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 NYE celebrations 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.

NYE 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 at Offshore Rooftop: 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

Alla Vita Chicago
Alla Vita Chicago

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.
  • Virtue: In Hyde Park, the bustling Virtue is the perfect spot to ring in the New Year with comforting Southern American cuisine and craft cocktails.
  • 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 classic menu items, including a bubbly toast.

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

New Year’s parties at Chicago hotels

Photo from Palmer House Hilton New Year's Eve Soiree
Palmer House Hilton New Year’s Eve Soiree

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.

Check out more hotels around Chicago.

New Year’s Eve parties in Chicago

TAO 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.
  • Rock ’til the Drop at Hard Rock Cafe: Party until 4 a.m. at this River North venue, with top shelf drinks, a buffet, champagne, and more.

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

NYE events and shows in Chicago

CHICAGO - JANUARY 01: Brad Stuart #23 of the Detroit Red Wings controls the puck as Dustin Byfuglien #33 of the Chicago Blackhawks follows during the NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field on January 1, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO – JANUARY 01: Brad Stuart #23 of the Detroit Red Wings controls the puck as Dustin Byfuglien #33 of the Chicago Blackhawks follows during the NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field on January 1, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

Whether you’re looking for live sports, theatre, dance, comedy, or music, Chicago is home to exhilarating events, shows, and concerts 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.

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