1. New Year's Eve at Izakaya Lounge
Most New Year's parties don't serve sushi, but most bashes don't occur in the basement bar of one of Chicago's favorite Japanese restaurants. Just below Momotaro, the Izakaya Lounge throws a party complete with sake, beer, cocktails and wine, along with two dinner buffet stations and passed hors d'oeuvres. An upgrade to VIP gets you table-side appetizers, express entry and a bottle of champagne. All guests greet the New Year with a champagne toast.
2. Voyager 2016: A Journey to the New Year
If the recent release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens makes you wish that you could travel to space, this party might just satisfy your desires. Voyager 2016 starts with an idea: What if NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft crash landed on a planet deep in reaches of space—and what would it find? Party your way through this art installation featuring drinks, DJs (including street artist Hebru Brantley) and mind-bending light effects.
3. New Year's Eve Soiree at The Westin River North
Want to welcome the new year along the Chicago River, near the landmark Marina City Towers at the Westin River North? Snag tickets to this New Year's Eve Soiree and you'll enjoy dazzling scenery, a 4.5-hour top-shelf cocktail reception with no lines, a loaded buffet complete with hors d'oeuvres and desserts and a confetti storm and champagne toast at midnight. Plus, you'll have great views of the fireworks at Navy Pier and Chi-Town Rising.
4. Reaction New Year's Eve 2015: Skrillex + Deadmau5
Get the celebration started early at this two-day musical festival packed with great acts. In addition to EDM super stars Skrillex and Deadmau5, Chicago's own Chance the Rapper performs alongside big names like Chvrches, Run the Jewels, Chance the Rapper, Purity Ring and many more. Sure, you'll have to make the trip to Rosemont, but no other New Year's Eve concert in town boasts this much live music.
5. The J. Parker Silver & Gold New Year's Party
Party hard at one of the best rooftop bars in all of Chicago. The J. Parker's celebration will be positively lavish, with plates of passed hors d'oeuvres and over-the-top VIP packages. Unlike most parties, open bar service will be available until 2am.
RECOMMENDED: A complete guide to New Year's Eve parties in Chicago