Chicago New Year’s Eve: fireworks, parties, dinners, and more

From swanky balls at historic hotels to live DJs at underground clubs to unforgettable meals at Michelin-starred restaurants — there are tons of memorable ways to ring in the New Year in Chicago. Here are a few of our favorite ways to celebrate this year, including live shows at cool music venues, award-winning dining options, unique events, spectacular fireworks displays, and more for New Year’s Eve 2025 in Chicago.

New Year’s Eve fireworks at Navy Pier

• New Year’s Eve fireworks at Navy Pier: This iconic fireworks show will light up the sky over Lake Michigan at the stroke of midnight. The spectacular display can be seen along the lakefront, but the best views are from Navy Pier’s official New Year’s Eve parties.
• Glitz & Glam New Year’s Eve Event at Offshore Rooftop & Bar: The nation’s largest rooftop bar offers sweeping views of the Chicago skyline and the midnight fireworks show. The all-inclusive event includes an open bar, a midnight champagne toast, appetizers, and much more. 
• Grand Chicago New Year’s Eve Party: Set in the stunning Aon Grand Ballroom, this over-the-top evening celebration will include the city’s largest dance floor with live DJs and a grand countdown to the midnight fireworks show.
• New Year’s Eve lakefront cruises: Set sail on an elegant dinner cruise that departs from Navy Pier. Enjoy dinner, dancing, DJs, champagne toasts, and more with panoramic views of the glittering city skyline.

Find hotels near Navy Pier or book a room at the Sable at Navy Pier.

NYE dinner at Chicago restaurants

Say goodbye to 2024 with an unforgettable meal courtesy of Chicago’s award-winning dining scene. The city’s restaurants are going all out for New Year’s Eve dinner, with special menus, champagne toasts, luxe add-ons, and more.

• Topolobampo: This award-winning Mexican restaurant will ring in the New Year with live mariachi, rare mezcals, and more.
• Smyth: Make it an unforgettable evening at three-Michelin-starred Smyth, offering a decadent menu with caviar, truffles, and champagne.
• Bar Esmé: This artful spot in Lincoln Park is serving a five-course menu with cocktail pairings for New Year’s Eve.
• Heritage Restaurant and Caviar Bar: Opt for the five-course tasting menu at this West Town gem, or grab a seat at the bar for an a la carte experience.
• Girl & the Goat: This perennial hot spot in the West Loop is offering a prix fixe menu of their classic menu items, including a bubbly toast.

Check back for our full guide on restaurants open on New Year’s Eve in Chicago this year.

New Year’s parties at Chicago hotels

Chicago hotels are pulling out all the stops for New Year’s Eve 2025. Sip champagne in historic ballrooms, marvel at a midnight confetti drop, and dance the night away to live DJs and bands. And don’t forget to reserve a room for the night for an all-in-one NYE getaway.

• Chicago New Year’s Eve Party at Congress Plaza Hotel: The historic Congress Plaza Hotel will host a multi-ballroom all-inclusive New Year’s Eve soiree. Party the night away on multiple dance floors featuring Chicago’s hottest DJs.
• New Year’s Eve Party at The Metropolitan: Dress your best and spend an evening partying in the iconic Willis Tower with top DJs, skyline views, and more.
• New Year’s Eve Party at Palmer House: One of the city’s most historic hotels is hosting a glamorous New Year’s bash to be remembered. Head to the elegant ballroom for specialty drinks, an appetizer buffet, chocolates, and more.
• New Year’s Eve at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago: Experience an upscale rooftop NYE celebration, where guests can indulge in chef-driven cocktails and a midnight champagne toast. Premium upgrades for private booths and igloos are available. 
• New Year’s Eve at LondonHouse Chicago: Bring in the New Year with a breathtaking view of the midnight fireworks display. Enjoy a live DJ, an open bar, a selection of appetizers, and a photo booth at this stunning rooftop.

Check out more hotels around Chicago.

New Year’s Eve parties in Chicago

Go back in time with a retro-themed evening, sip cocktails in a candlelit bar, dance the night away on a packed dance floor, and so much more. Check out these unique parties and events ringing in the New Year in Chicago.

• The Premier: NYE 2025 at The Promontory: Dance to four of the city’s best DJs under one roof at this energetic party in Hyde Park. Tickets include admission, party favors, and a midnight toast, with an optional open bar and VIP tables.
• TAO Chicago NYE 2025: In River North, this chic club is hosting a black-tie-optional celebration across two floors. Expect live entertainment, generous hors d’oeuvres, and lots of champagne.
• New Year’s Eve at Meadowlawk: This dimly lit cocktail bar in Logan Square is hosting a laidback New Year’s Eve gathering.
• Gatsby’s Prohibition at Morgan Manufacturing: Roll back the clock to the Roaring Twenties at this late-night soiree. Dress in your best Prohibition-era attire and enjoy premium drinks, lavish desserts, and a unique midnight celebration.
• 100 Years of Gatsby at Untitled Supper Club: Step back in time at this live performance-driven Prohibition party, where four rooms of performances will feature burlesque and beyond.

Explore more New Year’s Eve events and parties happening in Chicago.

NYE shows and concerts

Whether you’re looking for theatre, dance, comedy, or music, these Chicago venues are offering exhilarating shows and productions that will start your new year off on an exciting note. Check out some of the live events happening this New Year’s Eve in Chicago.

• Lake Street Dive at The Salt Shed: Head inside The Shed to spend the evening with Lake Street Dive.
• Live jazz at Andy’s Jazz Club: Enjoy dinner and a show at this River North Jazz Club featuring Mario Abney & The Abney Effect.
• Kevin de Vries at Radius: In Pilsen, Kevin de Vries will be playing melodic techo til midnight and beyond.
• Live blues at Kingston Mines: Enjoy non-stop music at this legendary blues bar, featuring three performers throughout the night.
• Blue Man Group: In Lakeview, choose from one of four ultra-colorful, all-ages shows throughout the day and evening.
• Comedy at The Second City: Grab tickets to an evening comedy showcase at this legendary club.
• Pretty Lights at Wintrust Arena: The electronic music artist Pretty Lights will hold a show at this indoor stadium in the South Loop neighborhood.
• House music at Spybar: San Pacho will bring his innovative take on tech house to this iconic house music club in River North.

Explore more New Year’s Eve events and shows happening in Chicago.