How to Celebrate New Years Eve in Chicago

How to Celebrate New Years Eve in Chicago

With the end of 2019 approaching, it’s important to make plans so that you can have the best New Year’s Eve yet. Spending New Year’s Eve in Chicago can be a thrilling experience since you can choose from watching flashy firework shows, eating delicious food, sipping artsy cocktails, and taking pictures at Instagram-worthy locations. To help your New Year’s Eve be unforgettable, we’ve completed a guide to celebrating in Chicago this year. Here’s our list of the top things to do in Chicago to ring in the New Year. 

See a Broadway Show in Chicago

Broadway in Chicago has an excellent listing of shows this year. Sit back and relax as you watch theater stars sing and dance on stage. It’s a great way to stay warm on New Year’s Eve while at the same time feeling the excitement of a live performance. You can see The Phantom of the Opera, Mean Girls, or Hamilton on December 31st this year in Chicago. Buy tickets and grab some popcorn this year as you watch some of Broadway’s biggest shows on New Year’s Eve.

Zoo Year’s Eve

Celebrate New Year’s Eve under the glow of lights at Lincoln Park Zoo. It’s an adults-only event, with cash bars, a DJ, games, giveaways, and more. You’ll need to purchase tickets for this unique New Year’s Eve celebration. People attending this event will be able to stay warm at indoor locations and potentially see the zoo animals. If you want a unique New Year’s Eve night, then this is a great choice for you. 

Navy Pier Fireworks

Ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks show. Navy Pier’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show lasts 15-minutes and starts right after the clock strikes twelve. You’ll be able to watch fireworks over Lake Michigan from the iconic Navy Pier. This fireworks show is an eye-popping way to spend your New Year’s Eve night. 

Go to a Restaurant

Dining out at an award-winning restaurant can be a fun and delicious way to celebrate the New Year. You can order a drink to cheers on the occasion, as well as delectable food. For a striking and lively restaurant atmosphere, you can make a reservation at the Albert. You can enjoy the walls filled with books and unique art while you browse the menu for innovative dishes. For a New Year’s Eve dinner, you can order dishes like Crispy Chicken Leg Red Roast Glaze or Sweet Corn Pudding King Crab. Whether you settle for drinks, food, or dessert, the Albert will give you a warm and inviting atmosphere to help you ring in the New Year in a delicious way. 

Chicago River Fireworks

Another dazzling and bright firework display will be along the Chicago River this year. The River will come alive with a choreographed fireworks display at midnight. There will be multiple firework launch sites along the River, so you’ll want to select a prime viewing spot along it to watch the magic unfold. This is a fun and traditional way to enjoy and celebrate New Year’s Eve with friends or family. 

Blue Man Group Chicago Performance

If you’re not a late-night owl, or if you have kids, then the Blue Man Group Chicago’s New Year’s Eve performance is a perfect way to celebrate earlier. There are two performances to choose from, one at 1 pm and another at 4 pm. The Blue Man Group is a multinational media and entertainment company with theatrical and digital media performances. These specific productions will have “midnight” countdowns with party hats and noisemakers. It will take place at Chicago’s Briar Street Theatre. You’ll need to buy tickets to attend this event.

Deciding What to Do

When choosing what to do for New Year’s Eve in Chicago this year, think about what types of things you enjoy doing. For example, if you like trying new restaurants, consider dining at the Albert. Or, if you enjoy theatrical performances, you might want to choose to watch a Broadway show or a Blue Man Group Performance. After you select what to do, enjoy ringing in the New Year with a glass of champagne with your friends and family.