12 creative ways to party in Chicago on New Year’s Eve

Chicago always throws a good New Year's Eve party or two. But this year's slate of events promises to be over-the-top, especially with Chance the Rapper hosting the first local edition of "Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve" in its 55-year-history from Downtown.

That event will amplify the loads of parties at bars and restaurants in the area, including the glamorous annual gala at the Drake Hotel. And at Navy Pier its annual, free 10-minute fireworks display on New Year’s Eve will feature a countdown to midnight.

But the city also offers plenty of interesting and out-of-the-box things to do. In Chicago, there are a variety of burlesque shows, pop-up bars and loads of family-friendly ways to kick off 2026.

Don’t forget to keep some extra cash on hand for coat check or valet services. To get around town safely, use the Chicago Transit Authority, which is free to ride from 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 4 a.m. on Jan. 1.

Here is a list of engaging things to do this New Year’s Eve.

Go ice skating at Maggie Daley Park, Naperville’s Block 59

Chicago’s iconic ice skating ribbon, named after the former first lady of Chicago, is open on New Year’s Eve for two-hour sessions from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Skates are cheaper to rent online, but if you want to bring your own, you can skate for free during the 8 a.m. session and pay just $5 to participate in any of the others. The Maggie Daley Park website also offers discounted parking rates.

When: 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Dec. 31
Where: Maggie Daley Park, 337 E. Randolph St.
Tickets: $21+
Info: maggiedaleypark.com

For suburban ice-skating fun that’s welcome to all skill levels, head to the open-air rink at Block 59 in Naperville. Open on Dec. 31 from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., guests can enjoy festive music and treats to ring in the new year. Free “skate mates” are available for children to learn from and build confidence on the ice. Tickets include a complimentary hot chocolate from Stan’s Donuts.

When: 12 p.m. on Dec. 31
Where: 404 Illinois Rte. 59, Naperville
Tickets: $14
Info: theblock59.com

Catch Chicago rock band Dehd at Thalia Hall

Dehd toured around the world and back again this year, opening for the likes of Japanese Breakfast, Modest Mouse and Flaming Lips, before returning home. Formed in Chicago in 2015, this three-piece rock band comprised of Jason Balla, Emily Kempf and Eric McGrady will perform at the end of the year as part of their Bye Bye ’25 NYE Run. Wombo, a rock band from Louisville, Kentucky, is the opening act on Dec. 30, while soloist Sharp Pins, born Kai Slater, opens for Dehd on Dec. 31.

When: 7 p.m. on Dec. 30-31
Where: Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport
Tickets: $30+
Info: thaliahallchicago.com

Attend an alien party at Otherworld Theatre Company

Step into a galaxy far, far away this New Year’s Eve with an alien-themed drag party at Otherworld Theatre. Drag divas Korra Nation and Zenon Teavee, of Chucklehead, Chicago’s comedy drag competition, will host the extraterrestrial night. Guests can expect hors d'oeuvres, karaoke, a celestial magic show and performances by tons of local drag queens and a midnight champagne toast.

When: 7 p.m. on Dec. 31
Where: Otherworld Theatre Company, 3914 N. Clark St.
Tickets: $60+
Info: otherworldtheatre.org

Celebrate speakeasy-style at Untitled Supper Club

The Prohibition-Era-inspired lounge in River North is hosting a New Year’s celebration inspired by the long-running, iconic musical “Chicago,” set in the Jazz Age. The night will feature three rooms of live music, circus acts and cabaret and burlesque performances all curated by Franky Everleigh and the team behind Unbridled, the risqué variety show that Untitled regularly hosts. Tickets include light bites and an open bar.

When: 8 p.m. on Dec. 31
Where: 111 W. Kinzie St.
Tickets: $100
Info: untitledsupperclub.com

Step into the world of Jay Gatsby at the Kit Kat Club

Another great way to ring in the New Year is with a roaring 1920s-style dinner and drag show inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel, “The Great Gatsby,” at the Kit Kat Club in Boystown. The celebration will go on until 2 a.m., and tickets include a four-course prix fixe dinner. The fabulous belles of the ball, Shantell D’Marco and Kinley Presten, will perform during dinner. The night’s afterparty vibes, full of surprise guests and a Champagne toast at midnight, will be curated by local DJs.

