Dec 19, 2024 - Food and Drink
Where to ring in the new year in Chicago
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
Here are some ways to welcome 2025 and kiss 2024 goodbye!
🎇 Fireworks
- Dress warmly and walk to the Pier for a 15-minute fireworks show that has music with a beautiful backdrop of the skyline.
- Fireworks begin at 11:59pm on New Year's Eve at Navy Pier.
Cost: Free
- Watch fireworks on the 94th floor of the iconic high-rise and experience Tilt with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.
- 9pm–12:30am at the Cloud Bar at the former John Hancock Building in Streeterville.
Cost: Tickets start at $125
- Dance and sip unlimited beer and wine as you watch fireworks from the Chicago Riverwalk.
- 9pm–1am at Raised, a rooftop bar in the Loop.
Cost: Tickets start at $150
🥳 Parties and performances
- Bring the family to the afternoon event for games, snacks and drinks. Plus: laser tag!
- Noon–5pm at WhirlyBall in Bucktown.
Cost: Tickets start at $35
Steve Cochran's New Year's Eve Comedy Show and Elton John tribute
- For the early birds, laugh along with the longtime WGN radio host and guests.
- And for those looking for an evening event, stick around for Elton Rohn, an Elton John tribute show.
- 2pm and 7pm at the Raue Center For the Arts, Crystal Lake.
Cost: Tickets start at $49 for comedy show and $41 for Elton Rohn
- Ring in the new year at this country-style bar with light bites, drinks and a Champagne toast at midnight. Table packages are also available.
- 9pm–12:30am at Welcome to the Farm in River North.
Cost: Tickets start at $85
- Celebrate in style at this downtown hotel with cocktails, a DJ, a special menu including oysters ($24), dark chocolate tart ($17) and complimentary bubbly at midnight.
- Dance, snack on late-night bites and enjoy an open bar.
- 9pm–1am at The Drake in Oak Brook.
Cost: Tickets start at $139
- Dress in your best black-tie attire and enjoy a range of music at this upscale NYE party.
- 8pm–2am at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in the West Loop.
Cost: Tickets start at $100
Fun fact: The CTA is free on NYE from 10pm–4am.
🥞 New Year's Day
- Roll out of bed and dine in your PJs. The brunch menu includes scallion pancakes ($12), s'mores French toast ($16), omelets ($28) and more.
- Jan. 1 at Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar in Humboldt Park.
- Wake up early and dine at this airy restaurant. Guests who come dressed in pajamas will receive a gift card equal to the price of your meal.
- Jan. 1 from 9am–3pm in Lincoln Park.
- Enjoy brunch and 90 minutes of unlimited mimosas.
- Jan. 1 from 11am–3pm at The Duplex in Logan Square.
Cost: Starts at $50