Dec 18, 2025 - Things to Do
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day celebrations in Chicago
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New Year's Eve books up fast, so don't miss out. We've curated a list of things to do and places to eat.
Driving the news: You may want to be home in time to catch the very first "Rockin' Eve" special hosted by Chance the Rapper. It's the first year for the live Chicago special.
🎉 Parties and celebrations
- Step inside this castle-like restaurant and nightclub to enjoy light bites, music and a Champagne toast at midnight.
- 8pm–4am Wednesday in River North.
- Tickets start at $180.
- Get access to all three spaces at the hotel, each offering a different vibe (Solana, Clever Coyote and The Up Room).
- 9pm–1am Wednesday at The Robey Hotel in Wicker Park.
- Tickets start at $150.
- Party at this multi-level dance venue with a Champagne toast topped with complimentary party favors.
- 9pm–2am Wednesday in River North.
- Tickets start at $82.47.
- Party with 103.5 KISS FM at this annual NYE bash inside the historic Chicago hotel.
- 9pm–1:30am in the Loop.
- Tickets start at $125.
- Ring in the new year on this city rooftop and keep warm in one of their igloos.
- 8pm–2am Wednesday at The Godfrey Hotel in River North.
- Tickets start at $60.
- Celebrate the last day of the year at this historic landmark. Party with everyone or get fancy and secure a VIP table.
- 8pm–2am Wednesday in the Loop.
- Tickets start at $89.
- A lineup of DJs playing hip-hop, R&B and house music create a multi-floor party.
- 9pm Wednesday in West Loop.
- Tickets start at $50.
🍽️ Dining specials
- Stop by this Latin restaurant for live music and cocktails. Try their winter boozy tea in the afternoon or stay the night for their Champagne toast at midnight.
- 2–5pm Boozy Tea, 10:30pm–12:30am DJ set, Wednesday on the Mag Mile.
- Make a reservation.
- Order from a Tuscan-style a la carte menu accompanied by complimentary Champagne as you watch the Navy Pier fireworks!
- 4–10:30pm Tuesday on the New East Side.
- Booking fee starts at $75 for evening celebrations that don't include dinner. Call 312-725-1724 for reservations.
- Celebrate with seasonal dishes at New Year's Eve dinner or keep the party going for a New Year's Day PJ brunch.
- 11am–10pm Wednesday and 9am–3pm Thursday in Lincoln Park.
- Make a reservation.
- Hop aboard for dinner or brunch as you cruise along Lake Michigan gazing at city landmarks.
- Wednesday and Thursday at City Cruises on Grand Avenue.
- Prices vary. Make a reservation.
- Grab the entire family for this early celebration. Snap photos, decorate party hats and enjoy lots of sparkling cider.
- 4:30 and 6:30pm Wednesday in Lakeview.
- $10 per person. Make a reservation.
- Try this pop-up fine dining experience for a 15-course tasting menu, with caviar and Champagne.
- 5 or 9pm Wednesday. The location will be emailed 24 hours in advance.
- Tickets are $300–$350 per person. Make a reservation.
- Dine at this Midwestern-inspired French restaurant to celebrate the end of the year.
- 5–10pm Wednesday in River North.
- Make a reservation.
🗓️ New Year's Day
- Keep the celebration going with an afternoon of bar hopping and brunch.
- Noon–5pm Thursday in Wrigleyville.
- Tickets start at $10.
- Start 2026 under the lush canopy of Beatnik West Town with Mediterranean eats and classic brunch fare.
- Seating begins at 10am on Jan. 1 in West Town.
- Make a reservation.
- Skip cooking and head to the suburban steakhouse for a prime rib special dinner.
- Available at the Oak Brook, Schaumburg and Vernon Hills locations.
- $59. Make a reservation.