When: 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Dec. 31
Where: 3524 N. Halsted St.
Tickets: $89.95+
Info: untitledsupperclub.com

Prep for the final “Stranger Things” episode drop at Replay

The Chicago arcade bar Replay is known for its seasonal themed pop-ups with a rotating cocktail menu. The current theme is “Stranger Christmas: A Hawkins Holiday” through Dec. 31 at its Lincoln Park location. On New Year’s Eve, guests can enjoy themed cocktails, free arcade games and photo ops at the Hawkins Snow Ball. Tickets include two cocktails, pizza, a Champagne toast at midnight and party favors, complete with a balloon drop at midnight.

When: 9 p.m. on Dec. 31
Where: 2833 N. Sheffield Ave
Tickets: $50+
Info: replaylincolnpark.com

Book a New Year’s Eve brunch cruise

Are you more of an early riser than a late-night partier? Ring in the New Year early with a brunch cruise on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Guests will get a two-hour expedition on the water that includes a brunch buffet, a fully-stocked bar and a DJ. The boat’s cabin is climate-controlled for the winter, but the roof decks are open-air. For a bigger price tag, enjoy a chef-prepared dinner on a cruise for New Year’s Eve.

When: Boarding at 11:45 a.m. on Dec. 31
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.
Tickets: $139+
Info: cityexperiences.com

Rev up for bumper car fun at WhirlyBall

At noon on New Year’s Eve, guests and their families can take advantage of a special holiday promotion at WhirlyBall in Lincoln Park. For $20, each person in your group gets two hours of play time across games of lacrosse, hockey and basketball all while seated in a bumper car. WhirlyBall also has a kitchen and bar menu to indulge in after working up a sweat.

When: 12 p.m. on Dec. 31
Where: 1825 W. Webster Ave.
Tickets: $20
Info: whirlyball.com

Attend a New Philharmonic Orchestra concert

The College of DuPage’s New Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of maestro Kirk Muspratt, will perform three times on New Year’s Eve at 1:30, 5 and 8:30 p.m. The night will feature a variety of light classics, opera solos, a special guest singer and Champagne.

When: 1:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 31
Where: McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
Tickets: $70+
Info: AtTheMAC.org

Ring in the new year like a Parisian

The Edgewater sports tavern Whiskey Girl will channel Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 classic “Moulin Rouge!” at this themed New Year’s Eve celebration. Guests can enjoy live jazz and burlesque performances, DJs and a complimentary Champagne toast.

When: 7 p.m. on Dec. 31
Where: 6318 N. Clark St.
Tickets: $17.86+
Info: whiskeygirltavern.com

Enjoy drag and comedy at The Den Theatre

Drag duo Darby Lynn Cartwright and Alexis P. Bevels, of the “IMHO” or “In My Homosexual Opinion” podcast, will be hosting a New Year’s Eve party at The Den Theatre in Wicker Park. Head to the comedy venue for a night of laughs, singing and dancing. Cartwright and Bevel promise to end the night before midnight so all can get their beauty rest.

When: 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 31
Where: The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Tickets: $30+
Info: thedentheatre.com

Bring your kids to a daytime pajama party at the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn

Get a membership at this kids’ museum in Oak Lawn (starting at $175 for one year), and you and your family can attend this members-exclusive “Noon” Year’s Eve party for kids lasts for three hours at the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn. Pajamas are encouraged. Tickets are $5 and will include a bubbles and confetti celebration.

When: 10 a.m. on Dec. 31
Where: Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn,  5100 Museum Dr., Oak Lawn
Tickets: $5
Info: cmoaklawn.org

Party until like a rockstar until 3 a.m. at Stars & Garters

This late-night inaugural New Year’s Eve Spectacular at the retro Stars & Garters in Wrigleyville comes with live entertainment, from burlesque performers and an illusionist, to West Coast jazz from the Steve Knight Trio and standup comedy. There will also be an opportunity to take photos during a meet-and-greet with a sloth. Tickets include access to early-evening charcuterie, a sweets bar and late-night grub and a Champagne toast at midnight.

When: 8 p.m. on Dec. 31
Where: Stars & Garters, 3914 N. Clark St.
Tickets: $95.93+
Info: eventbrite.com