(Frank Malawski / Flickr)
1. Go out with a bang
Midnight fireworks are a must for New Year’s Eve. Head downtown to catch a lakefront show at Navy Pier or watch multiple displays along the Chicago River (launch sites include Wolf Point and in front of the Sheraton Grand Chicago and Hyatt Regency Chicago hotels – find a full map of sites here).
Details: 11:59 p.m. Tuesday at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. and various sites along the Chicago River. Free.
2. Kick it
It’s the last day of the decade, but you can be among the first to kick off the year-end celebrations. The NYE 5K winds along Lincoln Park’s Lake Michigan shoreline, starting and ending at Theater on the Lake. Toast your new beginnings with fellow runners at a post-race party.
Details: 7:30 a.m. check-in; 9 a.m. race begins Tuesday at the Theater on the Lake, 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive. $55 / MAP
(Couleur / Pixabay)
3. Put on the ritz
Have a swell time saying farewell to 2019 with a roaring ‘20s-themed bash at NYE CHI 2020. Tickets include appetizers, unlimited cocktails and a champagne toast. DJs and dancers keep the party vibe going. Don’t forget your feather boa, flapper dress, pinstripe suit and other themed attire.
Details: 9 p.m. Tuesday at Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N. Upper Wacker Drive. $100 / MAP
(Анастасия Гепп / Pixabay)
4. Focus
Movie buffs can raise a glass to the Jazz Age at the Drink-a-long to “Chicago.” Hosts Brooke and Cody create a list of drinking rules to accompany the screening, so be sure to pay attention. Cash bar.
Details: 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. $11 / MAP
(JoAnna Dornick / Flickr)
5. Compete
Raise the stakes this NYE with some friendly competition at WhirlyBall Chicago. Play unlimited games of WhirlyBall, laser tag, bowling and pop-up games. Tickets include heavy appetizers and a midnight champagne toast. Prefer to do something with the kids? Check out WhirlyBall Chicago’s Family NYE celebration (1-7 p.m. Tuesday; $30; $20 for kids).
Details: 8 p.m. Tuesday at WhirlyBall Chicago, 1825 W. Webster Ave. $65-$85 / MAP
(WhirlyBall / Facebook)
6. Mingle
Bring your “new year, new me” attitude to the ELEVATED: 2020 NYE Celebration for an evening of entertainment that includes a trio of DJs, party favors and a midnight champagne toast.
Details: 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Promontory, 5331 S. Lake Park Ave. West $40-$85 / MAP
(Rudy and Peter Skitterians / Pixabay)
7. Be mysterious
Don your best mask and costume at the Masquerade Arcade. Need some incentive? Prizes will be awarded to five attendees with the best masks. Arcade games, DJs, a buffet and champagne toast round things out.
Details: 8 p.m. Tuesday at Headquarters Beercade, 213 W. Institute Place. $70-$80 / MAP
(annca / Pixabay)
8. Groove
Dance 2019 away at the New Year’s Eve Silent Disco, where you can choose the beats that make you move your feet. Bonus: A pancake breakfast is available after midnight – when you need to refuel. Party ends at 1 a.m.
Details: 9 p.m. Tuesday at Saint Lou’s Assembly, 664 W. Lake St. Free / MAP
(Urban Fetes / Facebook)
9. Chuckle
Laugh your way into 2020 at the New Year’s Eve Countdown Comedy Bash featuring Paul Farahvar, Correy Boyd-Bell, Jeff Arcuri, Sarah Perry, Janelle James, Joey Villagomez and others TBA. Top the night off with a complimentary champagne toast.
Details: Shows at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Laugh Factory, 3175 N. Broadway. $45 / MAP
(Pexels / Pixabay)
10. Make family memories
Let the little party animals in your life go wild – before their afternoon nap – at a Noon Year’s Eve party. Kids can make their own crowns (10:30-11:30 a.m.) before a dance party (11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.) that includes a festive confetti drop (noon).
Details: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Chicago Children’s Museum, Great Hall, 700 E. Grand Ave. Free with museum admission ($15-$18) / MAP
(Credit: Chicago Children's Museum)
Events listed are subject to change. We recommend double-checking times and locations before you head out the door. Want to share your upcoming events with us for consideration in a future roundup? Send us an email.
