Posted 12 days ago
2 MINUTE READ -- Ring in the New Year in the heart of Chicago! The Loop comes alive with dazzling celebrations—from iconic citywide spectacles to intimate cultural events—offering something for every kind of reveler. Whether you’re looking for free community festivities, live performances, riverfront fireworks, or ticketed parties with a view, the Loop is the place to be as we count down to 2026.
See the fireworks
*Free Admission
Join Chicago in bringing in the new year. Fireworks will be launched from bridges along the Chicago Riverwalk at Wacker Drive from Wells Street to Lake Street at Midnight.
Additional fireworks will be launched by Navy Pier. This year’s 10-minute, award-winning show will dazzle the lakefront with a music-synchronized performance.
dick clark's new year's rockin eve live from chicago
*Free Admission
Mayor Brandon Johnson, DCASE, Choose Chicago, ABC7 Chicago, and Dick Clark Productions (DCP) have announced that Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve—America’s most-watched New Year’s celebration—will air live from Chicago for the first Central Time midnight countdown in the show’s more than 50-year history.
Chicago’s own Chance the Rapper will host the festivities and lead the countdown, with additional performances from local Chicago talent throughout the night.
Joining the iconic Eastern Time countdown from Times Square and the only Spanish-language Atlantic Time countdown from Puerto Rico, Chicago’s celebration will bring the city’s signature energy straight into homes across the country.
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026” will broadcast live on ABC on Wednesday, Dec. 31, starting at 7 p.m. CST.
The celebration will be centered along the Chicago Riverwalk from Wells Street to Lake Street, with the main stage at Wacker and Franklin. ART on THE MART will present a custom audio/visual projection from 7 to 9 p.m., leading into live performances. THE MART will then serve as the backdrop for the 2026 countdown, complete with fireworks launched from bridges along the Riverwalk.
Lineup (9 p.m. - Midnight)
- DJ Mike Dunn
- DJ Mike P
- J. Ivy
- Shemekia Copeland
- Chance the Rapper takes the stage for a special countdown performance to ring in the new year
raised Nye
*Ticketed Event
Enjoy fireworks along the Chicago River from the Raised patio from 9 p.m. -1 a.m. With the purchase of a ticket, you have access to Raised indoor seating and bar. To purchase tickets, visit website here.
New year's soiree at nomi
*Ticked event
Say goodbye to 2025 with Chicago’s most glamorous New Year’s Eve celebration, set atop the Magnificent Mile. Unlimited dining at chef-driven stations spans wagyu prime rib, lobster pappardelle, and an abundant raw bar with endless sushi, king crab, lobster, and more. Visit website to purchase tickets here.
New years eve at teatro zinzanni
*Ticketed event
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Teatro ZinZanni, named "Best Night Out!" by Chicago Social and Forbes. All New Year's Eve tickets come with ZinZanni's signature show and multi-course feast – plus party favors, an exclusive post-show performance, post-performance dancing, and a special dessert and coffee bar. Show is at 8pm, dancing until 1am! Purchase tickets here.
