New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Chicago: How to Watch and What to Know
How to View the New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Chicago
Navy Pier will ring in the new year with a 15-minute firework show at midnight. There will be a number of events at Navy Pier throughout the day. For details, visit NavyPier.org.
The City of Chicago is partnering with ART on THE MART for the New Year celebration that will include projections on the Merchandise Mart. The celebrations will kick off at 10 p.m. on Tuesday and culminate with fireworks from six bridges along the river starting at midnight.
The fireworks show can be best viewed along the Chicago River from Upper Wacker Drive from McClurg Court to Franklin Street, the city’s Office of Emergency Management said. The Riverwalk will be closed beginning at 11 p.m., with only a section from Wells Street to Orleans Street open until 12:15 a.m. for spectators to enjoy the full audio/visual projection program for the ART on THE MART show.
Closures to Keep in Mind
Bridge closures will be in place at Franklin Street, LaSalle Street, Clark Street, Dearborn Street, State Street, and Columbus Drive beginning Tuesday, December 31, from 11:45 p.m. until 12:15 a.m. for vehicular traffic.
Bridge sidewalks will close to pedestrians from 4:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
The Chicago River will be closed to boat traffic from Franklin to Columbus from 11:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.
The following street closures will also be in place:
- Franklin/Orleans from Lake Street to Wacker Drive (noon to 4 a.m. on January 1)
- The Franklin Street Bridge over the Chicago River (9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on January 1)
- Wacker Drive from Lake Street to Wells Street (9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on January 1)
- Note that additional streets and bridges may close as the countdown to midnight draws closer.
CTA Offering Free Rides
CTA will once again be offering the New Year’s Eve Free Rides program. The free rides will be available on both CTA trains and buses from 10 p.m. Tuesday, December 31 until 4 a.m. Wednesday, January 1. More info on CTA’s website.
Conclusion
New Year’s Eve in Chicago is a celebration like no other, with fireworks lighting up the sky and the city coming together to ring in the new year. Whether you’re watching from Navy Pier or along the Chicago River, make sure to plan ahead and take note of the closures and restrictions in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration.
FAQs
* Where can I watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Chicago?
+ You can watch the fireworks from Navy Pier or along the Chicago River from Upper Wacker Drive from McClurg Court to Franklin Street.
* What time do the fireworks start?
+ The fireworks will start at midnight on Tuesday, December 31.
* Are there any closures I should be aware of?
+ Yes, there will be bridge closures, sidewalk closures, and street closures in place. Please check the article for a full list of closures.
* Is there a way to get around the city for free on New Year’s Eve?
+ Yes, the CTA is offering free rides on both trains and buses from 10 p.m. Tuesday, December 31 until 4 a.m. Wednesday, January 1.
