Chicago NYE 2026

Chicago New Year's Eve 2026 Events

Chicago New Year's Eve 2026 Events

NYE in Chicago

Average temperature low and high: 27°-37°
You can always count on New Year's Eve being cold in Chicago, but nothing stops the Windy City from a good time. Chicago boasts exciting ways to bring in the New Year, from gala extravaganzas to firework dinner cruises, to icy plunges on New Year's Day. Chicago events are constantly updating, so please visit again to learn about the latest and greatest NYE happenings.

New Year's Eve Event Calendar

Pericles

Don’t miss the Royal Shakespeare Company’s exclusive US engagement in Chicago—their first in 30 years. Direct from Stratford-upon-Avon, this acclaimed production of Pericles, directed by RSC co-artistic director Tamara Harvey, tells the tale of Shakespeare’s story of redemption and hope. This is a rare opportunity to witness the RSC’s talent in Chicago, part of a new partnership with Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Secure your tickets for Pericles at the Courtyard Theater today.

Dog Man - The Musical

Dog Man: The Musical is slated to return, running from November 8 to December 1 at the Studebaker Theater. The production is based on the bestselling series by Dav Pilkey, the creator behind Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club. Tickets are on sale now.

Blue Man Group Performances

Blue Man Group shows are a fun, family-friendly way to spend time with your family. The performances are known for their unique mix of music, comedy, and art and cater to everyone, regardless of age, language or culture, as they use non-verbal communication. You can opt for family-friendly shows for young children at 11 am and 2 pm and others at 5 pm and 8 pm. Tickets start at $49.

Les Miserables

Themes of broken dreams, love, and redemption collide in the epic musical "Les Misérables." Become swept away by songs like "On My Own" and "Master of the House" and witness how the human spirit endures. The legendary Broadway musical plays the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, with matinees and evening shows available. Expect a nearly three-hour runtime with one intermission. Don't miss the Tony Award-winning classic, book your tickets soon.

Big Night Chicago New Year's Eve Gala at Navy Pier

Big Night Chicago New Year\'s Eve Gala at Navy Pier

A grand NYE bash awaits your friends and you at Big Night Chicago New Year's Eve Gala at Navy Pier's Aon Grand Ballroom, which boasts an 80-foot domed ceiling and stunning panoramic views of the lakefront. Live Band and DJ Entertainment help you party till the wee hours on Chicago's largest dance floor. Enjoy an open bar, gourmet cuisine, service stations, midnight fireworks, and festive accessories like party hats and tiaras. General Admission tickets start at $119.99 and VIP packages at $189.99. Must be 21 or older, and the price of the tickets may increase closer to the event.

Rock 'Til The Drop at Hard Rock Cafe Chicago

Rock \'Til The Drop at Hard Rock Cafe Chicago

Would you like to party with your friends till 3.30 in the morning at an iconic venue on NYE? Your quest ends at Rock 'Til The Drop at Hard Rock Cafe Chicago, where you can dive into your wild side and groove till the wee hours. The celebration spans two floors, each having renowned DJs dishing out house, hip-hop, EDM, and dance hits. Make it a night to remember with premium cocktails and food, bottle service packages, a midnight balloon drop, and party favors. Tickets range from $30 to $1000 and you should be 21 years or older to attend. Ticket holders have access to nearby hotel rooms at a discounted rate of $189/night. There's more - You can enjoy a complimentary pre-party and post-party at Sound Bar Chicago and Hard Rock Cafe, respectively.

Chicago New Year’s Eve Ball at The Congress Plaza Hotel

Chicago New Year’s Eve Ball at The Congress Plaza Hotel

Experience an epic night at Chicago New Year’s Eve Ball at The Congress Plaza Hotel, where 2,500+ guests, including the city’s A-list, will party across eight historic rooms. Renowned DJs like DJ Maximo, DJ Commando, DJ ChiBassMafia, DJ Ben Elliot, DJ OOYA, DJ Junior, and DJ Plazziibo will churn out electrifying music to keep you dancing all night. You can hop over to multiple bars, get complimentary drinks, and indulge in a delightful food buffet. The party gets hotter at midnight with a massive balloon drop welcoming 2025. Ticket options start at $89 for general admission and go up to $3000 for VIP access or table service packages. You should be 21 years or older to attend, and the dress code is upscale semi-formal attire. Your ticket also includes complimentary access to pre and post-parties for an extended celebration.

Chicago New Year’s Eve Countdown at The Palmer House Hilton

Chicago New Year’s Eve Countdown at The Palmer House Hilton

An epic NYE celebration awaits you at Chicago New Year’s Eve Countdown at The Palmer House Hilton. Enjoy bringing in the new year revelling in the grand ballrooms of Palmer House Hilton Hotel. You get access to an All-Inclusive package, a fun-filled midnight celebration featuring multiple party areas, premium cocktails, champagne, assorted hors d'oeuvres, party favors and more. Experience Chicago's hottest cover band and renowned DJs dish out live music as the clock ticks towards the New Year. Party all night with abandon and take advantage of discounted rates on hotel rooms starting at $189/night, and secure your spot with early bird tickets, starting at $125 for General Admission and $155 for VIP, with exclusive packages available for up to $3300. You should be 21 years or older to attend.

New Year's Eve at The Hangge-Uppe

New Year\'s Eve at The Hangge-Uppe

Get ready to welcome 2025 at The Hangge-Uppe. Your ticket gets you a guaranteed entry, where you can enjoy music from 2 live DJs, access multi-level dance floors, grab some party favors, and share a toast with champagne. Join the fun at Chicago's famous party spot, with modern hits upstairs and classic tunes downstairs since 1973, and party till 4 am. Tickets start at $30.

LondonHouse Chicago New Year's Eve

LondonHouse Chicago New Year\'s Eve

How about you enjoy stunning city skyline views at LondonHouse's 21st-floor lounge for an extra special NYE? There will be a live DJ, so make sure you put on your dancing shoes and are ready to let your hair down. All this while you enjoy a four-hour open bar and a midnight champagne toast. Catch the city's fireworks from the Etoile terrace when the clock strikes 12. Tickets begin at $200.

Chicago Events in December

Concerts

Theater & Headliners

Sports

Nightclubs

Things to do in Chicago

Things to Do in Chicago in December

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago
With a vast collection of art from all over the world and of every medium, the Art Institute of Chicago is a must-see museum for those traveling to the Windy City. Featured artists in the collection include Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Salvador Dali.

Pizzaria Uno

Pizzaria Uno
Thought one of two Chicago pizza places that claim to be the originator of Chicago-style deep dish pizza (the other being Lou Malnati's), Pizzeria Uno is a favorite among travelers. Its original location on Ohio and Wabash is interesting, and Pizzeria Due - the second location - is just a block away.