For those bringing little ones to the Chi-Town Rising New Year's Eve event, Millennium Park, in sponsorship with the Chicago Cultural Mile Association, will offer a separate countdown and other activities that the whole family can enjoy.
Starting at 3 p.m. at Wrigley Square, located at the northwest intersection of Millennium Park on Michigan and Randolph, various stations will showcase New Year’s traditions from around the world. Families will be able to see celebrations from countries including China, Thailand, Denmark, Colombia, Lithuania, Egypt, Scotland, Japan and Italy.
The Millennium Park ice-skating rink will also be open on the evening of Dec. 31 with limited complimentary skate rental.
Music entertainment and other activities will lead up to the main event at 6 p.m., the “Kids Countdown Spectacular.”
The family-friendly celebration will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., giving parents plenty of time to make their way over to the river for the midnight countdown.
On the main stage, legendary rock band Chicago and alt-rock artists American Authors will headline Chi-Town Rising. The epic, first-of-its-kind New Year's Eve event, hosted by “Extra” host Mario Lopez, will also feature a "visually spectacular countdown to 2016" and a major fireworks show, organizers said.
Chi-Town Rising, presented by Corona Extra and hosted by Hyatt Gold Passport, will be held along the Chicago River between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive, with a Countdown Stage on the south side of the river and a midnight countdown featuring a giant Chicago star rising into the sky.
As the countdown begins, the star will ascend 36 stories up the Hyatt Regency Chicago's West Tower, culminating in the fireworks show.
The celebration will be televised live on NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago beginning at 11 p.m. on Dec. 31.
