Chat with us, powered by LiveChat
Contact Us for virtual tours now!   View our extensive inventory of apartments from the comfort of your home.

New Years Eve Events in Downtown Chicago 2025

As the end of the year approaches, Chicago gears up to host some of the most spectacular New Year’s Eve events in the country. Here’s a guide to the top New Year’s Eve celebrations in downtown Chicago, complete with options for every budget and tips for going out on New Years in downtown Chicago.

1. Chi-Town Rising Returns

Location: Chicago Riverfront
Price: Free for General Admission; VIP packages starting at $150

Chi-Town Rising, Chicago’s iconic New Year’s Eve celebration, is back this year with its signature rising star countdown. The event takes place along the Chicago River and offers live music, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display at midnight. While general admission is free, VIP packages include premium viewing areas, complimentary drinks, and access to heated tents.

Why Go: Perfect for those looking for a high-energy, budget friendly, outdoor event.

2. The Drake Hotel’s Annual Gala

Location: The Drake Hotel, 140 E Walton Pl
Price: Tickets starting at $175

Step into elegance at The Drake Hotel’s New Year’s Eve Gala, one of Chicago’s most glamorous events. This black-tie-optional party features live bands, DJs, multiple ballrooms, and a champagne toast at midnight. Guests can also book discounted hotel room packages if they want to stay the night.

Why Go: Ideal for those seeking a luxurious and formal celebration.

3. LondonHouse Rooftop Party

Location: LondonHouse Chicago, 85 E Wacker Dr
Price: $250-$500

Enjoy iconic views of Chicago’s skyline and the fireworks over the river at LondonHouse’s rooftop party. The evening includes an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment. For an ultra-luxe experience, opt for VIP seating and bottle service.

Why Go: A great option for those who love a good rooftop vibe and don’t mind splurging.

4. New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise

Location: Navy Pier
Price: $149-$350

Celebrate aboard one of Navy Pier’s luxury yachts, such as the Odyssey or Spirit of Chicago. These dinner cruises offer multi-course meals, premium open bars, and stunning views of the city’s skyline and fireworks display. Packages vary, with VIP options including priority boarding and exclusive seating.

Why Go: Ideal for anyone looking for a more intimate upscale setting or anyone who wants to experience Chicago’s iconic waterfront.

5. Laugh Your Way into the New Year

Location: Zanies Comedy Club, 1548 N Wells St
Price: $40-$70

If laughter is your love language, head to Zanies Comedy Club for a New Year’s Eve comedy special. The night features a lineup of top comedians, party favors, and a countdown with a champagne toast.

Why Go: A budget-friendly, laid-back option for those wanting to switch it up from the traditional New Years festivities.

6. Resolution Ball at the Congress Plaza Hotel

Location: 520 S Michigan Ave
Price: $115-$200

Known as one of the city’s largest NYE celebrations, the Resolution Ball offers multiple dance floors, a premium open bar, and live DJs. With its historic setting and lively atmosphere, this event is a hit for people looking for a high energy party scene.

Why Go: A lively and moderately priced option for those looking to party the night away.

7. Midnight Fireworks at Navy Pier

Location: Navy Pier
Price: Free

For a quintessential Chicago New Year’s Eve experience, gather at Navy Pier to watch the midnight fireworks. The pier is packed with family-friendly activities, including live music, carnival rides, and ice skating at the Winter WonderFest.

Why Go: Perfect for anyone who wants a classic celebration without any cost.

8. The Adler Planetarium’s “Countdown Under the Stars”

Location: Adler Planetarium, 1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr
Price: $75-$150

Experience a celestial celebration at the Adler Planetarium’s New Year’s Eve party. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the city, a premium open bar, a live DJ, and access to museum exhibits. The night culminates with a breathtaking view of the fireworks.

Why Go: A unique option with an elegant vibe.

9. Winter Wonderland Silent Disco

Location: Millennium Park Ice Skating Ribbon
Price: $30-$50

Dance into the new year at Millennium Park’s Silent Disco. Participants are given wireless headphones to groove to music from multiple DJs while skating under the stars. Party favors and a countdown make this event extra special.

Why Go: A fun choice for all ages that isn’t centered around partying.

10. New Year’s Eve at Time Out Market Chicago

Location: 916 W Fulton Market
Price: $100-$200

Foodies will love the New Year’s Eve festivities at Time Out Market Chicago in the trendy Fulton Market District. The event features dishes from the city’s top chefs, craft cocktails, live music, and a midnight toast.

Why Go: Great for those who prioritize good food and a relaxed atmosphere.

Tips for Going Out in Chicago on New Years Eve

  • What to Bring:
  • Cash for tipping at coat check and valet.
  • Tiles or AirTags to put in your purse or jacket pocket so you can find them in the event that they get misplaced.
  • A pre-charged powerbank for your phone.
  • Transportation:
  • Use rideshare services, reserve a SpotHero in advance, or plan to stay downtown. Parking can be a challenge!

 

 

Chicago New Years Eve Events 2023

If you’re looking for Chicago New Years Eve events near you or where to celebrate New Years Eve 2023 in downtown Chicago, here’s our guide to some of the top festivities in the city!

