Celebrate New Year’s Eve In Chicago
Chicago is one of those large cities that feel very small. The neighborhoods are filled will great architecture, restaurants, shops and museums, and each has their own feel. With so much character and Midwest charm, celebrating in this beautiful city on the lake seemed like a great place to bring in the new year!
There are so many places to celebrate, whether that is a party with a crowd or over a quiet dinner. The iconic Navy Pier has a lot going on during New Year’s Eve! There are plenty of family-friendly activities, rides, ice skating, and the Children’s Museum during the day. There are plenty of parties for adults to attend too. The Resolution Gala is held in the Grand Ballroom at the end of the pier and the Crystal Gardens is a beautiful indoor, one‐acre, botanical garden that hosts a party that night. Both locations have fantastic views of the fireworks that cap off the evening! You can also catch the fireworks with your family any where in the parks at the base of the pier or from Millennium Park. Another way to enjoy the fireworks is right from the harbor on a dinner cruise with music and fantastic city skyline views.
Tons of local hotels ring in the new year with a bang and one that stands out is at The Drake Hotel. Located to the north in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, this 1920 landmark hotel along the Magnificent Mile is a great location for NYE. The quieter Palmer House located in the Loop near the theatre district makes you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time with it’s amazing ceiling frescoed lobby and French Impressionist influence.
Want to celebrate NYE from above? Within walking distance of the Drake is 360 Chicago, where you can ring in the new year at the top of the John Hancock Building. The Willis Tower in the financial district of the Loop also hosts dinner and party at Metropolitan Club with spectacular fireworks views.
Our family has enjoyed the ZooLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo and it is a favorite holiday tradition in Chicago. It’s not only open on NYE, but is a great way to celebrate with your family as you stroll through the zoo with complimentary party hats, horns, and favors. After 9 pm, the park becomes an adult party for Zoo Year’s Eve, complete with DJ music, drinks, ice sculpting, and carousel rides.
However you decide to ring in the new year with all of the museums, restaurants, shows and parks, there are plenty of activities to fill your weekend and start off the year right!
