Where to go to celebrate New Year's Eve in Chicago

Kick off the New Year in style, whether you're looking for a low-key affair or a fun-filled balloon drop amid 100s of revelers, Chicago Star has you covered! There's something here for everyone on your party list. Champagne anyone?

New Year's Eve on the Pier at Aon Grand Ballroom

Enjoy NYE on the city's largest dance floor in the stunning Aon Grand Ballroom on Navy Pier. The evening will include gourmet appetizers, a live band and DJ, and a grand countdown to the midnight fireworks show. (navypier.org)

Offshore Rooftop & Bar for NYE

The nation’s largest rooftop bar, Offshore Rooftop offers sweeping views of the Chicago skyline and midnight fireworks show. The all-inclusive event includes a five-hour open bar and a midnight champagne toast, heavy passed bites and food stations, a ball drop, and much more. (Tickets, $250, accommodations available at nearby Sable Hotel, drinkoffshore.com)

Ring in the New Year at Pinstripes

Balloon drop, live music, party favors at more at Pinstripes' delightful location on the river! (435 E. Illinois) Check out the parties at their suburban locations too! Lots of fun to be had! (pinstripes.com)

Trump International Hotel & Tower welcomes you to ring in the NY at Terrace 16 and Rebar

With glistening views of the skyline, Terrace 16 welcomes gourmands seeking a sophisticated culinary celebration, three seatings are available: 5-7:30 pm; 7:30-10 pm; 10 --12:30 am. All three seatings offer a four-course menu for $195 per person and a vegetarian 4-course menu for $95 per person. Wine pairings will be offered on-site for an additional fee. The hotel's chic mezzanine lounge, Rebar, is also offering a celebration package. (401 N. Wabash, trumphotels.com)

The Peninsula Chicago's Gala NYE Dinner

Celebrate the New Year in Peninsula style at The Lobby's New Year's Eve Gala. Guests will be greeted with welcome cocktails at 6 pm, followed by a five-course prix-fixe dinner and dancing at 7 pm. Entertainment will be provided by a live band. A midnight countdown and party favors are included. The black-tie optional event is priced at $205 per person. (Reservations can be made at exploretock.com)

Galaxy Gala at The J. Parker

The J. Parker’s Galaxy Gala New Year’s Eve celebration. The year-round rooftop venue will welcome guests for an all-inclusive party with premium cocktails, a photo booth, dessert station, a champagne toast and more. Get tickets 

A Midnight Soiree at Hilton Chicago

The Hilton Chicago’s ballrooms will feature a dozen live acts throughout the night. Enjoy a buffet, specialized martinis, champagne, fantasy casino gambling, celebrity DJs, live video mixing, and a midnight confetti storm. Get tickets

NYE Ballroom Blitz at Swissotel Chicago Hotel

Ring in 2022 at this waterfront hotel, right next to the Chicago River. A ticket will get you custom martinis, premium champagne, live cover bands and DJs, and a complimentary pre- and post-party. (323 E. Upper Wacker Dr., swissotel.com/hotels/chicago)

New Year’s Eve Ball at Congress Plaza Hotel

The historic Congress Plaza Hotel will be hosting a multi-ballroom New Year’s Eve soiree. Dance the night away on multiple dance floors, mingle with sharply dressed attendees, and enjoy buffets, live music, and all-inclusive drinks. (520 S. Michigan, congressplazahotel.com)

W Chicago City Center NYE extravaganza

Located in the heart of Chicago and minutes away from the Mag Mile, W Chicago City Center will host a rockin' NYE party in multiple party areas with entertainment included throughout--3 events in one NYE ticket! Chicago's hottest DJs and talent with discounted hotel rooms available. (GA tickets is $155, 172 W. Adams, chicagonyeparty.com) 

New Year’s Eve Party at The Drake Hotel Chicago

Billed as Chicago’s longest-running NYE party, The Drake’s annual event draws thousands of party-goers to this historic space. Your ticket includes five ballrooms of entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, party favors, a balloon drop at midnight, and optional VIP upgrades. (140 E. Walton, hilton.com)  

Zoo Year’s Eve at Lincoln Park Zoo

Spend an after-hours evening at Zoo Year’s Eve, when one of the oldest zoos in the country will be decked out in millions of glittering lights. Plus, enjoy ice carving, cash bars, a live DJ, giveaways, games, free carousel rides, and more. Get tickets, lpzoo.org

Kick off NYE at the Fairmont Chicago Lodge

Before your big night out, pop by the Fairmont Chicago and experience its cozy and festive The Lodge experience. Flaming mulled wine, spectacular holiday decor and even a "moose" out front to greet guests.  (From 6-8, 200 N. Columbus Dr., 312.565.8000)

Escape: NYE 2022 at The Promontory

Dance to three of the city’s best DJs under one roof at this escape-themed party in Hyde Park. Tickets include admission and a midnight toast, with an optional open bar and VIP tables. (5311 S. Lake Park Ave., Hyde Park, 312.801.2100, promontorychicago.com)

Black tie Casino Night at The Metropolitan

End the year in style at this black tie affair. Start the evening with a multi-course tasting menu followed by casino games overlooking the Chicago skyline. (Get tickets, 233 S. Wacker Dr., 67th floor, clubcorp.com)

