With 2023 just a few days away, it’s time to start thinking about how you plan to ring in the new year. Luckily, Chicago is filled to the brim with options! If you’re still narrowing down plans, we’ve got you covered! These are the hottest parties and events you should be attending on December 31st.
1. Party at the largest rooftop bar on the Lakefront
When: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m
Rings in the new year with a glamorous twist at the Offshore: The Glitz and Glam Soiree! Set at the Navy Pier, this event showcases the largest rooftop bar in the world– making it an A+ spot to watch the annual fireworks light up the sky! Tickets start at $225 and include a 4-hour premium bar access, delectable bites and a champagne toast of course! Find out more info here.
Address: 600 E. Grand Avenue Chicago, IL 60611
2. Attend a ballroom party at The Drake Hotel
When: 8 p.m to 2 a.m.
The luxurious Drake Hotel is towering a formal get together within its three major ballrooms. Thought to be the longest running New Year’s party in Chicago, this event is sure to be filled with live entertainment and plenty of fun– plus, the iconic space boasts over 40 different bars! Tickets are going for $179 and up and are selling out fast! Find out more info here!
Address: 140 E Walton Pl, Chicago, IL 60611
3. See a comedy show at the Beverly Arts Center
Pat Tomasulo’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular is sure to be a hoot asWGN-TV sports anchor and stand up comedian Pat Tomasulo takes to the stage for a late night comedy spectacular. Tickets (Starting at $50) for the earlier show are already sold out but you can still snag a seat at the 9:30 p.m. performance at the Beverly Arts Center, with more than enough time to watch the ball drop at home!
4. Take a cruise around Chicago
When: 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Complete with a three-course meal, the prime time cruise offers gorgeous views of the city and includes plenty of delicous food and drinks on a City Cruise of Chicago. Take a premiere dining cruise on the Chicago River or Lake Michigan on a luxe boat trip that’s sure to be memorable. Countdown to midnight on an unforgettable New Year’s Eve cruise on Lake Michigan! Enjoy gorgeous views of Chicago’s skyline and take part in dining, dancing, live entertainment, and a sparkling wine toast! Made for 21+ guests, this dinner cruise is sure to delight! Tickets start ar $249.
Address: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
5. Celebrate at the Press Room
When: 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Located in the heart of Chicago’s West Loop, ring in the New Year at the much beloved wine bar and restaurant! This December 31st, fill your new year with sophisticated food options, classic wines and cocktails galore as The Press Room hosts the ultimate NYE celebration– which also just so happens to be the restaurant’s 5th anniversary! Celebrate with a five-course menu from Chef Christian Sia and Chef Mike McCants. With three different seating options (5:30, 8:00 and 10 p.m.) each two hour dinner can hold up to 30 guests! Experience a delicious tasting menu for $75.00 per person with focaccia, scallops, beef and more! Or, if you don’t have a ticket go for a la carte walk-in option at select bar or booth seating! Choose to add on a wine pairing for $45.00 and listen in as a Champagne House host serves up plenty of bubbles and gives an exclusive look into the champagne making process. Grab your ticket here.
Address: 1134 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607
6. Grab a delicious dinner at an underground Japanese pub
When: from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m
Your New Year’s Eve (December 31st) could be filled with chef curated bites, delicious cocktails, and plenty of fun at Izakaya at Momotaro, a luxe underground bar. This exclusive party goes for $180 per ticket and is filled with sparkling fun– from a decadent midnight sake toast to endless tunes from DJ Shin! Guests are encouraged to wear their best Harajuku-inspired outfits. Find out more info here: https://www.momotarochicago.com/izakaya
Address: 820 West Lake Street Chicago, IL 60607
7. See Robbie Fulks band perform at FitzGerald’s
New Year’s Eve in Chicago is filled with great music but if you’re looking to beat the city rush, head on over to Berwyn IL as a local legend, bluegrass and folk musician, Robbie Fulks is set to play this NYE! Taking to the stage at the Fitzgerald Nightclub for a night of honky tonk fun, tickets are going between $35 and $50. Find more info here: https://www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com/event2/12496125/robbie-fulks-honky-tonk-new-year-s-eve-/
Address: 6615 Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn, IL 60402
8. Attend the Lincoln Park Zoo’s ‘Zoo Year’s Eve’ light show
Decked out in thousands of lights, the LP zoo is hosting a special event to ring in 2023. The adults-only soirées will include games, ice carvings, rides around the carousel and cash bars. Dance the night away with a live DJ starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are $20! Find out more info at lpzoo.org.
Address: 2400 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
9. Watch the NYE firework display at Navy Pier
Navy Pier’s annual festivities bring the party to life with a good dose of pizzazz! Situated at the Aon Grand Ballroom, the celebration includes everything from premium catering to a fully stocked bar! Don’t forget about the live performances and DJ set either as entertainment is sure to keep you up and dancing the night away. Experience a festive countdown and take in the pier’s beloved fireworks show as soon as the clock strikes midnight. Tickets are $119 as of now.
Address: 840 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
10. Spend NYE in the sky at Cloud Bar
Head over to the luxe CloudBar located on the 94th floor of the 360 Chicago Observation Deck for an unforgettable party featuring live music, cocktails and an unlimited amount of rides on the epic TILT– the famous moving glass platform overlooking the city’s skyline. Tickets are $110 and include a glass of sparkling wine! Grab tickets here!
Address: 875 N Michigan Ave 94th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611
We hope you have a fabulous and safe New Year’s Eve! Here’s to 2023!