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NYE fireworks cruise
Photograph: Handout

The best New Year’s Eve events and parties in Chicago

Kiss 2023 goodbye with the help of these big hotel bashes, low-key bar hangs, river cruises and more.

Emma Krupp
Jeffy Mai
Written by
Emma Krupp
&
Jeffy Mai
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New Year's Eve is right around the corner and if you still haven't made plans yet, we’ve got some ideas about how to send 2023 off in style. Whether you prefer to dress up and twirl among thousands of revelers at fancy hotel soirees, watch the fireworks show from a yacht or keep things casual at a neighborhood bar, there's no shortage of options for a good time. But if you just want to cap off the year with one last memorable meal, numerous restaurants are offering New Year’s Eve dinner specials as well. So give a hearty welcome to 2024 with Chicago's best New Year’s Eve events and parties. 

RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to New Year's Eve in Chicago

Time Out Market Chicago

The top NYE parties and events in Chicago

  • Nightlife
  • Streeterville

Get gussied up in formal wear and spend the last night of 2023 atop the world’s largest rooftop bar during this extravagant, all-inclusive New Year's Eve party at Offshore. Ticket packages include four hours of premium bars, passed appetizers, a midnight Champagne toast and live music to groove to all night long. Plus, with panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier, you won't find many better places for watching the fireworks show at midnight. 

  • Nightlife
  • Nightlife
  • Loop

Drink and dance among 2,500 guests spread throughout eight rooms at the Congress Plaza Hotel's New Year's Eve Party, featuring DJ Maximo, DJ Commando, DJ ChiBassMafia and a host of other entertainers, plus a buffet and multiple bars (VIP ticketholders are granted additional perks, like access to balconies and Champagne). Make sure you have a drink in your hand for the balloon drop at midnight.

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  • Things to do
  • Streeterville

The Aon Grand Ballroom hosts Navy Pier's annual New Year's Eve party, which welcomes thousands of guests and is capped off with a midnight fireworks display. All attendees will enjoy a drink package, live DJs, two dance floors and party favors. If you're looking for even more perks, upgrade to a VIP ticket, which comes with an hors d'oeuvres buffet and open seating areas.

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  • Nightlife
  • Clubs
  • River North

Party at one of Chicago's most well-known nightclubs at this two-floor New Year's Eve extravaganza featuring passed hors d'oeuvres, a four-hour cocktail reception and a midnight Champagne toast; plus, dance to music from DJs that will keep the party going into the new year. Note that attire is “celebratory chic,” so plan on dressing to impress.

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  • Things to do
  • Loop

Take in some of the best views of the skyline from the 21st floor lounge of riverfront hotel LondonHouse this year. Guests will enjoy music from live DJs and a violinist, a four-hour open bar, a dance floor and a midnight Champagne toast. When the clock strikes midnight, the Etoile terrace will provides direct sightlines of the city's fireworks display.

  • Things to do
  • River West/West Town

Party like Gatsby at this Roaring '20s-themed party held at Morgan MFG in the West Loop, a two-floor, industrial-chic venue that'll be packed with Champagne, photo booths, cocktails and more fun fit for celebrating this century's version of the '20s. You'll also get access to a pre-New Year's Eve party at Soundbar on December 30; VIP ticketholders are treated to upgraded drink options and a party area on the second floor mezzanine.

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  • Nightlife
  • Nightlife
  • Loop

Say goodbye to 2023 at this riverside hotel party, where you'll find a buffet, a four-hour open bar, live DJs and tons of other fun attractions to help ring in the new year, including a huge midnight celebration. Spring for VIP tickets for premium drinks and access to more party areas, or book discounted hotel rooms for a convenient place to crash when the night's over.

  • Things to do
  • Loop

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with all the style and swagger of the Roaring 20s at this ballroom party hosted at the JW Marriott, where guests can party the night away with the help of a top shelf drinks package and rollicking cover band performances. Discounted hotel rooms (starting at $256 a night) are available, as are VIP tickets for a more luxurious experience. 

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  • Things to do
  • Loop

Get dressed up and head to the Hilton Chicago for a seven-room bash complete with martinis, Champagne, hors d'oeuvres, Kiss FM DJs, a buffet and thousands of revelers ready to ring in the new year with a midnight confetti storm. Upgrade to VIP for even more drinks and access to “gambling” at a Vegas-style casino—and if you don’t feel like going home, you can book a room upstairs.

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