Chicago's Very Own New Year's Eve Blast

Looking for all the spectacle of a New Year's Eve celebration without the pricey tickets and long lines for drinks? Just head downtown and find a spot along the Chicago River just before midnight to witness what organizers are calling the city's "largest fireworks display," launching from eight sites between Navy Pier and Orleans Street. If you'd rather watch from indoors, you can score a ticket to New Year's Eve parties at venues like Swissôtel or LondonHouse—and WGN will be broadcasting the pyrotechnics, too.