Chicago New Years Eve Events Near You

New Year on the Pier at Navy Pier

Head to the Aon grand ballroom for dancing, craft cocktails, catering, live music, and a DJ. New Year on the Pier goes from 8pm to 1am and offers a prime location for enjoying Navy Pier’s midnight fireworks.

Chicago New Years Eve Events Near You

Hilton Chicago’s New Years Eve Party 2023

This formal soiree, hosted by KISS FM, is the place to be when it comes to downtown Chicago New Years Eve events. With 7 party areas, 12 acts, top shelf cocktails, hors d’eouvres, a casino style gambling set up, celebrity DJs, live video mixing, a midnight confetti storm, and more, there’s little to be desired. Tickets also include discounts on hotel rooms.

Chicago New Years Eve Events Near You

London House New Years Eve – Two Events

London House is offering an event on their rooftop and another in their ballroom. Both events will include a live DJ, open bar, a photo booth, light bites, and more. There will also be a firework display on the river at midnight and London House’s rooftop is the perfect place to see them.

Chicago New Years Eve Events Near You

Central Park Bar – Avondale

If you’re looking for Chicago New Years Eve events to keep your evening a little more low key, this new neighborhood tavern is offering a package that includes drinks, a buffet with catering from the Gilty Pig, and a DJ set. Hang out in the bar area or head out to their heated and covered patio. Tickets are available through Eventbrite. Central Park Bar is normally a dog friendly on their patio, but you’ll want to confirm that applies to their New Years Eve event if you plan on bringing your furry friends.

Chicago New Years Eve Events Near You

Kicks and Confetti Ball West Loop

The Kicks and Confetti Ball is a great New Years Eve event in Fulton Market, hosted at Time Out Market. Through on your coolest sneakers and get ready for live music, DJ sets, confetti, a champagne toast, an LED wall countdown, and a huge dance floor. Tickets also include a dining credit at any of the 15 restaurants in Time Out Market.

Chicago New Years Eve Events Near You

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near downtown Chicago? Contact us today! One of our neighborhood experts will be happy to answer your questions and guide you in your search. We are now offering in person and virtual apartment tours!

New Years Eve in Chicago’s Loop

Whether you’re a Chicago resident looking for a downtown “stay-cation” or in from out of town looking to explore Chicago, there are so many ways to spend New Year’s Eve in the Loop!

Luxury loop apartments in downtown Chicago for rent now leasing

Courtesy of Jude Beck

360 Chicago

360 Chicago is the 94th floor observation deck at the John Hancock Center. 360’s New Year’s package includes unlimited rides on TILT, a firework display, a live DJ, party favors, drinks, and stunning views of downtown Chicago from over 1000 feet above the Magnificent Mile.

Looking for things to do near Chicago's downtown Loop?

Courtesy of Sapan Patel

ROOF on the Wit

From 9pm to 1am on New Year’s Eve, ROOF will be transformed into a French Riviera and Monte Carlo themed extravaganza, featuring gaming tables, acrobats, French cuisine from award winning chefs, an open bar, and music. This 27th story Loop rooftop bar is a great place to watch all of Chicago’s lively festivities, city lights, and fireworks.

Chicago Loop New Years Eve things to do

Courtesy of Billy Huynh

Hilton Chicago

The Hilton is the happening place to be on New Years in Chicago! This multiple ballroom soiree features seven party areas, twelve acts, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and champagne, celebrity DJs, live casino, live video mixing, a confetti “storm” at midnight, table service, discounted hotel rooms, and more! It will be hosted by Kiss FM and televised by NBC 5.

New Year’s Eve Blast

New Year’s Eve downtown in any city can get pretty pricey. Looking for free things to do for New Years in downtown Chicago? Look no further! Enjoy fireworks and celebrations along the Riverwalk from Wolf Point to Lakeshore Drive with New Year’s Eve Blast. You can also watch the midnight fireworks live on WGN.

Chicago Riverwalk in the Loop New Years Eve

Courtesy of Max Bender

Travelle at the Langham

If you’re a foodie, head to Travelle at the Langham hotel for your New Year’s Eve celebration. Enjoy a five course fine dining experience at Travelle, followed by an Andy Warhol’s “silver factory” themed celebration at the bar. The dinner menu includes: Butternut Squash Soup with crème fraiche, Ossetra Royale Caviar, and chanterelle conserva; Rohan Duck Confit with beets, citrus, frisée, radicchio, braised salsify, and black truffle; Monkfish with Manila clams, bouillabaisse, braised fennel, and saffron touile; Wagyu Short Rib with pommes mille feuille, cippolini agrodolce, horseradish, and celery root; and Citrus Pavlova with grapefruit granita, black currant ice cream, and yuzu curd.

 

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near the Loop? Contact us today! We’d be happy to keep you in the Loop!

730 North Wells Street
312.772.3929
Downtown Apartment Collective is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
Compass - Chicago, IL.
Copyright © 2025 Downtown Apartment Collective. All Rights Reserved.