chicago on New Year’s Eve – from Drunk Christmas Carol, to plays and comedy shows:
– Drunk Christmas Carol (The Lounge At The Lion, 182 North Wabash Avenue) – 7pm
– Pandemonium, Please Hold (Second City Main Stage, 1616 N Wells St 2nd floor) – 7pm & 10pm Second City Chicago Mainstage
– Reality Detox: The Improv Experience (e.t.c. Theater, 230 W North Ave, 2nd Fl) – 7pm & 10pm
– Shapel Lacey (ZANIES Comedy Night Club, 1548 N Wells St) – 10:30pm
You can search for more shows on New Year’s Eve here.
Go to a Concert
Spend NYE listening to live music. These concerts are taking place in Chicago on New Year’s Eve:
– Whethan – 7pm at Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, 840 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
– Greensky Bluegrass – 8pm at The Salt Shed Indoors, 1357 North Elston Ave. Chicago, IL 60642
– D.O.D – 10pm at Radius, 640 West Cermak Road, Chicago, IL 60616
– Local H – 10pm at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
Go Outdoor Ice Skating
There are several places to go outdoor ice skating in Chicago for New Year’s Eve but make sure to reserve in advance!
Skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.) right in front of the famous Bean sculpture is a fun New Year’s Eve activity. Reservations are released 2 weeks in advance.
Another ice skating rink with great skyline views is the skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park (337 E Randolph St.) located next to Millennium Park. The ribbon will be open until 7pm on New Year’s Eve. Reservations for NYE will be released on Monday, November 30, 2026.
Cleopatra: The Immersive Exhibition
Cleopatra: The Immersive Exhibition is a limited time experience inviting you to step into the world of Egypt’s Last Great Queen. Discover the story of her reign, power, love, lifestyle, and legacy as it comes to life with immersive storytelling and real artifacts.
When: Wednesday, December 31, 2026, 10am–6pm
Where: EXP Rosemont, 9900 Berwyn Avenue, Rosemont, IL 60018
Cost: Prices vary.
New Year’s Eve at ZooLights
Back by popular demand, New Year’s Eve at ZooLights offers a unique and glittery experience for all. Ring in the new year with an hourly countdown surrounded by the ZooLights glow and get home before bedtime.
Where: Lincoln Park Zoo
When: Wednesday, December 31, 2026, 4:30–9pm
Cost: $12.89 per person.
See the City of Chicago Christmas Tree
Check out the official City of Chicago Christmas Tree at Millennium Park.
When: Open until 11pm.
Where: Millennium Park (near the intersection of Michigan Avenue & Washington Street).
Cost: FREE.
Stand on the Ledge at The Skydeck at Willis Tower
The Skydeck, the observatory on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, is a great spot to enjoy skyline views. For the best instagram photos head to The Ledge, glass balconies extending four feet outside the 103rd floor. (Click here to buy a skip the line ticket if you want to avoid long lines).
Where: Willis Tower, 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
Hours: Timed tickets are available until 8pm on New Year’s Eve. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.
Tip: If you are visiting a few museums and indoor attractions while in Chicago, consider purchasing a Chicago CityPASS or Go Chicago Card to save money on entrance fees.
Early NYE Celebrations and Countdowns for Families
Want to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the kids? Check out these family friendly early NYE celebrations:
– New Year’s Eve At Noon Party at Lincoln Park Cultural Center from 10:30am – 12pm
See Holiday Lights
Jump in the car and take a drive to see holiday lights. These holiday light shows and displays in the city and in the suburbs are open on New Year’s Eve:
– Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden (1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022) – Timed entry tickets available from 5:15-8:30pm
– Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum (4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532 – Timed entry tickets available from 4:30-8pm
– Winter Lights at Central Park – Oak Brook Park District (1510 Forest Gate Rd, Oak Brook, IL) – from 4:30-9:30pm
– Naper Lights in downtown Naperville – 4–10pm
You can find more details and other places to see holiday lights in Chicago and the suburbs here.
As you can see there are many things to do in #Chicago on New Year’s Eve.
Planning a trip to Chicago? Check out my Chicago guides and itineraries:
- 3 Days in Chicago: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary
- 24 Hours in Chicago: A Perfect One Day Itinerary From a Local
- Most Instagrammable Places in Chicago
- Best Free Things to Do in Chicago
