Chicago NYE 2024

Chicago New Year's Eve 2024 Events

Chicago New Year's Eve 2024 Events

NYE in Chicago

Average temperature low and high: 27°-37°
Chicago in December brings pretty cold weather, but nothing blocks the Windy City from a good time, especially on New Year's Eve. From gala extravaganzas to firework dinner cruises, Chicago has many exciting ways to bring in the New Year. Events are constantly updating, so please visit us again to learn about the latest and greatest NYE events.

New Year's Eve Event Calendar

Gatsby's House - New Year's Eve Party

If your New Year's could use a little luxury, then this is the party you'll want to attend. Multiple talented DJs will play the latest and greatest hits. Your first two drinks are on the house, followed by a 5-hour premium cocktail reception and buffet. Your evening will take place in an exclusive two-floored venue that has a warehouse meets nightclub feel. By mixing high-quality furnishings, a killer sound system, and a sunken dance floor, they've become one of the premier party venues in Chicago. There's also a pre-New Year's Eve party you might want to attend if you're ready to start your celebration early. The ticket price starts as low as $95.

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New Year's Eve Party - The Drake Hotel

New Year\'s Eve Party - The Drake Hotel

Voted, “Best Chicago New Year’s Eve Party,” this is the most lavish NYE party in Chicago. The event hosts more than 3000 guests at the Drake Hilton hotel. Across 5 different ballrooms, there will be live performances of Chicago's hottest DJs, premium top-shelf liquor served at more than 40 fully staffed bars, a balloon drop, and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets start at $139.

Riverfront New Year's Eve Fireworks Dinner

Riverfront New Year\'s Eve Fireworks Dinner

Ring in the New Year by enjoying an upscale dinner on a yacht. As you roll down Lake Michigan in this glass-enclosed boat, you'll get the perfect view of fireworks. The dinner cruise includes table seating, a dinner buffet, and an open bar. There are VIP options, as well, where you are guaranteed seating at the window, and enjoy a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine. Everyone will enjoy the onboard entertainment and party favors as well as a toast at midnight. Tickets start at $199.90, and you can find all the details here.

New Year's Eve at the W

The trendiest Chicago hotel, the "W" will host your New Year with three parties in three venues. Whether you are looking for the top shelf bar package, or the VIP all-inclusive option (w/ Private Bars & Bartenders), there will be something going on for everyone to enjoy. Mingle with 750 other party-goers over the buffet, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, and desserts while enjoying multiple party areas featuring Chicago's hottest DJs. Ticket prices start at $125.

New Year's Eve Party at Congress Plaza Hotel

New Year\'s Eve Party at Congress Plaza Hotel

This ball typically hosts 2500 revelers, including A-list clientele. As one of Chicago's historic landmarks, the Congress hotel is no stranger to hosting these luxury meets nightclub-style parties. Bring in 2023 the right way. Dress in your upscale semi-formal attire, and enjoy multiple parties and dance rooms, multiple bars, and a buffet. You will need a ticket to get in the door, and the hotel is offering discount rooms, so you don't have to leave until late the next day. Ticket prices start at $89 and are available online. 

Chicago New Year's Eve Bar Crawl

Let the windy city of Chicago blow you away on New Year's Eve with one epic bar crawl, where you'll enjoy the company of live bands, DJs, and other bar crawl enthusiasts. Food and drink specials, party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, and dynamic dance parties will be the main draw of the event. Oh, and did we mention there's a scavenger hunt too? General admission, early admission, and group tickets may be purchased; prices range from $15-$25. Bar crawl venues may vary, but so far include the likes of Tapster and Swig in Wicker Park and The Store and The Beaumont Bar and Grill in Lincoln Park. The event starts at 8:00 PM on December 31st and lasts until 2:00 AM on January 1st.

Zoo Year's Eve at Lincoln Park

Are you looking for a break from the typical bars and parties that New Year's Eve has to offer? And are willing to brave the cooler weather? If so, then Zoo Year's Eve is the perfect adult-only event for you! Enjoy an after-hours evening at the iconic Lincoln Park Zoo as it's decked out in millions of lights. The event will feature ice carvings cash bars serving beer, wine, and champagne, a live DJ, giveaways, games, free carousel rides, and more!

ZooLights

ZooLights

More than a million lights illuminate Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo in one of the city's greatest holiday traditions - ZooLights. As guests take in the lights throughout the zoo, they can also visit many of the animal exhibits that stay open into the night. Arts, crafts, and many more holiday-themed activities scatter the zoo in a unique and breathtaking nocturnal setting. Tickets for Zoolights can be bought online, and Monday is a free-entry day. An online reservation is still required, nonetheless, even on free-entry days. There are special shows on specific nights, including opening night and New Year's Eve.

Let It Shine

Let It Shine

The annual Let it Shine light show is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Hop in a car to see a drive-through display of over 1 million synchronized lights, all twinkling to classic holiday songs. One ticket per vehicle is required, and the lights are on from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are between $30 and $40 and are valid for a specific time slot, which you can change up to 48 hours in advance in case you have to reschedule your visit.

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 Chicago. 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 to Chicago. Its original location on Ohio and Wabash is interesting, but Pizzeria Due - the second location - is also a block away.