There are many things to do to celebrate the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, including several free fireworks viewing options.
Honoring Vienna’s New Year’s Eve Concert
A full orchestra, European singers, and dancers from Austria’s Europaballet are featured in this yearly holiday tradition that is suitable for audiences of all ages.
The New Year’s Eve Party at IO Theater
From 7 to 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, IO Theater is open with seven productions featuring live drag shows, sketch comedy, improv, and musical comedy. Then, there will be a NYE after party with DJ Skoli from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
“A New Year Incredibly Neo”
Celebrate with a toast and midnight countdown at the end of an hour filled with whimsical, funny, and jovial two-minute plays. Later, from midnight to two p.m., stay for a dance party and refreshments following the show.
Year-End Fireworks at Navy Pier
Get a spot at the lakefront fireworks display at midnight to welcome in 2024 by getting to Navy Pier early on New Year’s Eve.
NYE fireworks along the riverwalk
This NYE celebration is a collaboration between Special Events and Art on The Mart and the Department of Cultural Affairs in Chicago. The Mart will have a personalized projection available for viewing beginning at 7:30 p.m. At midnight, six bridges along the Chicago River will launch fireworks to cap off the evening.
Lindsay Stirling
The musician, songwriter, dancer, and author with classical training, who wowed audiences with her electronic violin, is bringing her “Snow Waltz” tour to Chicago. Her most recent album features both original songs and holiday favorites.
Presenting Pleasure Palace, by Slo’mo
The first significant event at the iconic Ramova Theatre in decades is a 1920s-themed New Year’s Eve celebration. The evening will feature DJ sets by Slo ‘Mo’s VITIGRRL and Icey Bby, a live jazz band led musically by Akenya, and dance performances choreographed by Empress Darling Shear.
Teatro ZinZanni
This dinner-cirque experience’s New Year’s Eve show features a feather boa for every visitor, an aerial performance by Cassie Cutler after the show, a countdown led by Lucy Darling, and dancing until one in the morning.
New Year’s Eve at the New Philharmonic
Strauss waltzes and polkas, arias, light classical, pop songs, and movie soundtracks will all be performed by the New Philharmonic, which is led by tenor Jesse Donner and soprano Alisa Jordheim.
Regional H
This band is carrying on the Chicago New Year’s Eve tradition. They play with the local indie rock group Sybris this year.