Kick Off 2024 in Chicago with These New Year’s Parties, Concerts, and Dinners

Ring in the new year at these parties, events, and dinners.

Despite the cold, there’s no better place to be than Chicago to ring in the new year. From glitzy galas to lovely low key celebrations, we’ve got you covered no matter how you’re looking to bid 2023 adieu. Grab your cheesy 2024 novelty sunglasses, pick out your spangliest outfit, and let us help make this New Year’s Eve one to remember.

New Year’s Eve Parties in Chicago

Navy Pier, $225
If fireworks are a necessary part of your New Year’s celebration, look no further. Offshore Rooftop will be the best spot in the city to see the fireworks over Navy Pier. As a bonus, their Glitz and Glam soiree also includes copious amounts of passed appetizers, a four-hour open bar, a champagne toast (naturally), and live DJs playing dance-worthy tunes all night long. Plus, they’re offering a complimentary coat check—a really nice touch.

Old Town, $30
If you’re looking for a lively New Year’s celebration that won’t break the bank, hop on over to Old Town and let LG’s Bar take care of you. Your $30 ticket includes party favors, a midnight champagne toast, two complimentary cocktails or tallboys, and live DJs keeping the party going until 2 am.

River North, $200
What better way to celebrate the new year than with a party that spans two floors? TAO Chicago has outdone itself this year with a celebration that features over a half-dozen DJs including Las Vegas headliner DJ E-Rock. It’s not just music and dancing either—your ticket includes a copious amount of snacks to fuel your dancing, as well as a four-hour premium cocktail celebration beginning at 8 pm. There’s a reason TAO Chicago keeps getting voted the best place to celebrate the new year.

Downtown, Tickets start at $125
The party at The Hilton is legendary for a reason—your one ticket essentially gets you access to a dozen different parties, all at the same place. The Hilton’s NYE soiree features four hours of premium cocktails, stacked buffets, casino games, a dozen party acts across seven different rooms, and music courtesy of KissFM’s best DJs. Better yet, they’re offering discounts on hotel rooms, so staggering to your bed at 3 am after the party will be a whole lot less stressful.

Downtown, No cover, food and drinks a la carte
Contrary to popular belief, there are still places where you don’t need to buy a ticket to hang out on New Year’s. Arrive early on the 31st, because Cindy’s Rooftop will be offering brunch on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, including a special strawberry-stuffed french toast. When it’s time for dinner, they’ve got you covered with crispy whole branzino and a full-pound prime rib. As the countdown starts, sip your complimentary champagne toast and watch the fireworks go off above Navy Pier. Perfect.

Humboldt Park, $100+
New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be loud and bombastic. If you’re looking for a more chill, romantic evening, head to Humboldt Park favorite Heritage Restaurant. Who wouldn’t want to spend the night sampling cuisine like She Crab Soup with salmon roe, edamame, crispy mushrooms, and finished with sherry wine, alongside a mouth-watering wood-roasted sous vide beef tenderloin? Better yet, if you’re hosting a New Year’s party at your place, they’re offering a feast for four that’s available for pickup, so you can get the full Heritage experience at home.

Uptown, $300
We’ve recommended Duck Sel before, Michelin-starred chef Donald Young’s multi-course culinary adventure set in a secret location in the city. It’s a communal experience where you’re sat alongside fellow gourmands, enjoying the delicious food together. The menus change constantly, and always feature the freshest seasonal ingredients prepared with impeccable technique. The New Year’s Eve seating promises to be a special one, complete with caviar, bubbly, and truffles.

New Year’s Eve Events in Chicago

Downtown, Tickets start at $199
If you’re looking to ring in 2024 in style, complete with food, drinks, and a show, Chicago’s wildest circus experience has you covered. Teatro Zinzanni is going all out this New Year’s. Of course, they’ll be hosting their signature variety show complete with magic, acrobatics, juggling, and more, but they’ll be following up the show with a special post-show aerial performance, along with a NYE countdown hosted by Lucy Darling. As if that weren’t enough, the in-house band will be playing all the way until 1 am if you want to get your dance on.

Bricktown, $20
If you’re ever been to any of the parties hosted by ORLOVE, from their Yoi Toki Future Funk party to Daft Disko, you know what to expect out of their events. For New Year’s Eve, they’re heading to Beat Kitchen to celebrate all things 2000s hip-hop, from Andre 3000 and Ashanti to Xzibit and The Ying Yang Twins. Cut-Cuz will keep the wheels of steel spinning until close, so be ready to dance.

Pilsen, $32 General Admission
All the way from California, the eclectic rockers of Joyce Manor have traveled to Chicago to help current-and-reformed hipsters, scene kids, pop punk fans, and emo kids ring in the new year. Get in the pit and prove to yourself that it’s not just a phase.

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Sam Greszes is a contributor for Thrillist.