Reggie’s Rooftop New Year’s Eve

This South Loop music venue will be hosting a New Year’s Eve party in their rooftop bar space, with drink packages, a food buffet, and champagne toast at midnight. (Get tickets, 2105 S. State, 312.949.0120, reggieslive.com)

Blue Man Group Chicago's NYE Performances

Blue Man Group will celebrate the New Year with three performances on Friday, December 31 at Chicago’s Briar Street Theatre. Families can kick off their New Year’s Eve celebrations early with Blue Man Group’s kid-friendly performances at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, December 31. Children ages 12 and under will receive a complimentary gift. All audience members will also receive celebratory New Year’s Eve hats. Other festivities include a “midnight” countdown after the show, and a special performance of “Auld Lang Syne” by the Blue Men. Blue Man Group will continue ringing in 2022 with an additional New Year’s Eve show at 10 p.m. Guests of the 10 p.m. show will experience a spectacular New Year’s Eve countdown party complete with hats and noisemakers, a performance of “Auld Lang Syne” by the Blue Men and a midnight confetti and streamer spectacle. (Tickets/more info here)

New Year’s Eve at Kingston Mines

Celebrate a new year at this iconic blues establishment. In Lincoln Park, Kingston Mines will be hosting Vance Kelly, Joanna Connor, and Nora Jean Bruso for a 21 and over show. The bar is open until 3:30 a.m., so get ready to dance the night away way past midnight. Get tickets

Electronic rock band Goose at The Riviera Theatre

In Uptown, electronic rock band Goose will perform live on Dec. 30 and 31. The New Year’s Eve show begins at 9 p.m. Get tickets

New Year’s Comedy Laugh Fest

Start your NYE celebrations at 8 pm at this star-studded comedy extravaganza. Earthquake, Eddie Griffin, Cedric The Entertainer, D.L. Hughley and Nephew Tommy are bringing their humor to the United Center on Dec. 30. (Get tickets, tickets-center.com) 

Los Lobos at City Winery

In the West Loop, City Winery is a classy and relaxed spot to ring in 2022. American rock band Los Lobos will be playing sets at 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Dec. 31. Get tickets

Tributosaurus at Theater on the Lake

Cover band Tributosaurus becomes Prince for two nights at Theater on the Lake. Catch shows on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with general admission and reserved lounge seating. (Get tickets, 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive)

JW Marriott New Year's Eve Soiree

JW Marriott will ring in the NY with ballrooms, buffets, cocktails and DJs. If you're looking for a lavish Loop celebration complete with a generous drink package (not to mention discounted hotel rooms), this soirée is a fine way to kick off 2022 in style. (Tickets/info here, 151 W. Adams)

Future Disco: New Year's Eve 2022

New Year’s Eve at Time Out Market Chicago will celebrate the promise of tomorrow at its Future Disco Ball. DJ Metro (B96, Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox) will provide a soundtrack that balances the past and the present, while attendees bust a move on a giant light-up dance floor set up in the middle of the Market.You’ll be able to dine at Time Out Market kitchens, order drinks from the Time Out Market Bar and enjoy a glass of bubbly from a dedicated champagne bar, leading up to a midnight confetti storm to ring in the new year.  (Tickets/more info here)

Chicago W Hotel, NYE New Year's Eve Gala

Hopping from room to room within the W's party areas, people can enjoy all-inclusive drinks, a buffet, champagne, party favors and midnight celebrations. Hotel rooms are discounted at $169 per night. (Tickets $125/ $145 VIP, 644 N. Lake Shore Drive, 312.943.9200, marriott.com)

Eddie V's New Year's Eve Celebration

Guests will receive complimentary champagne and party favors within a night of live music, as well as signature cocktails and dishes. Reservations are recommended, but not required. (eddiev.com, 521 N. Rush)

W Chicago Lakeshore for NYE

Soaring above Lake Michigan, W Chicago-Lakeshore will be hosting a luxurious NYE party at Gatsby's House with a four hour premium open bar, prime fireworks viewing across the lake, 9:30 pm -- 2 am., 644 N. Lake Shore Dr., 312.943.9200.

Yard House New Year's Eve Celebration--Beer lovers unite!

Yard House's New Year's Eve celebration will feature a complimentary flute of the newest house brew, Give ‘Em Helles—a traditional German pale lager. Other beer and food options will also be available. (1880 Tower Dr., Glenview, IL, yardhouse.com)

Gatsby's Roaring 20s Near Year's Eve Party

The two-floor venue at Morgan Manufacturing will host an end-of-the-year party with party-goers set in the theme of the "Roaring 20s." Tickets are $89, $109 for VIP tickets. ([email protected])

Roar into 2022 at Tortoise Supper Club! 

Your night will start with a special, from scratch, à la carte menu from Chef Mike with specialty craft cocktails and beautiful wines. Roaring 20s flapper girls will provide you with NYE flair, complimentary midnight Champagne, and Poloroid photos for your table as a keep sake. Enjoy the live jazz, a DJ and dancing lead by Tortoise’s jazz era betties and belles who will get the party started and help you get your groove back!...Live jazz in the lounge from 7:00 - 11:00pm., DJ and dancing from 11:00pm - 2:00am., Complimentary champagne toast and countdown at midnight! (Details here!)