If you’re looking to ring in the New Year with a bang in Chicago, there will plenty of explosive displays to catch (as long as the weather doesn't get in the way).
The organizers of the former Chi-Town Rising celebration have launched a new choreographed fireworks show set for midnight along the Chicago River from Wolf Point to Lake Shore Drive.
Navy Pier will also have its annual 15-minute display over Lake Michigan.
Looking for the best spots to watch? We’ve got you covered both outdoors and in.
ONLINE AND ON TELEVISION
Both fireworks displays will air live on NBC 5’s “New Year’s Eve Live in Chicago” broadcast. They will also be streamed on the NBC 5 Chicago app and website.
CHICAGO RIVER
Local
The Chicago River display can be viewed from several locations both outdoors and in.
The launch sites include at Franklin Street, Clark Street and Wabash Avenue along with at the Hyatt Regency Chicago and Sheraton Grand Chicago. Barges will also be staged both east and west of Columbus Drive for additional launch points, making several points along the city's Riverwalk prime spots to view the show.
Hotel partners, which each offer events to view the show, include the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Sheraton Grand Chicago, London House Chicago and the Swissotel Chicago.
Other partnering events include the Gibsons Italia New Year’s Eve Rooftop Party (tickets are $200 per person) and the Odyssey New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River.
LAKE MICHIGAN
Navy Pier’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks show can be viewed along Lake Michigan beginning at midnight.
The venue itself will offer multiple viewing parties, including the annual Crystal Gardens celebration, where NBC 5 will also be joining the party. Tickets are still available for the event ranging in price from $124 to $1,592. But note, if you’re planning to watch the fireworks display from Navy Pier itself, you’ll want to arrive early as the venue is a popular destination for holiday revelers.
You can also watch the fireworks from one of the many lakefront cruises setting sail for the holiday. Odyssey will also be offering up a fireworks dinner cruise on Lake Michigan, with stunning views of the big fireworks show.
Other events offering up viewing parties for the big show include:
-New Year’s Eve in the Sky 2018 at the 360 Chicago Observation Deck. Tickets are still available for $115.
-LondonHouse Chicago’s New Year’s Eve celebrations will include a party with a view from their tri-level rooftop. Tickets are available from $100 to $587.
-New Year’s Eve on the Lake, located at the Theater on the Lake, will also offer views from their lakefront venue with floor to ceiling windows pffering up a panoramic view of the skyline and Navy Pier fireworks. Tickets are still available beginning at $150.
