Spending New Year’s Eve in Chicago and looking for a fun way to celebrate other than the usual dinner and drinks? There are tons of unique things to do in Chicago on New Year’s Eve (12/31/2025) to ring in the New Year whether you are looking to party all night or enjoy an early celebration and head to bed early.
I suggest bookmarking this blog post as I will be updating it regularly with new events and activities.
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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, 2025) including fireworks shows, holiday lights, concerts, shows, visiting holiday attractions and more!
Below are the top unique things to do in Chicago on New Year’s Eve both for adults and families.
Watch Fireworks Over Lake Michigan
Ring in the New Year with a free fireworks show at Navy Pier. 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 don’t have to visit Navy Pier to enjoy the fireworks, you can also see the them from the lakefront and various restaurants.
You can also see fireworks from the water if you join this New Year’s Eve Plated Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan or this New Year’s Eve Plated Buffet Cruise on Lake Michigan.
When: Tuesday, December 31 at 11:59 pm.
Cost: Free.
Chicago’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular Along the Chicago River
Chicago will have two fireworks shows this year. See fireworks launched from six bridges along the Chicago River at midnight for Chicago’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular.
When: Tuesday, December 31 at midnight
Where: Best viewed along the Chicago River from Upper Wacker Drive from McClurg Court to Franklin Street.
Cost: FREE Admission
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 or those that want an early night)
Go to a Concert
Spend NYE listening to live music. These concerts are taking place in Chicago on New Year’s Eve:
– Pretty Lights – 9:30pm at Wintrust Arena, 200 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
– Lake Street Dive: New Year’s Eve Show – 8pm at The Salt Shed, 1357 North Elston Ave. Chicago, IL 60642
– Hot Since 82 – 9pm at Radius, 640 West Cermak Road, Chicago, Illinois 60616
– Capital Soirée, Worry Club, The Braymores – 9pm at Schubas Tavern, 3159 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
– America Runs on Disco NYE Party Ric Wilson, Billa, DJ Kit Kat, Timmy V, Louie Kason – 9pm at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
– Natural Information Society, Separatist Party + Bitchin Bajas – 9:30pm at Links Hall, 3111 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
– Local H – 10pm at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
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 Shakespeare, to plays and comedy shows:
– Drunk Shakespeare (The Lounge At The Lion, 182 North Wabash Avenue)
– Laugh Factory Chicago (3175 N Broadway)
– Kathy Griffin My Life On The PTSD-List (The Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St)
– Michael Longfellow (ZANIES Comedy Night Club, 1548 N Wells St)
– New Year’s Eve With Cameron Esposito (The Den Theatre, 1331 North Milwaukee Avenue)
– New Year’s Eve Show With Paula Poundstone (City Winery Chicago, 1200 W. Randolph St.)
You can search for more shows on New Year’s Eve here.
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience is a whimsical holiday wonderland filled with festive delights and sparkling lights.
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
When: Open 2-9pm on December 31
Cost: $15.00 for adults and $12.50 for children 12 and under. Click here to purchase tickets in advance.
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier is the largest indoor and outdoor holiday experience in Chicago. In addition to outdoor holiday lights, there is also an ice slide for kids and axe throwing.
Where: Festival Hall at Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
When: Open noon-8pm on December 31
Cost: Prices vary. Includes both free and ticketed activities.
Titanic: The Exhibition
Titanic: The Exhibition is only in the Chicago area for a limited time. This interactive experience allows you to step inside recreations of the Titanic’s interior. Immerse yourself in the stories of its passengers, see hundreds of artifacts, and discover the tale of the design, creation, launch, maiden voyage, and tragedy of the historic ship.
When: Last entry is 12:30 pm on New Year’s Eve.
Where: 4963 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, IL 60077 (about 17 miles from downtown Chicago)
Cost: Price varies. Click here for full prices and to purchase tickets in advance.
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. Advance reservations are required and open two weeks prior.
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.
See the City of Chicago Christmas Tree
Check out the official City of Chicago Christmas Tree, a 53-foot Colorado Blue Spruce, at Millennium Park.
When: Millennium Park is open daily 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 7:00pm 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.
See Holiday Lights
Jump in the car and take a drive to see holiday lights. These holiday light shows and displays 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 4:30 -9:15 pm
– Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum (4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532 – Timed entry tickets available from 4:30 – 8:00 pm
– Winter Lights at Central Park – Oak Brook Park District (1510 Forest Gate Rd, Oak Brook, IL) – from 4:30-9:30 PM
– Naper Lights in downtown Naperville – 4 – 10 pm
You can find more details and other places to see holiday lights in Chicago and the suburbs here.
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 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
– Noon Year’s Eve Celebration! at Bubbles Academy – December 31 from 11:00am – 12:30pm
– New Years Eve balloon drop party at Climbzone from 4:30pm – 7:30pm
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:
