You spent all your energy planning your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day that you forgot about New Year’s Eve. It happens to the best of us. Don’t worry. You can still get tickets to these 2016-worthy parties.
The biggest party happening in the city is Chi-Town Rising. This new event is taking over the entire river and looks to blow New York’s ball drop out of the water. Watch as a 70-foot star—it’s twice the size of Cloud Gate—reaches the top of the Hyatt Regency Chicago’s West Tower at midnight ending with an iconic firework show over the river. You can catch the spectacle anywhere along the river, but if you want some exclusive access don’t miss some of the exciting events. If you want to be on television then head to Broadcast Boulevard where you’ll be front and center to all the action and see host Mario Lopez and a series of performers including the band Chicago, American Authors, The O’My’s, and many more. You can escape the cold weather at the Corona Beach House where along with outdoor lawn games and beach-inspired food and beverages you can dance to the sounds of DJ Brendan Fallis and DJ Mano. Families can get the party started earlier at the Celebration on the Chicago Cultural Mile with Kids Countdown Spectacular in Millennium Park.
Chi-Town Rising
Chicago River
Broadcast Boulevard Admission: $150
Corona Beach House Admission: $119
Celebration on the Chicago Cultural Mile Admission: Free
If you’re more into toasting beers than champagne at midnight then Brew Year’s Eve is where you should be. With 12 breweries from the Chicagoland area serving over 30 different craft brews this is a beer lover’s dream. Let me not leave out the passed hors d’oeuvres, live music, dessert buffet, and the unique venue of Salvage One where you have access to three floors of architectural elements saved from countless demolitions merged into a breathtaking space. This year they are also adding another party at Elgin, Ill. at The Haight building.
Brew Year’s Eve
Salvage One, 1840 Hubbard St.
Admission: $135
The Haight, 166 Symphony Way, Elgin, Ill.
Admission: $125
Tickets: $125 must purchase before 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve
Everyone is obsessed with nostalgia, so insert some in your New Year’s Eve party with 60 free, retro arcade games split between two floors at Headquarter’s Beercade in River North. On top of the games, guests will enjoy an all-inclusive 6-hour premium bar with 28 craft beers on tap along with Effen Vodka, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Hornitos Tequila, and more. You’ll get to munch on their delicious Italian beef, barbecue brisket, pasta, salad, caprese skewers, and chicken and waffle skewers. If you want to take a break from the games you can dance to the DJ Greg Corner.
Headquarter’s Beercade New Year’s Eve
213 W. Institute Place
Admission: $125
For some more entertainment try out the new Kings in Lincoln Park where you can add some bowling to your New Year’s Eve celebrations. All bowling lane reservations will include bowling and shoe rental, mouthwatering food from their kitchen, bottles of champagne or cider for families, along with New Year’s Eve party favors. Families can get in on the celebration until 8 p.m. After 8 p.m. it is only 21 and over, and their more than 50 television’s will be broadcasting all the holiday action while you dance to the sounds of DJ Chris Willis.
Kings Bowl
1500 N. Clybourn Ave. c102
Admission: See website for packages
If you’re in the mood to get fancy there are only a handful of tickets left for the Palmer House Hilton’s Big Night Chicago. This gala include all drinks and food, five different ballrooms, four dance floors, seven bands and DJs, a casino lounge, and a countdown celebration all inside the stunning hotel.
Big Night Chicago
Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St.
Main Event Admission: $139
VIP Admission: $219