The best places to watch New Year's Eve fireworks in Chicago

For the first time in its history, "Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve," America’s most-watched New Year’s celebration, will broadcast live from Chicago, featuring the program's inaugural Central Time zone midnight countdown. Chicago native Chance the Rapper will host the live festivities and perform the countdown, joined by sets from other Chicago acts throughout the night, including Shemekia Copeland and J. Ivy. The celebration will take place along the Chicago Riverwalk at Wacker Drive (from Wells Street to Lake Street) and will include programming from ART on THE MART, a fireworks show and more.

Navy Pier's Latin-inspired restaurant, Bar Sol, will host an extravagant celebration featuring multiple levels of dynamic live entertainment, delectable gourmet appetizers, a premium drink package and unparalleled front-row views of the spectacular fireworks display at midnight. Elevate your experience with VIP admission, granting access to exclusive rooms and additional seating, or secure a table reservation for optimal views.

Raise a toast to the new year aboard a yacht during this three-and-a-half-hour, all-inclusive cruise on the Chicago River. The ship departs from Navy Pier's south dock, and guests can sip drinks, munch on desserts and listen to music before catching the fireworks show above the water.

Lettuce Entertain You's riverfront Italian restaurant is throwing a party that will offer guests close-up views of the fireworks along the water. Enjoy passed apps, pizza stations, a midnight toast, signature cocktails, a live DJ and more. Looking for a more private experience? Book a table or booth for up to 10 people.

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, a four-hour open bar, a dance floor and a midnight champagne toast. When the clock strikes midnight, the Etoile terrace provides direct sightlines of the city's fireworks display.

Spend the last hours of the year getting high when you party on the 94th floor of one of Chicago's tallest buildings. 360 Chicago's New Year's Eve party allows you to gaze at the skyline from above all night long while enjoying a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, light bites and access to cash/credit bars at CloudBar. Your ticket also includes unlimited rides on the observatory's TILT attraction, though you might want to take advantage of this perk before you begin buying drinks. At midnight, you'll have an amazing view of the various New Year's Eve fireworks displays bursting in the sky around you. Dress to impress—cocktail attire required.

Cindy’s rooftop terrace perched on the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Association provides great views of the midnight fireworks display. The restaurant will offer its regular dinner menu alongside NYE specials like prime rib, caviar bananas foster cheesecake. Reservations are encouraged, but bar walk-ins are also accepted.